Five perfect Outdoor Sport Recipes

This year, get out there and enjoy winter pleasures by adapting your menu to the great outdoors. Here are five easy comfort-food dishes that are ideal to savour by the fire, either alone or in good company.

1Family sledding outing

Nothing is more fun than hitting the slopes on a tube!

To make sure that both young and old have enough energy to face the craziest downhill runs, a hearty breakfast is a must.

Opt for a complete and balanced meal that contains at least three of the four food groups—dairy, fruits and vegetables, meats and alternatives and cereal products

The classic:

In winter, it’s nice to start the day off with a mountain of hot pancakes. Top them with raspberries, blueberries and a touch of syrup. For maximum energy, add a few hazelnuts, slices of kiwi and banana slices, which are an excellent source of magnesium. Get ready to put on your snowsuit!

See the recipe of fluffy pancakes

The healthy alternative:

In the mood for a change? Try making pancakes with pistachio powder, which is a nourishing and original alternative sure to win favour in the family ranks. Add a delicious caramel glaze, and you’ll satisfy even the sweetest tooth. Top things off with a few banana slices.

See the recipe of Pistachio Crêpes with Banana Caramel

2Skiing with friends

Grab your snowboard or skis and escape for a weekend in the mountains.

What are the best meal options after a long day on the slopes?

Choose simple, comforting dishes that are rich in carbs to top up your energy stores. Opt for pasta and rice rather than french fries, which contain much more fat and are harder to digest.

The classic:

There’s nothing like sharing a hot lasagna dinner with friends. Don’t worry about spending too much time slaving away in the kitchen! Prepare the lasagna the day before, or use a slow cooker recipe. That way, you can relax by the fire while your lasagna cooks and fills the cottage with its delightful aroma.

See the recipe of Hearty Meat Lasagna

The healthy alternative:

Turn your lasagna into a 100% vitamin-infused delight by filling it with grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers and mushrooms. Add spinach and ricotta cheese for an even healthier meal. True lasagna aficionados may even want to replace the different pasta layers with thin slices of eggplant!

See the recipe of Spinach, Pepper and Eggplant Lasagna

3Going skating as a couple

Want to go skating with your better half to enjoy the bright winter sunshine?

Equip yourself with a heavy saucepan or a thermos, and prepare a simple lunch that will keep you well hydrated and make you feel revitalized: Make a piping-hot soup!

The classic:

Onion soup has no equal when it comes to warming you up during an outdoor activity like skating. Vary the cheeses and bread to create an au gratin crouton that will meet your expectations.

See the recipe of French Onion Soup

The healthy alternative:

Prepare a delicious meal soup by incorporating not only a lot of vegetables and herbs but your choice of protein as well as some filling whole grains. Try a Vietnamese soup made with cabbage, diced tofu, fresh coriander, sprouted beans and Chinese noodles. Oh, so satisfying!

See the recipe of Hearty Vietnamese Soup

4Snowshoeing

Expecting to use up a lot of physical energy cruising the snow-covered trails for hours?

Your body will need an efficient fuel to deliver the goods. The day before your outdoor adventure, prepare a nutritious and energetic meal.

The classic:

It’s well known that pasta is an ally of choice for athletes. For maximum energy, add a lean meat, such as grilled chicken breast, and cheese to the mix. Now you’re ready!

See the recipe of Chicken & Pasta Florentine Casserole

The healthy alternative:

For a lighter but equally tasty meal, replace pasta with spaghetti squash, either in whole or in part. Once cooked, its flesh easily strips away from the skin into thin, spaghetti-like strips.

See the recipe of Spaghetti Squash All'Arrabiata

5Fun in the snow with the little ones

During an outdoor activity, it’s important that children eat regularly. That way, they’ll have fewer dips in energy. Plan a small snack for the trip home.

The classic:

Any winter activity should end with hot chocolate for everyone. It's tradition! For a nutritious snack, pair this sweet beverage with small bowls of snack foods, such as cereals, nuts and dried fruit.

See the recipe of Classic Hot Chocolate

The healthy alternative:

To satisfy all appetites, serve tasty energy bars with walnuts and cranberries. This healthy and delicious snack will provide enough vitamins and energy to recharge your batteries. You’ll want to go back outside to play some more!

See the recipe of Dried Fruit Health Bars