By Jenni Wolf

So often in my work I hear of people detesting this time of year for the temptations of rich, traditional dishes, cookies, treats and festive libations.

I hear people saying they’ve been eating too many “comfort foods” and staying inside too much, making plans to get “back-on-track.”

But what if we didn’t?

What if, instead, we embraced the dark, chilly days for what they are? A time to stay inside and read more books and watch more movies; a time to make creamy crocks of French onion soup with buttered, cheesy croutons and pull steaming, savory pans of lasagna from the oven.? A time to sip a warm mug of cocoa or delight in a glass of eggnog? A time to sleep more; a time to play games with family and friends; a time to slow down?

While many of us may indeed do these things at some point during the season, do we do them unconditionally? Do we do them with full permission, without guilt or that nagging feeling that we should be doing something different?

I ask because I’ve been there too. I have found myself ignoring my mind’s and my body’s needs, uncomfortable with the change in them that this time of year might bring, just because it’s different, rather than basking in the gifts and opportunities of the season.

For example, I find sleep to be helpful.  Typically I am a morning person — come April through September I am up with the sun. But as the days grow shorter, I crave more sleep, later wake times and earlier bedtimes. I want to honor that, not just get caught up in rationalizing it.

The same thing goes for food. In the summertime I love nothing more than fresh, raw, juicy produce and light, zippy meals.

But come the depths of winter, I want warm, cheesy meals and hearty snacks. I want to bake and enjoy the warm efforts straight from the oven. I want to take pleasure and joy in that, not to doubt it.

And when I notice my body getting softer and cozier, I want to sink into that; knowing I am moving my body in a way that feels good right now, a way that makes sense and is normal. No hour-long strolls in sub-zero temps for me, please. I want to know and remember that less activity is natural come the colder months.

My hope is you remember the normal changes we humans experience with food, movement and body, as life ebbs and flows, as the seasons ebb and flow. When we let ourselves ride that wave, we notice the wave stays relatively steady.

Sure, it dips and dives. But nothing too great that we cannot keep ourselves afloat. 

Jenni Wolf, a registered dietitian, writes about food and nutrition for the Bugle.

Photo captions:
Cinnamon rolls: Warm, gooey cinnamon rolls beg for a slow, cozy morning. Photo by Jenni Wolf.

Cozy diner meal: A giant stack of flapjacks is good for the soul. Photo by Jenni Wolf.