It seems that animals tend to all gain weight in the cold, winter months. This seems to be a survival technique, but is that the case for us humans? As the days get shorter, darker, and colder our bodies begin to crave sweet foods and carbohydrates, we also have more feelings of depression and fatigue. All of this combined is sure to lead to weight gain. Many people find that even though they are eating the same amount of food they still gain weight. But, we need balance calories in with calories out, so if you are still eating the same but not exercising as much, weight gain is likely to occur.
The cold weather is a sure deterrent for exercising. Here are a couple tips to keep your activity level up this winter: exercise with a friend, take outdoor activities indoors, exercise in small amounts, and add in a little more weight training.
Not only do we not want to exercise, but with the holidays we are tempted to eat worse too. Try these tips to minimize weight gain through extra calories: smaller portions, try just a small amount of everything, drink more water before eating, stock up on healthier foods, don’t deny yourself and don’t gorge – nibble. Keep in mind that cravings are just feelings. One important tip: get outdoors!! Decreased sunlight reduces our serotonin levels and makes us crave these foods, bear the cold and get some sunlight!
Check out these site for more information and helpful tips.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,428061,00.html?sPage=fnc/health/women
http://edisk.fandm.edu/ath/winterweightgain.pdf
http://news.top100.biz/health/The-winter-weight-gain-blues/?date=2008-10-15
http://www.prevention.com/cda/article/avoid-winter-weight-gain/cc3c8169c1903110VgnVCM20000012281eac____/weight.loss/weight.loss.coaches/michele.stanten
http://www.nichd.nih.gov/news/releases/holidayweightgain.cfm **
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Yeah the holidays are full of good foods and they are usually not that "good" for you. It is so hard to just "nibble" but I guess if you try just a little bit of everything your cravings will be less severe. I agree that it is hard to get outdoors when it is so cold and snowy around the holidays. Doing things like skiing and even sledding can help. I will do more of these this winter!
Good blog Cathleen!
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