Fight the Winter Blues Part 2: Balancing Comfort Food Cravings

Ahhhh.....the effects of comfort foods. Why is it that we crave more comfort foods in the winter time? I think there is certainly a tempertature connection - comfort foods warm us up inside and make us feel nice and cozy. I get that. But there may be even more at play here. A lack of energy expenditure can cause some people to have episodes of insomnia. It is a fact that people that are inactive have a tendency to have disrupted sleep patterns. Comfort foods can help increase serotonin levels, which can assist helping people fall asleep. The next time you eat a big bowl of pasta, make note of how it makes you feel afterward. If you haven't been very active, most likely it will make you feel tired.

Webster tells us that comfort foods are "foods prepared in a traditional style having usually a nostalgic or sentimental appeal." Comfort foods also have a reputation of being high-calorie and high-fat, which can be a concern if eaten excessively. What is your favorite comfort food? My favorite comfort food by far is mashed potatoes. Potatoes in any form is and has always been a love of mine, but there is something about homeade smashed, buttery and salted potatoes. [Have you ever met a meat and potatoes dietitian?? If not...nice to meet you!!] Whatever your favorite, allow yourself those indulgences balanced with lower fat, lower calorie foods. The great thing to note is that many comfort foods are high nutritive quality. The Eating Well website provides several food recipes that can provide the comfort while not sacrificing on nutrients. I love their baked mac and cheese recipe with a layer of spinach in the middle. :) Look for comfort food recipes that provide the calorie content so you can get an idea of what you are eating, especially if you are trying to lose weight or lower your cholesterol. Even the healthy versions can still get up there in calories, but if you balance your eating patterns out with lower calorie foods, you can still enjoy them. Another great healthy comfort food recipe resource is Evelyn Tribole's Homestyle Cooking Cookbooks. Every dish I make out of her cookbooks are amazing!

My take home message to myself and everyone else as we round out the winter season is to enjoy some of your favorite comfort foods in moderation. Counteract excessive cravings with creative, winter time exercise and you are good to go!