As we enter the winter season, some of us will inevitably
end up putting on a few pounds. Like badgers, we sometimes have a tendency to
eat like we are preparing for hibernation. The result is that at the end of the
season we have put on weight.
You really cannot be blamed for wanting to eat more during
winter. It’s actually quite normal for you to feel hungrier during the cold
season as the body temperature drops and stimulates your appetite. Eating
generates heat and helps the body stay warm; thirty to sixty minutes after a
meal, you body generates ten percent more warmth than if your stomach were
empty. The process is referred to as thermogenesis.
However, this does not mean that you burn extra calories in winter; you do not
need more calories in winter unless you get so cold that you actually begin to
shiver.
The first step to eating well during winter is therefore to
make sure that you stay warm. Staying warm ensures that you do not trigger the
biological process in your body that lead to hunger. Wear warm clothing and
when you go out cover your head because most body heat is lost via the head.
The next thing you need to do is to watch what and how you eat. The following
is a winter guide – a road map to help you stay away from overindulgence this
winter.
Plan In Advance
Before winter begins, cut down on your calories
significantly to give you more calories to consume during winter. This concept
is known as a calorie bank but you
can only use it so much.
Limit Party Food
During the holiday season, make it a point never to go to a
party on an empty stomach. This will prevent you from bingeing on unhealthy
party food. Have a fruit snack or non fat yoghurt before you attend any party.
It is a good idea to carry some low fat food of your own to the party and share
it with the other guests. That way you determine what you eat.
Be In Control of Your
Environment
As women we sometimes find ourselves munching on something
unconsciously. It could be a favorite cookie or some other high calorie snack.
Be in control and aware of your surroundings at all times. Hide candy gifts and
cookies from sight as soon as you receive them so that you are not tempted.
Eat Slowly
When eating, deliberately chew slowly and savor every taste.
Dieticians say that this is a good way to reduce the feeling of hunger as you
eat and that you actually end up eating less per sitting than if you inhaled
your food.
Stay Away From
Alcohol
Alcohol consumption during winter is bad because it
stimulates your appetite. Even worse is the fact that it reduces your will
power. The more you get foggy the harder it will be stay away from bingeing.
Keep your consumption to the equivalent of a wine glass daily or avoid it
altogether.
Exercise
The winter season should not stop or slow down your workout
program. Exercise will burn the extra calories you may invariably consume
during winter.
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