Why Does Winter Weight Gain Happen To You - And What Can You Do To Avoid It?
Most people, possibly even you, gain a few pounds every year when the weather starts to get cold, making us a little heavier each year. If you keep close tabs on your weight, you know that it's also harder to lose weight in fall and winter. This is certainly unfortunate, but this weight gain is not your fault! Why does this happen and what can you do to avoid putting on extra pounds in winter?
First, it's important for you to understand what causes your winter weight gain. Two factors come into play here. One: Simply stated, human bodies are genetically built to store more fat at the onset of the fall and winter seasons. The extra layers of fat that you put on your body during this time are meant to protect you against the cold and provide you with extra fuel when food is scarce. Of course, our long-ago ancestors needed these protections but most modern-day people absolutely do not, hence weight gain is the result. Also, you may also sub-consciously choose foods that are higher in fat content at this time due to your body's pre-disposition to store fat at this time of year. Of course, these are extra calories that lead to extra pounds.
Two: Hormone levels can also be a factor in your weight gain in cold weather, bringing about variations in appetite and cravings for certain kinds of food. Also, since we have less daylight at this time of year, we are subjected to what's known as "seasonally affected disorder" or winter depression, and low energy levels. How to we cope with these seasonal changes? Naturally, the quickest way to charge-up your energy level is to eat high-carb foods, especially sugary treats, chips, white breads, cereals, etc. These are all the wrong foods for you to eat if you want to maintain or lose weight! These foods will cause blood sugar changes that will lead you to more lows and yearnings for more of the bad food.
So what should you do to avoid winter weight gain, considering how your body is working against you? Substitute other foods that are also high in carbs but which have low-fat content and plenty of fiber, including potatoes, whole grain bread (and NO butter), whole grain rice, cereals, starchy veggies and fresh whole fruit. Also, choose low-fat dairy products.
It is also important to take more exercise. Since our physical activity typically drops in winter, exercise becomes essential to work off any extra calories you might take in. Join a fitness center, dress warm and go out for walks, get a workout set or a stationary bicycle for the den. Your exercise helps transform any extra carbs you eat into energy, keeping your weight level more in line with what you want! You can easily avoid your normal winter weight gain this way. Try it!
R. Pellegrino
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