Saturday, January 22, 2011

Stopping Winter Weight Gain - Why Do I Gain Weight in the Winter and What Can I Do to Avoid It

When it comes to gaining weight most people will tell you that it happens the most in the winter time. In fact winter weight gain is the most common way people wind up adding a few extra pounds to their frames.
For a lot of people no matter what they do they just cannot win the battle and every winter they wind up packing on a few pounds. As we get older it seems that we can never quite lose all that we gained which makes weigh a little more each year.
If you are one of these people you are probably wondering why do i gain weight every winter and what can i do to stop it, or at least keep it to a minimum!
First off no matter what you do your body will adapt to the cold and will have a tendency to store more fat cells in order to insulate itself, its a basic survival mechanism. This happens to both people and animals alike.
Also the holidays come in the fall and winter, holidays that are always celebrated with rich hearty foods. Think about it it seems no matter where you turn you see cookies, candy and other fatty foods from Halloween to new years. The availability of these foods often makes us subconsciously want them or other fatty foods!
Another contributing factor that is often overlooked is your bodies hormones.Hormones can do crazy things to your body and your brain and make food cravings take over your better judgment.
It is also thought that the neurotransmitters in our brains can influence or appetites and food cravings. In studies it has been found that overweight and obese people of ten have a reduce number of neurotransmitters that can lead to over eating, being depressed and difficulty sleeping.
The shorter days and longer periods of darkness can also lead to winter depression and possible over eating or eating out of boredom. To combat the winter blues many people without realizing it turn to "comfort food" that are often high carbohydrate, high sugar fat filled foods. Foods like chips, cookies and snacks in this group can give you a quick sugar rush that makes you fee temporarily better.
This is a vicious circle to be in, you feel bad so you eat. Then you feel bad because you ate and end up eating more!! Put all those factors together and you can see why winter weight gain is so common and such a big problem for so many people in the world!
How Can I Avoid Gaining Weight In Winter
One proven way to limit or avoid the extra pounds is to be aware of what yo put in your mouth. And if yo must have carbs try and eat some good carbs instead of bad ones. Try eating a potato, some buttered whole grain bread or fruit over cookies and pies.
You must also try and stay active in the winter months and not turn into a couch potato. Lack of physical activity is very common during the long cold days and nights when most people stay inside.
But this can easily be avoided by either joining a health club or buying a piece of exercise equipment for your home. You do not have to over do it either, just a few 20-30 minute workouts a week will go along way in keeping your winter weight gain at bay.

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