Comfort Eating

Winter is often associated with comfort foods, such as hearty stews, roasts, and heavy desserts. No one thinks "winter" and conjures up images of leafy salads and carrot sticks. But a hearty dish doesn't have to be fat-laden or high in calories - it can actually be good for your heart! If you're craving some heavy winter food, simply think of a way to "lighten" it up.

For example:

**Replace the cream in creamy pasta dishes with fat-free evaporated milk
**Reduce the amount of red meat in casseroles and stews and add in chickpeas or beans instead
**Use a little skim milk instead of butter or cream to make creamy mashed potatoes
**Use a mix of light evaporated milk and coconut extract in Indian and Thai curries instead of coconut milk
**Use applesauce to replace some of the butter or oil in cakes and puddings
**Make fruit-based desserts rather than buttery or chocolatey ones
There are hundreds of delicious low-calorie recipes in the recipe section of CalorieKing. You'll find all your winter favorites there, but with less calories and fat!

The most important thing to watch in winter is your portion size. It's natural when you're feeling cold, and perhaps a bit depressed about the weather, to want to eat more than usual. Try dividing a dish into measured servings as soon as it is cooked. Spoon the extra servings into containers to freeze or take for lunch before you serve up your meal - that way you can't be tempted to sneak a bit more onto your plate!