It feels like it’s been winter forever and this winter has been horrendous. Super cold, LOTS of snow. You’ve been bundled up in layers of Thinsulate and fleece, hats and gloves and you’re definitely lacking in sunshine. You are suffering the winter blues. On long cold winter nights, you used to think nothing of firing up a giant pot of beef stew or chili to warm you from within and make you not hate the way winter dragged on quite so much. But, you’re a Vegan now. You can’t go there.
Please don’t.
I KNOW that making these changes to old habits is so hard! I know you are missing those old comforts, but you know they weren’t healthy.
They tasted yummy, they made you feel good for a couple of minutes, but you knew the cholesterol and fat were slowing everything down and in the long run, all that heavy food made you feel heavy, lethargic. You did the right thing – I promise! Because I have good news for you!
There are yummy comfort foods for Vegans too! @hayleyhobson (Click to Tweet)
Here are four suggestions for you that are sure to make you feel better:
Sweet Potato Fries
First off, if you don’t know this by now, organic yams are so much tastier than commercially grown. They are sweeter, more flavorful, and creamier. Chop some up, toss with some DoTerra cinnamon essential oil and coconut oil, and throw them in a preheated 425-degree oven. In just 10-15 minutes, you have a sweet, healthy, comforting, stick-to-your-ribs winter snack. Oh, and the house will smell great too!
Coconut Carrot Ginger Soup with Kale Chips
Did you just salivate a little bit reading that? Doesn’t it sound HEAVENLY?!! Well, it IS. And so easy to make! Add a teaspoon (guessing on quantity here) of coconut oil (or coconut milk?) to my Raw Carrot Ginger Pear Soup recipe and serve warm instead of cold.
Kale chips are also super easy to make. Toss some clean kale in olive oil, sprinkle a little sea salt and lay out on a cookie sheet in a 400 degree oven for about 10 minutes.
With very little effort, you’ve got yourself a thick, creamy sweet and savory bisque that will definitely warm you up from the inside.
Dark Chocolate
Of course you know the benefits of dark chocolate vs. milk chocolate by now. You also know that, flavor-wise, a little dark chocolate goes a long way. But here are some benefits that are especially helpful during the long, cold winter nights. There is a decent amount of fiber and it is loaded with minerals. Dark chocolate also contains anti-oxidants, and has been proven to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow. So, enjoy a square or two of dark, organically grown chocolate. You know it’ll make you smile.
Potato Chips
I know! Not exactly a ‘health’ tip, is it, but you know what? Potato chips are a huge source of comfort for a lot of people. Something about the crunchiness just sets us at ease. Just be smart about the chips you choose! Pick a brand that’s organic, uses sea salt, and is fried in organic oil. Even Vegans eat junk food from time to time, just pick the food with the best ingredients possible.
Feel a little better? You don’t have to suffer through the cold without SOME creature comforts. I’m going to do my best to help you make better choices for meeting those needs. Got a recipe or go to comfort food that gets you through the cold winter months? Share them! Post your ideas here!
Hayley Hobson is an author, speaker, business coach, yogi, Pilates instructor, and holistic nutritional expert based in Boulder, CO. Her unique and intelligent style promotes strengthening while softening—empowering her clients to heal not only their physical bodies but their hearts and minds as well. To learn more about her nutritional courses, events, and custom programs, visit hayleyhobson.com or follow her on Facebook or Twitter.
Image courtesy of Stock.Xchnge
