Eating for the Season

Winter can be a challenging time for many people. Less sunlight, colder temperatures, and unpredictable weather can make it difficult to keep your mood up. One of the ways you may be looking for comfort is through food, and that is normal! People often think that emotional eating is automatically bad or negative, but the truth is it is a coping mechanism just like scrolling on your phone or journaling. With awareness you can begin to understand why you reach for certain foods when you feel a certain way.

And it is usual for your cravings to change with the seasons! Cooler temperatures can have us reaching for mashed potatoes and creamy soups. The warmth, texture, and carbs feel like a hug when the Winter feels cold and isolating. Many would agree that a salad or smoothie that was so refreshing in July just isn’t as tempting in January.

Learning to go with the flow of your food preferences is a great way to also help manage your emotional eating. This process has you gently check in with yourself and asking what foods would satisfy you in that moment. Consider this: you just got in from a Winter walk, with cheeks and fingers still chilled, and are turning your mind to what to make for dinner. How satisfied would you be if you ate a cold salad because you “should” instead of the warm, cheesy pasta you’re craving?

You might have read that sentence and thought but the salad is “good” and pasta is “bad”, but this isn’t about comparing foods because all foods fit! Chances are eating what will ultimately satisfy your needs—yes, both nutritionally and emotionally—will have you binge less and have fewer cravings because you’re satisfied on many levels.

If you want a some more guidance on how to start tuning into your food preferences, grab our Hunger Check Tool! It will guide you through a few quick steps to identify what you want to eat and how you feel about it.

While you might find it easier to focus on seasonal vegetables and fruits, it doesn’t mean you have to give up your favourites. For example, often produce is frozen or canned at peak freshness. You might not want a berry smoothie but maybe oatmeal with berries or a berry crumble will satisfy both your desire for berries and a warm dish! This convenience means no matter what you’re craving you can give yourself what you need with satisfying foods—now that is a lovely form of self-care!

💛 Your peace awaits.