Hunger in the cold: how to stop eating a lot in the fall and winter?

If, with the onset of a cold snap, you notice that your appetite has become uncontrollable, and feet continually go to the kitchen, know that you are not alone. Although at this time we spend most of the time in warm rooms, many still feel unusually hungry.

Why do you always want to eat in cold weather?

In fact, everything is quite simple ... As the temperature of the environment decreases, the speed of our metabolism rises, which, as it were, warms us from within. Thus, the body maintains its own temperature at the level necessary for its full functioning. And for this he naturally needs "extra fuel", that is, food. So, in the cold our brain generates an impulse more often than usual that we must eat, which makes us go to the refrigerator. If we do not satisfy this request, then the body simply burns its own stores of fat. Interesting fact: some wrestlers working to reduce the percentage of subcutaneous fat add to their sleep regimen at cool temperatures, believing that this helps to make their body even more embossed. Accordingly, with warming, and even when we are sick and the temperature of our body is increased, the appetite decreases markedly or disappears altogether.

By the way, according to the same theory, vegetarianism, as a rule, is better suited to the inhabitants of warm countries, but in Belarus, because of seasonal cooling, the body needs food more often, helping to generate "internal heat", such as, for example, animal protein.

There are other mini-theories about the causes of insatiable appetite in autumn and winter. One of them, for example, says that the reduction of the light day stimulates the instinct that was transmitted to us from the ancient ancestors, which makes us more often "go in search of food" and eat it as quickly as possible. Another theory says that we simply do not have enough sunlight, which makes the mood unimportant, and sometimes the seasonal spleen also develops. Lack of hormones of joy in this case, we compensate for frequent snacks, as a rule, high-carbohydrate food. So, what are the ways to curb the increased appetite in the cold season?

1. In the morning, charge coffee and butter

If you have not heard about the popular American movement Bulletproof, then the words "coffee with butter" you could at least greatly surprise. In fact, it is a mix of freshly brewed coffee with one tablespoon of butter and one teaspoon of coconut oil, whipped in a blender. It has many useful properties, among which is help in controlling the appetite. Having drunk this morning, there is no need for a good two or three hours. And this is confirmed scientifically: both coffee and coconut oil can reduce appetite.

1. Drink warming liquids

Chinese medicine does not recommend drinking cold drinks in cold weather. Instead, during the day, it is suggested to drink warm (or at least room temperature) water with lemon and herbal teas. In addition to the warming effect, abundant drink will help reduce the flared appetite - this is sure science itself.

1. Practice mindfulness while eating

Make each of your meals a kind of meditation. Eat slowly, without being distracted by mobile devices and TV. Pay attention to the tints of taste, the shape and color of the food. With deep awareness, take in a portion of nutritious and warm food. Be grateful for this is not all available opportunity. You will notice how your emotions calm down, and the brain will clearly record saturation. And this will teach you to focus on the quality of food, rather than on its quantity.

1. Dress your self for the weather (even at home)

Such a seemingly obvious, but still very urgent reminder for many. With the onset of cold weather, do not freeze! And especially warm your neck and legs.