Stepping on a scale can be as unpleasant as this frigid winter weather.
Maybe you gained weight over the holidays.
But could there be other reasons you’re adding pounds as the temperature drops?
Some dietitian say yes.
“It gets dark out sooner. There is less sunlight,” Dietitian Marta Wright said.
Less sun exposure can lead to a drop in serotonin. This can impact your mood and the foods choices you make.
“If you grab chips or just plain crackers. They are not going to make you feel as good. The whole grains, beans, sweet potatoes. Things like that. They are going to make you feel better,” Wright said.
Good carbs that will make you feel fuller, longer. Dietitians say also focus on fresh produce. Vegetables like peppers and asparagus. Fruits like apples or clementines.
“If you can’t get the fresh foods. I would go with the frozen variety of foods. Rather than the canned. Canned will have a lot of preservatives, a lot of sodium,” Wright said.
Probiotics will help your immune system.
“Yogurt is a good thing. If you don’t like yogurt, you can take probiotic in a pill form,” Wright said.
Vitamin c will also give you the boost you need. Wash it down with a warm cup of green tea, rich in antioxidants.
If you love hot chocolate, wright says choose sugar free. Even a little coffee a day isn’t necessarily a bad thing. All in moderation.
“When you feel like you’re hungry, ask yourself, “am i really hungry. Am I thirsty? Am I hungry or am I bored? Are you just looking for something to do?” Wright said.