FOOD IN WINTER

Food in Winter

Winter  often makes us fat. Every winter we gain a few kilos. For most people, the hard-to-lose pounds come later. We know that  we are more likely to gain weight in the winter and that in the spring and summer we waste time trying to lose the kilos that we weigh more than we should.What is the purpose of this phenomenon?  There is no logical explanation to sufficiently prove the winter weight gain theory, but there are some possible causes that could be the cause.   

Genetic predisposition 

It is possible that our genes are programmed to consume more high-fat foods and more alcohol during cold seasons. A likely explanation is that our ancestors needed a significant amount of fat in their bodies to survive  these periods, and that this amount served as "fuel" to combat the cold.  Scientists say  we inherited these genes and  with them the need to eat high-fat foods in  winters.   

Levels of Certain Hormones

The  interaction of various chemicals and hormones in the human brain can lead to differences in appetite and food intake.Some neurotransmitters, substances that  transmit information from one nerve cell to another, can influence our diet. When the levels of these neurotransmitters are low (a phenomenon often observed in overweight people), it can lead to persistent food cravings and  have a great impact on our mental state (increased depression, causing sleep disorders).  Some people often feel depressed in winter due to the  shorter days. Our bodies respond to depression by producing more neurotransmitters. Another way to combat depression is to eat foods rich in carbohydrates. 

Unfortunately, foods containing carbohydrates (chips, cookies and cakes, chocolate) also contain fat, so  excessive consumption over a long period of time will certainly lead to weight problems. 

The solution

 Be sure you eat foods rich in carbohydrates and fiber to fight depression and not struggle with extra pounds.   

Lack of Exercise – It is obvious that physical activity in winter is not very pleasant compared to the freedom of movement that summer offers. However, in winter  you shouldn't give up sport because of cold, rain or snow. This seems to be the main reason for weight problems in winter: we have a lot of calories in our body but  never convert them into energy because we don't do physical activity, so  they increase our weight naturally.