As the winter approaches, many people worry about how the colder temperatures and diminished sunlight will impact them. Though it can be rough to endure some of the low points of the season, there are a number of strategies you can employ to keep your spirits high. One of the most rewarding methods to explore is food. You don’t need to be a culinary prodigy to make the most of your meals this winter and use each bite of food to soothe your soul.
The Act of Preparing a Meal
Though eating food might seem like the best way to feel settled, many people are surprised at how calming the act of preparing a meal can be. From dicing carrots to stirring a simmering sauce to washing leafy greens in the sink, there is a therapeutic effect that comes about when going through the basic motions of making food. This can even extend to the process of curating ingredients. These days, people get a thrill and satisfaction out of hunting down rare, specific, or oddball culinary inclusions.
A good tip to survive the low points of winter is to try and reduce how often you order food. No matter how busy your schedule might be, relying on an outside source to feed you is an easy way to get lazy. Dedicating at least one or two weeknights to meal prep can leave you with leftovers for the week, allowing you the chance to save money and be more independent.
The Comfort Foods
The phrase “comfort food” is often used to describe meals that offer a sense of consolation. While restaurants will sometimes market certain items as comfort foods, there are no specific parameters dictating what makes for this type of meal. In truth, all people will have different tastes. Comfort food is often centered around pleasant childhood memories or meals that were cooked by a loved one. If you want to use food as a way of feeling better during the winter, simply think about what you find most comforting.
A great way to figure out which foods are your comfort foods is to consider your cravings. If there are certain meals you desire more often than others, these usually are the ones your mind subconsciously yearns for to feel a sense of contentment. Asking family members and friends for recipes can also help produce a sense of comfort, as you’ll feel connected to all those in your circle who have made this exact same meal.
The Post-Holiday Period
The thick of winter doesn’t really get started for most people until January. Once the hustle and bustle of the holidays have come to a close, people are left in lethargic or depressed states. If you spend most of December eating a wealth of rich, sweet, or fatty foods, then your body might not be at its best. It can be difficult to use food as a way of giving yourself comfort when you feel like food is the direct cause of your trouble. This is where switching gears can prove useful for your mindset.
Instead of looking at traditionally “unhealthy” foods as your only comfort option, start creating patterns with healthier alternatives you can work into the mix throughout the winter. Though a plate of lobster mac and cheese might sound tantalizing, you can feel just as comforted by cooking salmon, another fish loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. When you know the meal you’re consuming contains the nutrients your body needs, it can shift your attitude for the better.
The Right Fit
There is no shortage of creative and useful ways to make a meal. Before the winter takes its toll, learn more about how you can best use food to soothe your soul.