We are in the midst of winter and all we want to do is curl up in front of the fire with some deliciousness.
It’s easy to overindulge and then feel a bit sluggish.
It doesn’t mean that you can’t treat yourself but there’s definitely ways to satisfy those cravings!
We sat down with Sam Cutler, fitness influencer and nutrition health coach, to make sure that we’re staying satisfied and healthy.
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The MINDFULL entrepreneur answered all our questions, including why we start craving as soon as the evenings get darker.
Why do we love cosy food in winter?
Sam explains: “As the days get shorter and cooler, our bodies naturally crave cosier, comforting foods because they tend to be rich in carbohydrates, which boost serotonin, a mood-regulating hormone. The shift in light exposure also triggers a desire for warmth and nourishment, as we instinctively seek out foods that make us feel grounded and satisfied.
“For MINDFULL members, embracing these cravings while choosing nutrient-dense, whole foods can support both physical health and emotional well-being during the seasonal transition. The most important thing is to lean into what your body needs while being mindful of your choices.
“Just because you are craving ‘cosie’ foods does not mean they need to be packaged, full of processed sugars, and inflammatory ingredients. They can be comforting, warming and soothing while also being nourishing, nutrient-dense and supportive.”
Four tips to satisfy your cravings healthily…
To satisfy cravings while staying healthy, focus on incorporating nutrient-dense, whole foods that offer both comfort and nourishment. Here are some tips:
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Upgrade comfort foods: Opt for healthier versions of classic cosy meals. I love making traditional favorites with a healthier anti-inflammatory spin. Embrace complex carbohydrates and healthier fats to satisfy cravings or swap processed sugary desserts for natural sugars.
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Balance indulgence: Enjoy the flavours you’re craving but keep portions in check. Pair rich foods with fiber-rich vegetables or lean proteins to keep you full and energized.
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Use warming spices: Cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric can make dishes feel more comforting while also adding anti-inflammatory benefits.
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Mindful indulgence: Savour the experience of eating rather than restricting. By allowing yourself to fully enjoy wholesome foods, you satisfy cravings without guilt.
This way, you can embrace the season’s cosier cravings while aligning with your health goals.
How to manage a balanced diet
We know it’s not easy and over-indulging once or twice can’t hurt. So if you want to make sure that you’re diet is more balanced, Sam tells us that it’s as easy as taking an inventory of your stock.
“Start by looking at what’s currently in your fridge and pantry. Often we try to ‘change’ our health or current situation but we don’t take time to audit where we are right now. Instead of making us feel worse, this actually translates to feeling more confident and realistic.
“This only compares our nutrition and habits to the current version of ourselves rather than someone we see on social media. Take a look at the ingredients in what you are eating and try asking yourself these questions: Are they making you feel satisfied after meals? Do you feel good after eating or are you experiencing digestive discomfort?
“Can you pronounce the ingredients in your food? Do you know what they mean? Does your meal consist of mostly 1 ingredient items like whole grains, lean proteins, fruit and veggies, or does it look like packaged processed items? This allows truly anyone with any understanding of nutrition to have an authentic look at their current diet and celebrate small improvements to their health.”