It’s hard to deny that winter is the prime time for warm, indulgent comfort foods. But while these winter staples may be cozy and satisfying, many of them are packed with hidden fat and sugar that contribute to weight gain. If you’ve noticed that your favorite cold-weather treats are going straight to your waistline, it may be time to rethink some of your choices. Here’s a list of everyday foods often linked to winter weight gain—and what to watch out for to stay on track.
Creamy Soups
A warm, creamy soup can feel like a hug in a bowl, but sadly, many varieties are loaded with heavy cream and butter, making them pretty unhealthy and calorie-dense. Even a small portion can pack more fat and calories than you’d think, especially when it comes to chowder or bisque.
Instead, we’d recommend going for broth-based soups that swap out the unhealthy stuff for vegetables, beans, or lean protein.
Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate is an iconic winter drink that’ll warm you up and calm you down. But while it may be good for your spirits, it’s not always so good for your body. These sugary mixes are often loaded with calories, especially when you top them with whipped cream or marshmallows.
Some café versions can even contain as much sugar as a full-on dessert! If you’re watching your weight, a smarter choice would be making your own at home with unsweetened cocoa powder.
Mashed Potatoes
If you love creamy dishes, mashed potatoes are a must-have, especially in the cold winter months. Unfortunately, the large amounts of butter, cream, and salt in traditional recipes can turn them into a calorie bomb. While potatoes themselves are fine in moderation, it’s the added ingredients that push them into unhealthy territory.
Cheese Platters
There’s no denying that cheese boards can make you feel a little more fancy and indulgent, but those tiny bites can add up quickly in terms of calories and saturated fat. Cheese can certainly be part of a healthy and balanced diet, but portion control is key here.
Holiday Cookies
Between office parties and family gatherings, cookies seem to be just about everywhere during the coldest part of the year. While they’re undoubtedly delicious, many are very high in refined sugar, butter, and processed ingredients. So instead of overindulging, consider enjoying a smaller portion and balance it out with healthier snacks throughout the day.
Pancakes and Waffles
These breakfast favorites are comforting but can quickly contribute to weight gain when doused in syrup, butter, and whipped cream. Even the batter itself often contains a substantial serving of fat and sugar. If you’re on a diet or are concerned about your weight, consider switching to whole-grain versions and topping them with fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt instead of sugary syrups.
Creamy Pasta Dishes
Creamy pasta dishes are amazing at any time of the year, but in winter, they just hit different. Fettuccine Alfredo and carbonara are especially comforting during this time of the year, but they’re often made with heavy cream, butter, and cheese, racking up the calories and fat.
Sweetened Coffee Drinks
Did somebody say gingerbread latte? Seasonal coffee drinks are a winter favorite, but as delicious as they may be, many of them are packed with sugar, whipped cream, and syrups. Some even contain as many calories as a small meal!
While it’s okay to enjoy them every once in a while, we’d recommend going for a regular coffee or a latte made with unsweetened almond milk as much as possible. You can still add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a bit of festive flair.
Muffins
Muffins make for a hearty and convenient breakfast meal, but our favorite store-bought varieties are often loaded with sugar, refined flour, and unhealthy fats. You may be surprised to hear that a lot of them contain as many calories as a slice of cake. If you’re craving one, try baking a batch at home using whole-grain flour and natural sweeteners like applesauce or honey.
Fried Foods
Many people love to indulge in fried appetizers at parties or indulgent comfort meals during the colder months. But while fried chicken, onion rings, or mozzarella sticks may be tasty, they’re also high in calories and unhealthy fats. Instead, consider oven-baked versions that deliver the crunch without the extra grease.
Pot Pies
Pot pies are tiny little things, so they couldn’t possibly be too high in calories… right? Well we hate to be the bearer of bad news, but despite their small size, the buttery crust and creamy filling can make them surprisingly heavy. What’s more, store-bought versions are often packed full of sodium and preservatives.
White Bread
If you eat more bread and rolls during winter than any other time of the year, you’re not alone. The good news is that it’s fine to eat in moderation, but because they’re made with refined flour, they offer little nutritional value and can cause blood sugar spikes. If you find yourself eating a lot of bread, consider swapping your white bread out for whole-grain or sprouted varieties.
Chips and Dips
Chips and dips make the perfect snack to enjoy during cozy movie nights, but they can quickly add up in terms of calories. Indulgent dips like ranch or queso are made with heavy cream or cheese, which offer little in the way of nutrients. If you want a healthier choice, try dips like hummus or guacamole and pair them with veggie sticks or whole-grain crackers.
Pies and Tarts
Nothing says Christmas quite like festive pies and tarts, but these classic desserts are packed with sugar, butter, and refined flour. Even a small slice can be surprisingly heavy on the calories. That’s why it’s better to enjoy them sparingly and consider swapping traditional recipes for lighter versions that use less sugar or incorporate whole-grain crusts.
Casseroles
Creamy casseroles are a cold-weather staple, but they’re often made with heavy cream, cheese, and processed toppings. These additions can quickly turn a seemingly innocent dish into a mess of calories and unhealthy ingredients.
Try swapping out cream for Greek yogurt or broth and loading up on vegetables to make your casseroles healthier.
Sweetened Yogurt
You may be surprised to see yogurt on this list, but we’re not talking about low-fat protein-rich Greek yogurt here – we’re talking sweetened or flavored varieties packed full of added sugar. These hidden calories can sneak up on you before you even realize it. But if you’re a big yogurt fan there’s no need to worry.
You can simply choose plain, unsweetened yogurt and add your own toppings like fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey for a healthier option.
Instant Noodles
Quick, warm, and comforting, instant noodles are a go-to for many of us during winter. However, as you probably know, they’re very high in sodium and typically lack nutritional value. To make a healthier version, try using whole-grain noodles or rice noodles and adding fresh veggies and a protein source like eggs or tofu.
Granola Bars
Granola bars may be marketed as a healthy snack, but that doesn’t mean they’re always the best thing for you. A lot of store-bought versions are filled with added sugars, syrups, and unhealthy fats. These “hidden calories” can contribute to winter weight gain, especially if they’re a regular part of your routine.
Sugary Cereals
A cozy bowl of cereal on a winter morning may seem like an innocent choice, but it can be deceptively high in sugar and low in nutrients. Instead, it’s healthier to choose unsweetened, whole-grain cereals and add natural sweeteners like banana slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon for flavor.