Why do most people gain weight during the colder months and how can you avoid it? Let’s try to figure it out.
December 17 2016
Seasonal weight fluctuations are observed only in northern countries, where differences in winter and summer temperatures are expressed. The transition to an increased diet with the arrival of cold weather is in our genes, scientists say. In ancient times, winter was a hungry season, and people gained weight in summer and autumn in order to survive the frosts safely. In addition, the subcutaneous fat helped keep you warm. To stay slim, we must outsmart nature and prove to the body that winter will not be long and cold.
Option 1
Deviation from the norm
We walk less, even on the way to work.
Cause
Uncomfortable weather: cold, windy or rain.
What to do
A warmly dressed person moves more energetically, burns more calories. So put your tights and heels aside until spring and put on practical boots, a down jacket, and warm trousers. Enjoy warmth and clothing for the weather every minute.
Option 2
Deviation from the norm
We eat bad mood, autumn and winter blues.
Cause
The bright light of the sun is an important source of pleasure hormones, endorphins. A decrease in the amount of these hormones is one of the causes of autumn depression.
What to do
Increase the brightness of the lighting in the apartment as much as possible. This will add internal strength, energy, optimism.
Option 3
Deviation from the norm
Instinctively, we choose more high-calorie foods for food, lean on sweets and starchy foods.
Cause
The desire to eat flour is a sign that the body lacks choline and tryptophan, which also contribute to the production of the hormone of joy serotonin.
What to do
Increase the proportion of foods that are safer for the waist in the diet, which also help the production of serotonin. These are dark chocolate, avocado, unroasted seeds and nuts, quail eggs, olives, olive oil.
Option 4
Deviation from the norm
We have dinner more densely than usual.
Cause
When it is dark outside, the perception of taste sharpens, and the pleasure of food becomes stronger. As a result, calories are overkill.
What to do
Dine in a brightly lit room to reduce your appetite. A simple technique also helps – brush your teeth before dinner. The taste buds will switch, and the urge to eat is as if it had happened.
Option 5
Deviation from the norm
We watch TV more. And at the same time we gnaw something: chips, nuts, cookies.
Cause
In bad weather, you so want to watch a movie, covered with a blanket. Forcing yourself to go outside is almost impossible.
What to do
Keep your hands busy: knitting, embroidery, drawing. It is very exciting to sculpt from polymer clay: do not miss a movie, and there is no way to pull something into your mouth.
Option 6
Deviation from the norm
We reduce the time and number of walks in our free time and on weekends.
Cause
Lethargy, lack of energy, bad mood, bad weather.
What to do
Getting yourself to move is not easy. Some people are helped by paying a subscription to a fitness center for a year in advance. The desire will not increase from this, but greed can also push you towards a healthy lifestyle. Find an opportunity to move more in everyday life: do not use the elevator and escalators; while talking on the phone, walk around the room.
Option 7
Deviation from the norm
Due to the drop in air temperature, we reduce the proportion of lactic acid products in the diet threefold.
Cause
Kefir, fermented baked milk and yogurt are cold, but you want something hot. Calcium, magnesium and phosphorus from dairy products are essential for proper metabolism. With their lack, the metabolism slows down.
What to do
Cook the curd casserole and eat it hot. Buy and start taking any complex of vitamins, minerals and trace elements.
Option 8
Deviation from the norm
We instinctively look for bright smells: we use strong perfume, we eat more fragrant or even spicy food.
Cause
There are very few plant aromas in the air in winter. Normally, we do not notice them, but this is an important component of creating an atmosphere of comfort and joy.
What to do
Use aroma lamps with different oils – ginger, rosemary, ylang-ylang, orange. And mint, for example, holds the record for decreasing appetite. If you inhale its smell during the day, the amount eaten is reduced by a third.