Winter weight gain is a recurring problem for many people, particularly as we get older. I’m sure you are familiar with the theory that we are genetically predisposed to store more fat as winter approaches.  Extra layers of fat on the body were probably vital to survival for our ancestors, both to protect against the cold, then to be used as fuel in the late winter and early spring when food was scarce.  It was probably wise to eat more after harvest time in the fall, when food was plentiful. 

Yet even today, long after we have moved out of rough fur clothing and caves, we seem to add a few pounds every winter, then we don’t lose them all in the summer – a few of those unwanted pounds always stick around. They seem to be very hard to lose, thus making us a little heavier every year.  Why does this continue to happen?

 Do you want to hear MY theory?  Winter weight gain is now not so much the result of a necessity to eat more as it is a result of our tradition to eat more this time of year.  In many parts of the world fall brings cooler weather and some of our favorite holidays – food and drink oriented holidays – both of which trigger an urge in us to eat more and exercise less.   These triggers are as strong for us as gorging before hibernation is to a bear!
 
On top of that, the shorter days and lack of daylight during late fall and winter can bring on seasonally affected disorder(SAD) or winter depression.  People who feel low in the winter will tend to overeat or eat the wrong foods, leading to weight gain, more depression and a vicious cycle that is hard to break.
 
High carbohydrate foods boost our energy levels and emotions, so we crave foods high is sugar that also contain high levels of fats – all those handy holiday cookies, pies, chocolate and other treats which face us at every turn in the winter.  So there are many reasons why we eat more, especially high carbohydrate foods, at this time of year.

But what can you do about it?  The two best ways to prevent winter weight gain are:  1)substitute other foods that are high in carbohydrate, so you get what your body craves, but which are low in fat content and have plenty of fiber, and 2)watch your portions.  Have smaller, more frequent mini-meals that include potatoes, whole-grain bread, whole-grain rice, cereals, steamed vegetables, and fresh whole fruit.  Don’t completely deprive yourself of the holiday goodies…have just a small piece of rich dark chocolate, a tiny serving of pie, and a cookie here and there…just enough to satisfy your cravings.

It is natural when it is cold outside for our physical activity level to drop, but it is important to exercise.  Sign up with a gym or get a stationary bicycle or treadmill for the den. Transform those carbs into energy now instead of keeping it on the waistline until spring. Winter weight gain can be avoided, and the pounds don’t have to add up!