With the shorter days and colder weather, I’ve been craving all my favorite winter comfort foods. For me many of these foods I associate with memories from my childhood like chili during football games or hot chocolate after playing out in the snow.

When we eat, a complex process happens with the brain producing dopamine and serotonin also known as the “happiness chemicals.” When we are feeling sad, cold, or tired eating some of our favorite comfort foods will release glucose to our brain giving us the feeling of happiness.

Your favorite comfort food might say a little something about where you are from or help tell a story from your childhood. Comfort foods tend to be sweet, fatty, or calorie dense. Depending on what comfort food you choose might also describe the mood you are feeling. When you are happy you might crave something sweet or when you are feeling down you might choose something warm.

Whether it’s pizza, ice cream, or chocolate there’s a reason we find comfort food comforting. Many of these foods hold a special place in our heart or hold a memory.

Try out some of these healthy craving swaps from the University of Wyoming Extension “Comfort Food Cravings.”

If You’re Craving Salty Foods

Curb your craving for something salty with a part-skim mozzarella cheese stick, a small handful of raw nuts, or a crispbread cracker topped with peanut butter or cottage cheese.

If You’re Craving Fried Foods

Air-fried or baked chicken fingers, breaded with whole-grain panko breadcrumbs, and sweet potato fries taste just as good as the deep-fried versions.

If You’re Craving Something Crunchy

Nosh on apple slices spread with crunchy nut butter, air-popped popcorn with a teaspoon of Parmesan cheese, veggie sticks with one tablespoon of dressing or dip, or seasoned baked chickpeas.

If You’re Craving Something Creamy

Try making homemade “ice cream” from frozen bananas, enjoying cottage cheese with berries, or blending up a fruit and yogurt smoothie. If your yearning is leaning toward the savory side, go for hummus and whole-wheat pita or whole-grain crackers.

If You’re Craving Sweets

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a glass of chocolate milk, dark chocolate dipped strawberries, or a homemade yogurt parfait with nonfat plain yogurt, fruit, and a tablespoon of granola.

If You’re Craving Baked Goods

Go for something sweet but add protein. Grab a handful of trail mix that contains raw nuts, dried fruit, and dark chocolate chips, or try a graham cracker smeared with two teaspoons of peanut butter or chocolate hazelnut spread.

Your favorite comfort foods are irreplaceable, but you can still enjoy them as an occasional treat.

Kaitlynn Tonn is an OSU Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Educator and may be reached at 330-264-8722 or tonn.13@osu.edu
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This article was previously published in The Daily Record.