6 Reasons You Feel Very Hungry During Winter

Humans feel hungrier in winter than at other times of the year because as temperatures drop, your body has to work harder to keep you warm. This can increase your appetite and make you eat more.

Below are six great reasons you may feel hungrier in the winter and how to avoid putting on extra pounds.

Why you feel hungry in the winter

1.Evolutionary changes:

Some scientists claim that increased hunger during the colder months is all because of evolutionary biology. Before the advent of civilization, a cold meant the possibility of death due to the scarcity of food and a higher likelihood of hypothermia.

To deal with this, the human body is designed to crave richer, fattier foods that can provide more fuel during colder weather.

2.Hormonal changes

When the days get shorter and the nights get longer, it affects the brain chemistry, causing you to experience imbalances in your hunger and satiety hormones (leptin and ghrelin).

3.Desire for comfort

Many people have to endure mood swings during the winter. Dealing with cold, especially alone,  can make you crave warm, heavy comfort foods such as stews, mashed potatoes, and mac and cheese.

4.Seasonal affective disorder

Winter does not let the sun shine through and reduced sunlight lowers serotonin levels in the brain, which are mood-boosting neurotransmitters. However carb-rich foods give you a serotonin rush, so eating more may be your body’s way of trying to combat seasonal depression.

5.Vitamin D insufficiency

Lack of sunlight causes vitamin D deficiency, which can make you feel hungrier. Quite a number of recent studies have reported that people deficient in vitamin D have a tendency to succumb to binging episodes.

6.Boredom

Winter weather sometimes means you can’t leave indoors and that doesn’t leave much to do. Some people simply eat more in the winter because they are bored.

Curbing your winter hunger

• Stay hydrated: Consuming plenty of water throughout the day can help you keep cravings at bay, and eat less during mealtimes.
• Keep warm: Keep your room at a comfortable temperature, don’t forget to wear layers, and take hot baths to stay warm.
• Get moving: Inactivity makes your appetite increase due to a drop in body temperature. Try exercising or even stretching to keep your body moving and warm.
• Eat healthy: Maintain a balanced diet of whole grains, lean protein, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Lean proteins and omega-3 fatty acids can help keep you feeling fuller for longer than carb-heavy meals like pasta.

• Take vitamin supplements: Studies report that vitamins B and C may help curb your appetite. Talk to your doctor before starting a supplement regimen.