Ok, now that the weather here in Indiana is starting to get cold, I am really craving comfort food. Winter always reminds me of carmel apple cider, warm cookies, and beef stew or some other really fattening comfort food. How are others managing to stave off the cravings for comfort food. Salad and grilled anything is just not sounding appetizing to me at all right now.

Soup is a good cold weather comfort food and can be healthy if made right.

Make vegetable soup with turkey in it. You can get some great recipes on the internet. And I like it with a few ff saltines.

I like vension chili when it gets cold with cornbread. But we still have until feb. before it really gets cold down he in La.

Good topic! Comfort food was, I said was, always a big deal to me. Once I realized I was comforting myself way too much, it's no longer a problem. I use to always tell myself, go ahead and eat it, it makes you feel better. Once I started really watching what I eat, my brain was still telling me I wanted certain things. It would tell me I wanted something even if I wasn't hungry! I had to start over-riding my brain. Once I realized the food that comforted me contributed to my weight problem and that I could live without them, my brain has been rewired so to speak. There are things I miss, but with the help of some really great recipes, I am finding new favorites!

Comfort food is a real big issue for me because I am the cook in my family. I am a beginner at the biggest loser team and I am having real difficulty with will power and encouragement. Sundays my whole family even my inlaws get together and we make a huge pot of some kind of soup. This past Sunday it was Potatoe and Ham. Yeah not real easy on my love handles. any encouragement would be most helpful.

Here's my thought on fatty, carby, sugary comfort food.

You might as well sit on the plate, because that food is going to end up on your butt anyway.

No, seriously, this is a conscious choice to get healthy. There is ALWAYS going to be something that could be an opportunity to trip you up, but it is your decision to make it through, or give in.

Families don't always come on board when we try to lose weight, and many times, they will subconsciously sabotage your best efforts. You will always have a social engagement where the foods offered are not on your list. Birthday parties pop up, special occasions, holidays, etc.

If you have a favorite recipe, go online and find a lower fat, lower sugar version of it. Find lighter versions of foods you enjoy, and stock them. Don't buy snacks or trigger food, and if your family protests, have them put their stash where you can't get to it. I have certain "comfort" foods that I don't have in the home, because one bite just isn't enough.

It's just about your mind set for the most part. This is a journey that isn't always easy. And to be successful, yes, we have to give up some of the foods that got us here in the first place. But it is worth it when you start to feel better, when you can button up your pants without having a "muffin" top, or having to stretch out your t-shirts so they don't cling to your belly.

It is worth it to do this, and do it for YOU. Find another source of comfort. Hot tea soothes me, and I drink that to avoid late night snacking.

Good luck in your journey. Keep strong, and take care.