Heading into Winter - how to avoid the seasonal comfort eating

Seasonal comfort eating - how to avoid it as we head into winter

Pumpkin spiced lattes, sticky gingerbread and the start of Christmas goodies appearing in the shops. With so much snuggly temptations around, how are you supposed to resist the lure of seasonal comfort eating?

You don’t want to feel deprived and it’s getting so dark you just want to stay curled up in bed and not face the day. I know I would rather remained wrapped up in my duvet than step outside. Can I just sleep until spring, please?

So it’s not surprising that winter is when seasonal comfort eating can really kick in big time because we want to feel warm, nourished and well fed. 

As I stand freezing at the train station I know I’m going to need nurturing food and drink that helps me through the gloom. And I also know salad just doesn’t cut it when I’ve got long, dark days to contend with.

Seasonal comfort eating - why we feel it

I think we underestimate how much of our eating is emotionally driven at this time of year. As I have said before, our actions are driven by emotions which are driven by thoughts. 

So if you're feeling like you want to hibernate is it any surprise that we want to cheer ourselves up with Sunday roasts and big bowls of pasta?

Books like Rachel Kelly’s Happy Kitchen: Good Mood Food  are examples of how we’re making inroads into how food can have a dramatic impact on our mental health - the argument being that certain foods are better at making us feel good.  

Half the battle with seasonal comfort eating is being aware of it. 

And then thinking about how you can balance your food and drink so you still get the nurturing, contentment you’re cravings. All while steering away from the carb heavy foods that might provide some short term comfort but long term weight problems.

Discover How To Avoid the Festive Weight Gain
Without Feeling Deprived or Cooking Separate Meals.

What to eat to beat seasonal comfort eating

It’s that hygge feeling we’re after. That feeling of being grounded and warm inside.

Some good options can include root veggies because, although they are higher in carbs than green veg, they provide that comforting feeling. But they’re much better than a big bowl of pasta or meals with a lot of bread.

Why not try my delicious sweet potato toast with poached eggs - this gives a slower release of carbs so you’re not getting those spikes and troughs in your blood sugar levels.

Another tip is to have food that is warm- especially first thing in the morning. I tend to stay away from porridge because it’s very carb heavy first thing in the morning but you could warm up my coconut chia pudding as a tasty alternative.

Or why not plan ahead and make my egg muffins to store in the freezer and then simply microwave to warm them in the morning? 

Save your salads for lunchtime, particularly if you work outside of the home. Usually the heating is on and the temperature inside is conducive to eating cold food. But after a commute home in the cold, when you’re feeling tired and hungry, that’s the time you need something warm inside.

Or try fish with veggies or sweet potato wedges rather than lots of chips or potatoes. 

Top tip - if you’re going to have a jacket potato balance it out with some fats and proteins rather than butter or salt, otherwise those fast carbs will leave you sleepy an hour or so later.

And what to drink

The other danger zone with emotional winter eating is drinks.

Beware the lure of a hot chocolate with all that sugar or the latest coffee shop gingerbread or pumpkin latte filled with sickly syrups. There’s nothing wrong with a plain milky drink before bed. Try a herbal tea or a plain hot milk at night with some cinnamon on top can still give you than warm, nourishing feeling without the sugar highs and lows.

Or try a Midlife Menu favourite - my hug in a mug golden turmeric latte! 

And remember soups are always a good option for being warming and filling, particularly if you’ve made it yourself. Choose one that contains a protein, such as lentils, chicken or tofu rather than one that's high in fast carbs like minestrone or leek and potato. 

Struggling with food ideas?

Why not check out the Ultimate Festive Guide which has 40 recipes for some more winter warmers that won’t wreck your eating efforts? Sign up now to get done for you menus, planners to do it yourself and what to do if you’ve eaten your body weight in sausage rolls. With this Festive Guide you’ll have plenty of win-speration!

Discover How To Avoid the Festive Weight Gain
Without Feeling Deprived or Cooking Separate Meals.

Content Disclaimer

The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this blog are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this blog. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this blog. Midlife Menu Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this blog.

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