As we get deeper into fall and winter, the foods we eat and crave are often comfort foods, such as soups, stews and casseroles. While a little comfort food is known to improve or sustain our mood in the short term, eating too many foods that are high in sugar, fat and salt can increase the risk for health problems over time. It’s also the holiday season, a time to celebrate with friends, family and lots of food. Unfortunately, this often results in a few extra pounds heading into spring. However, Sara Sawer, a registered dietitian and K-State Research and Extension nutrition, health and wellness agent for Sedgwick County, says we can modify some recipes to make comfort foods healthier and there are things we can do to help avoid holiday weight gain.

Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State specialists in fields such as child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness and more.

Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to ksrenews@ksu.edu.

K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.