Pumpkin spice lattes, Halloween candy, Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas cookies, and New Years Eve champagne make for a fattening, sugar-filled Fall and Winter. With these tempting foods and cold weather also comes midterms, finals, and family craziness that may make some of us turn to our comfort foods. Lawrence J. Cheskin, MD founder of Johns Hopkins Weight Management Canter states, “Although seasonal weight gain varies from person to person, there have been surveys that show an average of five to seven pound gain in weight in winter.”
Individual differences account for why this weight gain occurs. One reason may be because of seasonal affective disorder, clinical depression provoked by winter’s short days with limited sunlight. Although only a small percentage of people actually develop this disorder, it can lead to overeating. For most people, however, winter weight gain is the result of reduced exercise and increased eating, or “hibernation theory” says Cheskin. As the temperature cools down, layer on those clothes, but beware of an extra layer around your tummy.
The sun will start setting earlier but don’t let early-ending days fool your body. When classes are over for the day, grab a snack and head straight to the gym before it’s pitch black outside and the walk to ARC becomes a walk through the Arctic. Create a weekly workout schedule for yourself that includes a variety of exercises so you do not get bored with your workout. This will help keep you motivated and train your body to be in “workout-mode” at the times you want.
Remember that you can still enjoy those holiday treats too. Allowing yourself one cheat meal is okay once a week as long as you don’t allow that meal to throw off your entire eating and workout regimen. If you stick to a healthy diet and regular exercise throughout the week, having one cheat meal will not make you gain 10 pounds. Eating like this will not allow you to lose weight, however, you will be able to maintain your current weight.
Stay true to your workout schedule and diet and you’ll be able to enjoy all of the holiday treats without feeling guilty. Your body will be thanking you when spring break rolls around and it’s time to shed those winter layers. So, cheers to happy holidays and happy, healthy eating!