Why are we hungrier in winter?
JOBURG – A well-balanced breakfast each morning can keep the unwanted kilos at bay.
Studies have shown that, as outdoor temperatures drop, the body temperature drops and that sets up a longing for food that will warm you the quickest.
Registered dietician Kelly Francis said surviving the cold months was about swerving past the junk food we crave and opting for healthy, balanced carbohydrates, which will help our increasing appetites.
According to Francis, while for some its falling temperatures that sets appetites in motion, for others, it’s the decrease in sunlight and an onset of Seasonal Affective Disorder or Sad, which is a type of depression caused by a decrease in light exposure. The disorder mainly occurs in winter but disappears as the days get longer in spring and summer. Those who suffer from Sad seek quick sources of serotonin which come from carb-heavy meals.
“Carbohydrate-rich foods give us a serotonin boost, so for many people, acting on winter food cravings provides us with a sense of relaxation and comfort,” continued Francis.
According to the dietician, five children in South Africa go to school without breakfast and it has a direct impact on their growth and development. Winter temperatures also further increase their ability to fight off illness, meaning more pupils get sick and miss school in the winter months.
Kellogg’s South Africa launched a Breakfasts for Better Days initiative which promotes the importance of staying healthy and provides children across the country with a balanced breakfast.
“Although the colder mornings may be a struggle, it is important that growing children fuel their days the right way,” said Francis.
“Our hunger increases in winter because we associate warmth with comfort and, for many, sunlight with overall happiness.”
Francis said it was important to take the time each morning for a warm, carbohydrate-rich breakfast which helped make one feel fuller for longer and provide the energy needed to make the most of every day.
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