With the winter here, it makes you want to stay under the covers, eat and sleep.
We seem to hibernate. Scientists say that our primitive instincts kick in and we feel the need to stock up on calories, much the way bears prepare for hibernation.
In addition to feeling hungrier at this time of year, our body becomes lazier to be able to store energy and keep the body warm.
Samantha Ginotti, a nutritionist at Western University, says that is definitely true that we gain more weight during this season.
“I think in Canada we are especially less active during this season, they are less chance to get outside and be moving of course because of the ice and the snow, so that can contribute to getting more weight.”
Because of the Holidays, Ginotti explains that the social gathering and larger meals, also contribute.
“We have been doing indulgent with our eating, and even in a busy schedule that contributes with an even less physical activity to those of us that try to maybe even get to the gym or exercise indoors.”
The thing is that is hard to maintain the same weight in seasons like this one. But it’s not just the past holidays that can keep you away for healthy meals.
If you make it a habit, the problem could be bigger than just gaining weight in the winter.
Our metabolisms increase in winter, meaning we require more food for the body’s extra energy demands.
So Ginotti gives some tips and says how to avoid the gain of weight.
“Try to eat more vegetables. Half of your plate with different kinds of it. And do not include a lot of dishes with vegetables.”
It seems that go to the gym is the last thing that pops on your mind during the winter.
But for Amanda Benetton, wasn’t like that.
She knew that something needed to change in her eating habits and also in the exercises, especially because she was experiencing low temperatures as we have in Canada, for the first time.
“I think food brings us comfort, especially because this winter is totally new for us and we do not have this temperature in our home country.”
In a short period, when she came to Canada, she got almost 20 pounds. So, she decided to do something new in her routine.
“I found a gym that was offering a challenge for people was intended to lose weight. And in a short period, a achieve my goal. It was a great experience for me, so hopefully, now I going to keep this number.”
There’s no need to stress if you’ve become “relaxed” about your diet and exercises in the colder months. Just try to gradually get back to a consistent workout routine that you enjoy because if you like it you are more likely to stick with it.
