As we approach the Winter months, our bodies are starting to crave hearty and often carb-heavy foods. It's no surprise that some of us can easily gain a few pounds in Winter. But don't panic just yet, maintaining a healthy balance at this time of the year doesn't mean being deprived of hearty and wholesome foods. 

Here are a few tips to keeping a good balance without the guilt.

Deliciously hearty and healthy meals

1. Hearty Vegetables

There is an abundance of nutritious root vegetables this time of the year - making use of them will keep you satisfied without the guilt. They are full of vitamins, good carbs, antioxidants and are low in calories. Root vegetables such as pumpkin, sweet potato and parsnips are so versatile that you can easily make them into soups, mash and warm salads, instead of relying on meats and bread for a nourishing meal. 

2. Prepare the day before

Things like root vegetables take longer to cook, so do it the day before or on the weekend. Pumpkin, sweet potatoes and beetroot work well when baked or roasted in the oven. They can easily be reheated the next day to be eaten on their own or tossed with some fresh leaves, toasted nuts and dried fruits - make it your own!

3. Good carbs vs bad carbs 

Have you ever sat and had a big meal, only to go hungry again after an hour? Things like white bread, white rice, white pasta and processed foods contain refined carbs which make it more difficult for our bodies to stay full for a sustainable amount of time. A simple switch to wholegrain pasta, bread or brown rice are will help you stay fuller for longer as they contain fibre as well as carbs.

Hydration

Did you know that your body can mistake dehydration for hunger? When we are dehydrated, thirst is one of the last symptoms we experience. Dizziness, headache and nausea are symptoms of hunger but also dehydration. This leads us to mistake thirst for hunger more often than we realise.

Believe it or not – up to 80% of Australians suffer from dehydration without even knowing it. Keeping a jug by your desk and a reusable bottle on the go will help you drink enough water throughout the day. Even during winter, the Australian sun can be quite harsh so don't forget to keep hydrated even as the weather cools. This calculator is a simple way to get an idea of how much water you should be drinking.

Exercise

Believe it or not, our bodies can actually feel better when exercising in Winter than Summer. This is because we are more deprived of sunlight and fresh air due to spending more time indoors. Braving the cold and heading outside is well worth it when it comes to feeling healthier and happier during the cooler months.

So, maintaining a healthy balance in Winter doesn't need to be complicated - with a bit of planning, have a balanced diet with seasonal vegetables and fruits, and keep hydrated will see you come out of the Winter months feeling better and stronger than ever!