Are You Comforting Yourself With All The Wrong Foods?

By: Megan Barefoot

February is supposed to be all about love right? This might not be the case for everyone! There are a few reasons why February might be a tough month. First, it is the shortest month of the year, which can make it feel like it is dragging on. Secondly, February is also often associated with cold, gloomy weather, which can contribute to feelings of sadness or low energy. Additionally, February can be a difficult month for people who struggle with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that is triggered by the shorter days and lack of sunlight during the winter months.

Other factors that might contribute to feelings of difficulty or stress during February include work or school-related stress, financial concerns, and relationship problems. This is the month of Love, the heart and if a person doesn’t feel loved or struggles in a relationship, this month can add tension. It's important to remember that everyone is different and what might be a tough month for one person may not be the same for another.

We often turn to comfort foods when we are stressed and I don’t know about you, but I don’t crave a salad when I am stressed out! Comfort foods are typically high in sugar, fat, and carbohydrates, and are thought to have a soothing effect on the brain. Some of my personal favorites include:

1. Chocolate: Chocolate contains antioxidants and has been shown to release endorphins, which can help improve mood. However, many of us choose candy chocolate NOT the raw, high cocoa chocolate!

2. Ice cream: Ice cream is high in sugar and fat, and can provide a temporary boost in mood.

3. Pizza: Pizza is high in carbs and cheese, which can provide a comforting, satisfying feeling.

4. Mac and cheese: This classic comfort food is high in carbs and cheese, and can provide a sense of nostalgia and comfort.

5. Fried foods: Fried foods, such as French fries and chicken wings, are high in fat and can provide a temporary boost in mood.

It's important to remember that while these foods may provide temporary comfort, they are not necessarily healthy choices and should be consumed in moderation (if at all!). It's a good idea to try to find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as through exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones. If you DO choose to turn to food there are alternatives that you can choose that will help with the stress and still help you feel better.

Complex carbohydrates can help boost your energy levels and improve your mood. Good sources include whole grains, such as oats, brown rice, and quinoa, as well as starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes and beans. Try increasing your lean protein intake. Foods that are high in protein, such as chicken, fish, tofu, and nuts, can help you feel more full and satisfied, which can improve your mood. If you are craving something sweet try grabbing some fruits or sweet vegetables. These are high in fiber and nutrients, and can help improve your overall health and well-being. A food that I personally feel helps cravings on many levels is fermented foods. Foods that contain live bacteria, such as yogurt, sauerkraut and kimchi, can help improve your digestion and boost your immune system. Let’s not forget how important it is to drink filtered water. Staying hydrated is important for overall health and can help improve your mood and energy levels.

It's important to remember that everyone is different and what works for one person may not work for another. It's a good idea to pay attention to how different foods make you feel and to choose those that make you feel your best.

Are you looking to get even healthier? Are you dealing with some winter blues or stress that is leading to you grabbing the wrong comfort foods? Could you use some support figuring out what foods you could add to your everyday to support getting your eating back into balance? Curious about how nutritional health coaching can help you make healthy changes? Let’s talk! Schedule an initial complimentary consultation with us today—or pass this offer on to someone you care about! Visit www.noshoesnutrition.com and sign up for a FREE consultation.  We work with people from all over the world individually or in groups so don’t let anything hold you back!