Expert approved ways to avoid winter weight gain

While winters are about the festive season, the New Year and cute hoodies for a lot of us, they also bring along with them a lot of food cravings, festive treats and an urge to stay warm-either to stay in one’s blanket or treat yourself to a nice hot dessert. Since food burns down to give us energy and keeps us warm by releasing heat in the body, winters are characterized by increased appetite and a need for insulation which is fulfilled by the consumption of fats. Fat provides insulation to the body and consuming them in winters is not just satisfying for the taste buds but also comforts the body.

The basics of weight loss include a good diet and exercise. A healthy and balanced diet that is not fattening, when combined with a regular exercise schedule leads to the achievement of a calorie deficit. It simply means that we consume fewer calories than we burn and because of this, we end up losing weight. However, in winters the calorie deficit becomes difficult to achieve. The weather conditions that lead to reduced temperatures and shorter days lead to more consumption and less time for exercise which means more calorie consumption as compared to the amount burnt. This facilitates weight gain and the need to comfort one through foods and beverages that are high in calories contributes to this even more.

Nutritionists and dieticians have pointed out that laziness is another factor that contributes to winter weight gain. In winters, going out for a walk becomes a herculean task and we tend to procrastinate and that leads to a lot of extra kilograms and inches over time.

Tailoring your calorie intake according to your weight loss routine is a very important thing to do if you want to achieve a target weight. Deducting 500 kcal from the total calorie requirement of an individual is imperative for maintaining a healthy weight and body. If you need 1500 kcal every day, then settling for 1000 kcal will do the trick for you.

Achieving a calorie deficit might be tough in winters. So it is not advisable to cut too many calories and starve or restrict yourself. Reducing too many calories might lead to lethargy, sluggishness and reduced energy levels which would then hamper other important things that you need to do throughout the day. Cutting 500 kcal from your diet will help you strike the perfect balance that will aid weight loss and not put yourself out of ease. Moderate exercise and a regulated diet will do wonders for you even during winters if you keep all these factors in mind.