The following is a guest post by RRC Polytech’s Fitness Coordinator, Mario De Negri

January and February can be the breaking point for a lot of us. We need a break from the cold winter days and endless snow. The cold winter makes it challenging for us to function and find the energy to cook. I am always searching for some warmth and comfort to help me feel like I can get through the long months. I find cooking often does the trick of settling me when I come in from what seems like an abyss of never-ending winter cold.

Food can represent so much more than just nutrients. Food can mean taking time to nourish our bodies, can help us with mindfulness, and expand our creative side. Food often offers us comfort from the challenges we face in our everyday lives. Taking comfort in food helps us ground ourselves in the memories, feelings, and senses we’ve had when eating the dish in the past.

One recipe I really enjoy is Feijoada- Black Beans. I make it in my pressure cooker! To give a bit more context: Feijoada is a Brazilian black bean dish I started making a few years ago. I was searching for something that would make me feel warm on those cold winter days. The dish has all the makings of a cozy, warm, and hearty meal. The warmth of the dish lets me escape from the cold and makes me feel like I just put some fresh logs on the fire and am settling to watch them burn for the night.

Feijoada comes from the word “Feijoa”, which means “beans”. Beans are a staple food used in all parts of Brazil. Considered a traditional dish, Feijoada is rich and filling due to its stew-like nature. With the aromatic spices, it is just such a unique treat. It’s easy to make. Add it to a bowl of rice, and you are good to go.

A personal note; I suggest making extra. We all have those days when we feel beaten down from the cold, time escapes us, and we do not feel like cooking. So, I always pack up two containers of stew for immediate consumption. And to be kind to myself in the future, I make extra to store nicely outdoors in my shed. One good thing about winter is my shed can now double as a walk-in freezer- because it’s so cold outside! There have been many days I come home and am so thankful I can pull out one of these premade meals, cook some rice and know that I am taking care of myself. Your future self will thank your past self for this.

Enjoy,

Mario