The desire to eat more during the winter months is a common experience for many of us. Well, what lies behind this desire? What are the reasons?

Why in cold weather go to the refrigerator more often We?

We need energy to maintain body temperature.

When it gets colder in the winter months, our body has an essential job: to maintain internal temperature. The body spends more energy to maintain a constant temperature, increasing our energy needs. Especially when you are outside for a longer period of time, the body burns more calories and the desire to eat more to compensate for this loss increases.

Scientific research shows that maintaining body temperature in cold weather can speed up metabolism more energy shows that this can lead to the necessity

This process requires more energy sources such as carbohydrates and fat. body, especially by activating fat storage It is intended to protect against cold in the long term. This makes us eat more.

Reducing sunlight and serotonin levels are also effective.

The shorter days and less sunlight in winter also affect our mood. Sunlight, production of the happiness hormone serotonin However, during the winter months we cannot benefit from sufficient sunlight.

As a result, serotonin levels drop, which can lead to a bad mood and even depression “winter depression” It can cause seasonal affective disorder, also called seasonal affective disorder.

When serotonin levels drop, our brains work to close this gap. with carbohydrate cravings comes into play. Because carbohydrates have an effect on increasing the production of serotonin in the brain, we tend to eat more carbohydrate-rich foods such as pasta, bread and desserts, especially during the winter months.

In short: our brain To improve our mood He views these foods as if they were medicine.

We tend to store fat as a result of evolutionary adaptation.

If we look at human history, historically there have been winter months with famine and difficult living conditions is associated. During the evolutionary process, our ancestors tended to store fat in their bodies to survive the winter.

Because the human body needs more energy in cold months accumulate more fat It is programmed to store energy.

evolutionary adaptation, It remains effective in the modern world. Even if the supermarket shelves are full, nowadays it is not easy for our body to give up its old habits.

more in winter tendency to consume calories, Perhaps it is a reflection of our ancestors’ instinct to prepare for difficult circumstances.

Social and cultural factors must also be taken into account.

We can reduce the number of dinner events, especially in the heat of summer. Even if we do that, what we eat is still fresher. But on cold days Because we spend more time at home Dinners with family and friends are also increasing.

Cultural, hot dishes, soups and high-calorie food In winter it is indispensable.

Even some foods warm and satisfying It provides psychological relief and can also induce emotional eating behavior.

Physical activity decreases.

During the winter months, weather conditions often make exercising difficult. Outdoor walks or walks in the cold, rain or snow sporting activities are declining.

This ensures that we burn less energy and therefore our metabolism slows down slightly. During this period stay quiet Another factor that increases our desire to eat.

When we spend long hours at home and especially in front of the television, our desire to spend time with snacks increases. Because we move less we cannot spend our energy and thus the calories consumed are stored in the body.

Despite all this balanced and healthy diet If you pay close attention, it is possible to stay in shape while enjoying winter.

Have a nice and healthy winter!

Other content that may interest you: