Winter Hunger

As the snow accumulates and you hit the pantry for yet another snack this winter, stop and think why it is that you are feeling so hungry. It's common knowledge that we eat more in the winter, but why?!! Well, it goes back to our early ancestors...like some many things do....and involves several explanations.

1. Body fat helps insulate the body, and in the cold winter months, the body needs more insulation. So, we are programmed to be hungrier as the temperature drops. Fortunately, these days, most people have access to heated homes and offices and also......fleece. So, we don't really need that extra insulation, do we?

2. In the winter months, people tend to stay inside more often and the sun is out for a shorter amount of time each day. Because of this, your Vitamin D stores are decreased. Via a long chain of sciencey reactions, vitamin D effects the production of leptin. Leptin is a hormone that is involved in appetite. So, its possible that increased hunger and excess weight gain is due to lowered vitamin D levels.

3. Digestion slightly increases body temperature. So, its also possible that you are subconsciously grabbing that Butterfinger in an attempt to increase your core temperature.

So, what can you do? Here is a list of things to do this winter to prevent unnecessary overeating!

• Stay warm, load up on an extra sweater to prevent getting cold and wanting to eat
• Drink warm, low calorie beverages like hot tea
• Avoid cold drinks
• Increase your intake of vitamin D rich foods (fatty fish like salmon, canned tuna, low fat milk, fortified breakfast cereals, and mushrooms)
• Stay active. Being sedentary increases the urge to eat!

So stay warm, and get out of the pantry!!!