WINTER is a time when we crave comfort food but need to make sure that we're eating comfort food that is healthy.

WINTER is a time when we crave comfort food but need to make sure that we're eating comfort food that is healthy.

Winter weight gain is common. It seems that we add a few kilos every winter but don't lose all the weight when summer comes around. A few kilos always stay with us - making us a little heavier every year.

Using a diary or journal to keep track of your food intake can be invaluable in your fight against unwanted kilos.

Research shows that jotting down everything that passes your lips quickly makes you realise how unnecessary snacking creeps into your day, and how easily added kilojoules settle on your hips.

Generally the best way to handle this is to substitute other foods that are also high in carbohydrates so that we get what our body craves, but which have a low fat content and plenty of fibre This means potatoes, whole-grain bread without butter, whole-grain rice, cereals and fresh whole fruit.

It is very important to exercise. Transform those carbs into energy.