How to deal with Winter hunger before it deals with you

Feeling hungrier in the colder weather? Not anymore.

Image: iStock

Winter has arrived and it's colder than ever. Now, admit it. You're probably out of shape and struggling to get through the cold but don't worry, you're not alone! Winter is a challenging time of year when you have to face freezing temperatures, lack of light, fatigue and of course, increased appetite. It's a struggle to find something delicious and fulfilling during the dreary days of winter, but there are some great ways to make yourself feel full and warm. If you constantly find yourself searching for your next snack, you might be suffering from the winter blues. So how do you deal with the hunger and get through another winter?

During winter our bodies use a lot more energy by trying to keep us warm and naturally this results in us wanting to eat more food than usual. Those winter cravings can be extremely persistent and sometimes we give in. It's time to put a stop to this by eating better, not more. Eating hot, nutritional food that covers the food groups will not only keep you fuller for longer but will keep you warmer too. A porridge with fruit in the morning, a hearty soup for lunch, and a roast or stew packed with veggies for dinner will put a stop to your cravings and hunger. Alongside all the filling meals, making sure you stay hydrated will also battle your winter hunger. Incorporating herbal tea into your day will keep you warm and take your mind off snacking as you're keeping both your mouth and your hands busy. This is important because you won't have time to reach for the Tim Tams.

Now in theory that sounds easy to achieve, but in practice it can be hard when the winter blues kick in. Luckily winter food actually doesn't require a lot of thought. Soup is hands down the best winter meal because it's easy and nutritious. Recipes that include chicken or vegetable broth, beans or lentils, and other colourful vegetables are the healthiest options if you're prone to winter weight. It can be really tempting to add in heavy cream, heaps of salt, and fatty proteins to stump your cravings but going down the healthier route will be more beneficial in keeping you going this winter. Potato and leek or Minestrone soup are absolute favourites that are a must try. Now like I said, herbal teas are the absolute best. Of course any hot beverage can do the trick but five hot chocolates a day probably isn't the best option. Iconic brand Twinings hits the spot with their infusion range. The various flavours will never make you bored and are easily accessible to buy and stock up on. These teas keep you warm and full during the day and are great before bed to encourage a warm sleep. A good accompaniment for tea and a great resource in winter is honey, especially when you get a cold, or God forbid the spicy cough (Covid).

If you're still feeling hungry after eating well, you may need to ask yourself "am I hungry or am I just cold?". The feeling of delicious hot soup trickling down your throat can become addictive when it's such a easy fix to keeping your temperature above freezing, but how can you incorporate other practices into your winter routine which keep you warm too. You can never have too many layers during winter, not only will it keep you warm but it will also keep your heating costs down. Apart from your standard beanies and jumpers, some winter essentials you should look out for are the Oodie, Mongrel wool socks, and Kmart soft touch blankets. These items last and help me through every winter. However, if you need the extra heat, standing column oil heaters are the most cost efficient option if you are on a budget. So, if you warm up your home and not just your stomach, it's guaranteed to feel a lot more like warm weather despite the winter chill.

I'm officially sick of winter, but the season is just starting. If you're having a hard time weathering the cold, try considering how people without homes or money are coping this winter. So, if you are stocked up on canned goods or have more blankets and clothes than you know what to do with, try considering distributing what you have to those in need. The best way to combat winter cold and hunger is by building a community that not only helps its members survive the winter, but thrives throughout the year. When you put this in practice for yourself and others it will be tough to feel hungry throughout this winter.

Want to do your bit this winter? Find out more about organisations near you.