Do you often find yourself craving comfort foods like mashed potatoes, creamy lasagna, or rich curries when it’s cold out?
Well, nutritionist Sherry Sheldon sheds light on why (and what you can do about it).
Why Your Body Really Craves Carbs When It’s Cold (And What You Can Do About It)
As winter approaches, the days get shorter and the sunlight less, the body craves that extra load of carbohydrates to help make up for the lack of serotonin levels in the body during the colder months.
“When there is less sunlight your vitamin D levels go down and that means your serotonin levels go down too which means your body is reaching for carbohydrate rich foods to help raise insulin levels,” says health nutritionist Sherry Sheldon.
“When you consume carbohydrate-rich foods such as mashed potatoes or creamy lasagna, insulin levels rise and the body temporarily feels full.,” she adds.
“But this can lead to a vicious cycle where your insulin levels spike and subsequently drop, and you’ll crave more carbs to keep your energy levels up.Sherry warns.
But as much as you feel the urge to indulge in carbohydrate-rich foods, it can potentially derail you in your weight loss journey.
Stress is not though there are a few Simple tricks you can use to stop yourself from gorging on the macaroni and cheese you’re so craving.
Note: Luckily, the Healthy Mummy app is chock-full of healthy versions of comfort foods — like delicious stovetop lasagna! Check out the application here
Sherry must have tips!
According to Cherry, one trick you can use is to replace the water with a hot herbal tea to keep you from getting cold.
“When you’re warm and toasty, you’re less likely to crave those carbohydrate-rich foodsSherry says.
Another top tip Sherry suggests is to eat thick soups that are healthy, nutritious, full of fiber, and packed with vegetables..
“If your hot soup Full of nutritious ingredients, you’re more likely to feel full and won’t feel the need to reach for those hot potatoesSherry says.
For some delicious soup recipes, head out 28 days weight loss challenge app, Open the recipe tab and type SOUP in the search bar.
In winter, you are also more likely to indulge in sweets, especially in the afternoons when you feel low on energy.
“Try a bland, healthy hot chocolate to curb afternoon sweet cravingsSherry says.
You can try our health Warm winter juice It’s full of nourishing ingredients and won’t pile on the pounds.
Another tip Cheree suggests is to eat a hot lunch to help keep you warm and full.
“If you have a sandwich, just toast it and you’ll find yourself feeling more full than eating it coldSherry says.
Great tips Sherry.
9 ways to get rid of belly fat in winter
Need some healthy food inspiration? You should definitely check it out 28 day weight loss challenge Recipe center for more than 4000 delicious recipes!
Here at The Healthy Mummy, we’re all about helping moms lose weight and get healthy. our 28 day weight loss challenge It contains over 4,000 healthy, family-friendly recipes, over 350 exercises, and 24/7 support from other moms to help you achieve your goals.
Learn more about the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge (including meal plans and monthly themes) click here.
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