Ever wond
er how your climate affects the success or failure of your diet? Do dieters in colder climates experience body changes compared to their warm weather compatriots? Let’s examine it and use it as a tool for a more successful nutritional plan moving forward!
Why Are We Hungrier in the Winter?
Do you feel hungrier during the cold, winter months? If so, you’re not alone! Research conducted by the University of Massachusetts Medical School showed participants had a higher daily caloric intake during the winter months than the summer. The studies showed they ate about 200 calories more a day “beginning in the fall and when the days grew darker” than during the spring and summer. Cardiologist Ira Ockene says, “We are sensitive to light. This may prompt us to seek food and eat it faster.”
Another explanation may be due to the holiday ‘food grazing’ season. We have more opportunity to gather around big meals with friends and family. We eat pies and cakes, and opt for seconds on Aunt May’s turkey, stuffing and gravy. In addition, there’s less opportunity to play outdoors and exercise like usual.
What Happens to Our Diet in the Summer?
In the summer and high heat temperature weather, our metabolism slows down. Because your body doesn’t have to work as hard as it does in the cold, this allows you to eat lighter meals with fewer calories, Think about what you generally crave in triple digit temperatures: do you want a heavy casserole? It’s not likely, The heat helps us to avoid rich in carbs meals and instead, gravitate towards season rich vegetables and fruits.
Smart Dieting All Year Long
No matter how cold or hot of a climate you may live in, here’s some tips to stay on track with your diet. They’re simple to execute, easy to keep up:
∙ Fill up on fiber first. Fiber rich vegetables and fruit such as apples, raspberries, avocados and broccoli are all rich in fiber. When they’re in season eat up! Enjoy a stir-fry with quinoa and add plenty of greens to keep your waistline under control.
∙ Hydrate. Whether you’re dealing with the cold or heat, stay hydrated. You’ll keep your risk of heat stroke and weight gain at bay.
Climate can affect what you crave, and how much you eat but it doesn’t have to squander your weight loss or heath goals. This guide is meant to help keep you on track no matter what the climate dictates.
