Keep the weight off over winter

We all know how easy it is to put on a few extra kilos over the cool, long winter months. There is nothing more comforting than a hearty meal to get you through the frosty dark mornings and cold, blustery days.\n\nThe good news is, you're not alone if you find yourself seeking comfort in food. According to a recent study by the NSW Food Authority and NSW Health, 90 per cent of participants admitted to eating more takeaways and snack foods during winter because it made them feel "warmer and happier".\n\nHowever, the bad news is - despite how good this makes you feel, indulging regularly in meals high in fat and sugar may not be so good for your health.\n\nThis is why the NSW Food Authority and NSW Health are encouraging people to pay a bit more attention to what they are putting in their mouths - it's not just about staying slim, it's about staying healthy and fit.\n\nThe two organisations have launched a website, 8700.com.au, which allows users to calculate the amount of kilojoules in the foods they are eating.\n\nNSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant said that this can help people make smarter, healthier choices.\n\n"Using the online tools and resources, Australians can now easily calculate their ideal kilojoule intake, search food outlets to see how many kilojoules are in the food they are eating and learn about how exercise can help burn kilojoules," Dr Chant explained on June 27.\n\nWhile this is helpful, some of you may still be wondering how on earth you are going to get through the winter without your favourite meals.\n\nOne of the best things you can do is try and find healthy alternatives to all your indulgences.\n\nMaking a few simple changes to your favourite recipes, such as replacing sugar with Stevia extract, or swapping white rice for brown, can all go a long way in helping you stay healthy.\n\nAll you have to do is open your mind to the other possibilities out there - use Google to find new and creative ways of creating delicious, nutritious and comforting recipes in the kitchen.\n\nIn the meantime, you can also browse some of our sugar-free Stevia recipes here.\n\n