Avoiding the comfort food trap

Packing on the pounds can be problematic as the season shifts toward cooler temperatures.

If you find yourself falling into that comfort food trap, said Beth Czerwony, a registered dietician with Cleveland Clinic, says the key to tipping the scale in your favor starts with cooking at home.

Here are some ideas:

Substituting spaghetti squash for pasta and adding herbs or seasonings
is a flavorful way to spice up your meal while providing a healthier alternative.

Seasonal vegetables are plentiful this time of year and can be more nutritious than off-season produce.

“Vegetables being lower calorie and having more fiber, more fluid. They are going to end up keeping you fuller longer. So this is a good way to bulk up the diet with more food and thinking that you are going to stay fuller longer, without giving a lot of extra calories,” said Beth Czerwony R.D.

Using leaner cuts of meat, choosing smaller portion sizes and tracking food intake can help you avoid unwanted weight.

Most importantly, when it comes to comfort foods – be selective and choose seasonal favorites that are special to you and just indulge.