Posts by thatgirlfromcolorado

You know, there is something to this - I saw a news show with a nutrition expert who says our bodies want us to add 100-200 cals per day in the winter. So it's probably true that we are hard-wired for this to a certain degree!

I also live in a very cold climate and when the snow hits all I want to do is curl up by the fire and snack. I'm trying to focus on foods that feel comforting (creamy/warm/melty) without actually adding the fatty ingredients I'm craving. It's been a challenge because I'm not fond of what I consider "fake" foods such as butter/sugar substitutes or low-fat cheese, but I'm working on it! 

Vegetable soups are wonderful - I make a minestrone with rice that is rich and filling and under 200 cals per cup - and squash soup is also excellent (leaving out the cream, of course - it's still lovely, sweet, and velvety). Air-popped popcorn with a cup of hot cocoa (or better yet, naturally sweet tea such as Constant Comment) is a satisfying, warm snack. A reasonably-sized grilled cheese sandwich with a nice big salad isn't a bad lunch or dinner, and will satisfy that melted cheese craving.

I'll be curious to see if anyone else has some good tips, as I could use some new ones!

As for getting out - it helps me to remember that my body has to burn even more calories than normal to stay warm when I exercise outside. :)

Good luck!