Weight gain during winter is a common problem for all. Therefore, the reason for gaining more weight in winter than summer is a matter of curiosity for all of us. From lack of vitamin D to body temperature, many factors trigger weight gain in the winter. Of course, there are measures we can take to get through winter in a healthy manner. First, we will clarify why we gain weight, followed by what we can do to prevent this. Enjoy your reading!
Body temperature and eating habits
Differences in eating habits emerge for most of us during the winter. One of the most fundamental reasons behind this is the fact that the climate is colder. Along with the cooling of the air, as a reaction, our bodies feel the need to eat. Under this behavior, there is a need for energy. The energy need due to feeling cold is met with food.
Midnight hunger
One of the important issues that are suffered is the need to eat due to the drop of blood sugar in winter. Many people are eating calories and fatty meals at dinner or before bedtime, triggering weight gain.
Short days
Another reason is that the days are shorter. Along with the shortening of the days, many people’s eating habits are ruined. The bad diet results as an increase in carbohydrate consumption.
The comfort in loose outfits
Most would want weight gain would not be a problem. Winter is a convenient time to fulfill this request. Because wearing layer and layer of clothes will disguise the gained weight, hence weight gain continues without paying attentions to eating habits.
Vitamin D and weight gain
Research indicates that lack of vitamin D triggers weight gain. In the summer months, vitamin D is synthesized at about 90%, and this rate is very low due in the winter due to lack of sun.
Less water consumption
Another reason of weight gain in winter months is due to not drinking water. The water becomes unwillingly cold hence it prevents us from drinking it. But low water consumption does not only cause weight gain, it also causes fatigue and carelessness.
Carbohydrate nutrition and unhappiness
With lack of sunlight in winter, we find happiness in carbohydrate and sugary nutrition. The unhappier we are the more we need to eat sweet food. This kind of food accelerates blood flow and makes us happy for a short time. But later the destruction is great. This results in weight gain and slower blood flow. Instead, natural, healthy sugar and carbohydrate sources should be consumed.
Not exercising
When we look at the main reasons for weight gain, we see that it is the fact that we gain more energy then we spend. Most of us take a break from exercising in the winter due to cold weather. Because the cold weather and preparation time for exercise becomes a big deal for most of us.
Hormonal reasons
Other reasons are those which are out of control. These biological factors in blood sugar and thyroid hormones; unbalanced conditions in vitamins and minerals can trigger weight gain. These biological factors can trigger the need to eat.
How Can We Prevent Weight Gain?
We tried to give answers to “Why Do We Gain Weight in Winter?” And, what about how can we prevent weight gain? Here are the answers...
- Untimely hunger should be suppressed with water.
- In order to avoid large portions a glass of water should be consumed prior to eating.
- A balanced breakfast is a must.
- Instead of carbohydrate foods, food with low glycemic index should be preferred.
- We need to go out into the sun as much as possible.
- We need to apply little but frequent meals, such as 3 main and 2 in between.
- Exercise whether its summer or winter. Exercise 3-4 days a week, up to 45 minutes each.
- Daily water consumption should always met.
- Protein foods instead of carbohydrates should be given priority.
- Sleeping patterns should be balanced.
- A balanced diet should be given priority.
- Food should not be consumed before going to bed, midnight hunger should be suppressed with healthy snacks.
- Fruits and vegetables with vitamin C should be consumed.
- The consumption of pulpy foods should be emphasized.
- Foods such as potatoes, eggs, fish oil and cheese with vitamin D should be consumed.
- Carbohydrate and sugar intake should be from healthy foods.
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