Many of these winter foods are natural powerhouses of nutrition -- packed with above-average amounts of important vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients to help you feel your best. Here are winter's power foods:

Whole grains: The antioxidant vitamin E is plentiful in whole grains (but is removed when grains are refined). Branch out and try a wide variety of nourishing grains -- hot oatmeal for breakfast, barley mixed into soup, or brown rice with a bowl of chili.

Cranberries: Berries are among the best sources of important antioxidants, and cranberries are not only extremely rich in these nutrients, they are also one of the few berries that are fresh in fall and winter. Add them to salads, sauces, breads and muffins. A cup contains just 47 calories, but more than 20 percent of your daily requirement of vitamin C.

Citrus fruit: Oranges and grapefruits are harvested at their peak during the winter months. Plus, they're packed with immune-boosting vitamin C -- a single orange gives you 100 percent of your daily requirement of this vitamin.

Winter squash: Cook up some acorn or butternut squash for a delicious, low-calorie side dish that's full of important nutrients -- including folic acid, fiber and vitamins A, C, B1 and B6.

Legumes: Beans, nuts and seeds are all excellent sources of mood-enhancing B vitamins as well as zinc (an important nutrient for immune function). Use them in hearty winter recipes like lentil or pea soup, or hot cereal topped with chopped nuts and sunflower and pumpkin seeds.

Root vegetables: The bright orange color of yams and sweet potatoes is an indicator that these vegetables are rich in beta-carotene, a potent antioxidant. And other root vegetables, like potatoes, turnips, beets and parsnips, are good sources of mood-boosting magnesium and B vitamins.

Dark, leafy greens: Even in climates where these don't grow in winter, greens can be found frozen, and their hearty taste makes them a great addition to a winter diet. Kale, collard greens, spinach and Swiss chard are rich in a variety of nutrients you need during the cold season -- like B vitamins, folic acid, magnesium, iron and calcium.

Salmon: Unless you live on the coast, you won't get local salmon, but you can still find freshly caught (and flown in) fish at most specialty grocery stores. Salmon is a true power food, with each serving providing vitamin D, most of the mood-enhancing B vitamins, selenium and the heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.