Tiffiny Hall shares her 10 insider secrets on comfort eating the right way.
It’s not your imagination, winter can really get your appetite going. As the temperature falls, our winter appetites can spin out of control. You may think a heartier appetite for just those few months a year isn’t such a bad thing, but it can begin to add up.
The comfort of food is very appealing on those short days and cold nights. We start craving the dishes that make us feel warm and cosy, high calorie and carb foods like stews, mash and mac and cheese, as these meals stimulate the “feel good” serotonin. If only we found warm comfort in carrot sticks..
Instead of spending your winter feeling bad, try these tips to keep it under control and get yourself armed:
Prepare and plan
Winter is no time to stop your meal prepping and planning. Start embracing your slow cooker and pop something on before you go to work so there is no excuse to reach for that takeaway menu when you get home.
Be Mindful
Be aware of why you’re making your food choices. Ask yourself if this food will nourish you and make your body feel better? Or will it make you feel sluggish afterwards?
Don’t drink your calories
I know all you want to do is feel warm in winter and you’re reaching for that third hot choc of the day… But don’t waste your day’s deliciousness on a drink. Why not try a warm cup of herbal tea, or even my TIFFXO Superfoods raw Hot Choc instead?
But DO keep well hydrated
It’s important we keep drinking our water, even when the sun isn’t beating down on us. Don’t forget, our trusty heaters can be very dehydrating. Keep up with your water and your herbal teas.
Know who the REAL bad guys are
Winter doesn’t mean denying yourself or cabbage soup all day. Make healthy swaps so you can still enjoy your winter warmer in style. Try cauliflower mash instead of potato, make a pita bread pizza instead and replace your go to spaghetti with some zucchini noodles. Embrace hearty soups too, the perfect accompaniment for those cold dreary nights.
Daily dose of Vitamin D
Sometimes the shorter days can make us crave some not so good for us foods. Try and spend some time outside every day and make sure you’re boosting your mood and bone health.
Add warmth with spices
We are able to fill our need for warmth through winter spices; cinnamon, nutmeg and paprika add depth and warmth that we crave to our food without adding on those extra nasties. Spicy foods also offer a guard against winter bugs and can help protect your immune system.
Keep it seasonal
Get around all the delish things in season. Entwine yourself around some Vitamin A, C and K rich dark leafy greens, grip onto citrus fruits that are loaded with Vitamin C (lemons, oranges and grapefruits are at their juiciest in winter!) Winter squash is jam packed full of the good stuff and a delicious choice for winter.
Winter activities
Make sure you keep up with your exercise and movement in winter too – rain is no longer an excuse! Your lounge room is your body and your body your equipment.
Hug it out
Sometimes what we are seeking is comfort, not actually comfort food. Instead of dishing out a meal, why not try dishing out a few hugs! It’s a great way to fill you up. Hug your kids, your partner, your dog, your cat, everybody!
