Avoiding Winter Weight Gain
Winter weight gain is a very common complaint. Every winter we add a few pounds, and despite our best efforts we don’t lose them again. We get heavier every year because the pounds are so difficult to lose. Then one day you notice you have packed on 30 pounds. Why does winter weight gain happen and what can we do? Review Burn The Fat, Feed the Muscle
Lots of factors contribute to winter weight gain. It seems probable that we have a tendency to store more fat as winter approaches. Most animals in freezing climates do this and it was vital to survival for our ancestors. Body fat protected people from the cold and then were used as fuel in the late winter and early spring when food stocks were very low.
People have a tendency to eat more in the fall when food is plentiful after harvest to help the weight gain process along. We may unconsciously choose food that is higher in fat content during the winter.In addition, holiday foods are notoriously high in calories.
Increased hormone levels can also influence weight gain. The interaction of brain chemicals and hormones causes changes in appetite and cravings. Neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and serotonin can also affect the way we eat. People who are overweight often have reduced levels of these important neurotransmitters and the results can include depression, increased appetite and sleep disorders.
In addition, the reduced daylight caused by the shorter days during late fall and winter can bring on seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or winter depression. Unfortunately, one of the quickest ways to boost energy levels is to eat high carbohydrate foods including sugary treats, chips and cereals that create a fast blood sugar rush. Feeling down during the winter can lead one to overeat or eat the wrong food, leading to depression, weight gain and a disheartening vicious spiral.
There are many reasons why people eat more high carbohydrate foods such as pies, cookies and chocolate in the winter. Unfortunately these treats are filled with calories and high in sugar. The best way to handle this is generally to substitute other foods that are also high in carbohydrate so that we get what our body wants, but which have more fiber, less sugar and lower fat content. This means fresh fruit and vegetables and wholegrain bread.
Cravings are helped a great deal by eating a wide range of different foods that contain a lot of antioxidants. Frozen vegetables and fruits are a great way to economize if you live in a cold climate where there isn’t as much fresh produce available in the winter.
Getting more exercise is also important. Often our physical activity levels fall during the winter and we have a tendency to want to stay home and hibernate. When it is cold outside, this is natural but not helpful for the waistline. How to speed up your metabolism
We obviously do not need to stow pounds the way that cavemen the did in prehistoric times.No wonder people had fat goddesses in prehistoric times, they lived longest.
Cruise craigslist in search of home exercise equipment or renew your gym membership. Change those calories into energy now instead of storing them on your waistline until spring. It is definitely possible to avoid winter weight gain with a healthy diet and lots of exercise. Click here to learn about fat burning diets
Tags: preventing winter weight gain, weight loss, winter weight gain, winter weight loss