Winter Weight Loss
Written by Chicagohealers.com practitioner Dr. Tom Bayne, DC–
Winter is the time of year when the cold weather changes our biology and our mood and the end result is weight gain. Many doctors believe that humans are genetically programmed to gain weight in the winter as a way of insulating us from the elements. The short dark days of winter also create chemical and emotional changes that lead to feelings of sadness, depression and weight gain. Whether it is physiological or emotional is up for debate, but the fact is for many people winter weight gain is real. Here are a few ideas to keep your mood up and the weight off:
- Get 20 minutes of exercise per day! The increased blood flow and endorphin release will keep your mood balanced while you burn fat.
The short, cold days of winter cause many people to crave high fat comfort foods. Eating meals that are high in fat and calories leads to weight gain and mood imbalances. Make a point to graze during the winter. Choose 5 small meals to the traditional 3 large meals. Vegetables should make up the largest percentage of your meals. Follow this simple rule to keep off unwanted pounds.
Combining exercise with sensible eating can help you keep off unwanted winter weight gain, and even help lose weight during the winter months. People who lose weight during the winter have the added benefit of a healthy metabolism which should continue the fat burning during the spring and summer months.
New Year’s is a great time to make a healthy commitment to yourself. Grab a friend or loved one to keep you focused on your eating and exercise goals.
Teach your children healthy eating and exercise tips! It is never too early to educate your children on the importance of healthy eating and exercise. Find fun activities for the family to keep everyone off the couch.
Make sure you are getting your D! vitamin D levels plummet during the winter months due to the decreased sunshine. Scientists are uncertain if vitamin d deficiency leads to obesity or if obesity causes vitamin d deficiency. Fact is weight gain and vitamin D deficiencies are correlated. Research shows that 30-50% of all children and adults are vitamin D deficient. It is recommended that serum vitamin D levels be tested first before supplementing.
5-HTP supplementation during the winter months can elevate serotonin levels to keep your mood up and your weight down.
Winter weight gain is not an urban myth. Make a commitment to your health and keep the pounds off and your mood up.
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ChicagoHealers.com mission is the education and advocacy of natural medicine and a holistic lifestyle. Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/winter-weight-loss-1616762.html
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http://www.chicagohealers.com/2009/12/winter-weight-loss/
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