Winter weight gain has been a common complaint of many people. It seems that every winter we add a few pounds. But the downside to this is that come summer we don't lose them all. Obviously with time this adds up. As few of these pounds stick around they are making us a little heavier every year. What is even worse is that it seems to be very hard to lose these extra winter pounds. Why does this happen and what can we do?
There seems to be several contributing factors. First, it seems likely that we have a natural genetic inclination to store more fat as winter approaches. Many animals do this and it was probably vital to survival for our ancestors. Extra layers of adipose tissue on the body protect us against the cold. It is then used as fuel in the late winter and early spring when food stocks would historically be very low due to the now melting frost. Equally important we probably have a tendency to eat more in the fall, when food is plentiful after harvest time, to help this process along. An we may also unconsciously tend to choose fatty foods at this time.
Another likely reason for this seasonal weight gain is the influence of hormones in our body. The flactuations of hormones and other chemicals in the brain can result to variations in appetite and cravings. Some neurotransmitters can also influence the way we eat.
Overweight individuals often have low levels of these neurotransmitters and the results can include excessive appetite, depression and sleep disorders. At the same time, the lack of daylight caused by the shortening days during late fall and winter can bring on seasonally affected disorder or winter depression. An effective way to give a boost to the energy levels and emotions is to eat high carbohydrate foods including sugar treats like chips, cookies and cereals that give us a fast blood sugar 'fix'.
Generally the people that feel low in the winter will tend to overeat or eat the wrong foods due to this seasonally induced depression, leading to weight gain. This weight gained may then lead to more depression statring a vicious cycle that is hard to break.
Evidently there are many reasons why we eat more high carbohydrate foods such as cookies, pies and chocolate in the winte. Not to mention that most of these foods also contain high levels of fats. The best way to handle this is generally to substitute the highly fattening foods with other similar foods that are also high in carbohydrate so that we get what our body craves, but which have low fat content and plenty of fiber. This means potatoes, wholegrain bread without butter, wholegrain rice, cereals, and fresh whole fruit.
And not to forget, we need to include exercises inspite of the chills. Often our physical activity levels drop in the winter and we have a tendency to want to stay home and rest. Though natural, we should realise we are not cavemen. We have heating in our homes and can be sure that there will still be plenty of food in the stores come February. So we do not need to build up body fat the way that they did. Get some exercises by signing up with a gym or get a stationary bicycle for optional inhouse training. Burn those carbs into energy now instead of keeping them on you until spring in preparation for your swimwear. You can easily avoid Winter weight gain this way.
Weight Gain Before And After
You’re mature. You’re confident. You’re fat. Okay, maybe you’re not fat, but weight is starting to accumulate around your mid-section and no matter what you do, it’s not going away. You’ve cut your caloric intake, you’ve started doing stomach crunches, you’re parking further away from the entrance at work and you’ve even started taking walks through your neighborhood to burn some calories and lose this additional weight. Still, the pile of mush that overlaps your waistband remains. It’s ugly and it jiggles, but it loves you and it’s going nowhere. Why? These remedies worked just fine when you were younger, but they’re not quite as effective now that you’re approaching menopause.
There’s a very good reason for the stubborn weight surrounding your abdomen. As a matter of fact, this explanation is quite simple – it’s your hormones. I know they’ve caused numerous problems for you from the day you started menstruating, but your hormones are not quite finished wreaking havoc just yet. You see, as you approach menopause your hormone levels have begun to decline drastically, thus causing the weight gain you’re now experiencing. Many women become complacent and accept this gain in weight as just a normal part of the aging process. While this is certainly an option, it’s not the only avenue that can – or should – be taken.
It’s inevitable – every woman approaching menopause is going to experience symptoms associated with declining hormone levels. As a matter of fact, the decrease in your estrogen level plays a significant role in the weight gain you’re now noticing. You see, estrogen is the hormone which is responsible for causing monthly ovulation. Obviously, as you enter the menopausal years your estrogen level decreases, thus causing your body to eventually cease ovulating. Since your body is producing less estrogen it’s only natural that it will look for other places from where to get needed estrogen. It just so happens that fat cells in your body are capable of producing estrogen, therefore, your body works harder to convert calories into fat to increase estrogen levels.
Unfortunately, you’ll also experience a decrease in your level of testosterone. Why is this unfortunate? Well, testosterone is the hormone that helps your body to create lean muscle mass out of the calories you consume. As you may know, muscle burns more calories than fat cells do, which will contribute to increased metabolism. Obviously, your body burns more calories with a higher metabolic rate.
With the combination of a decrease in estrogen and testosterone levels working against you, you’re now faced with a body determined to be a walking pile of fat. Is it the end of the world? Must you accept this terrible fate bestowed upon you? Absolutely not. Now that you know what’s taking place inside your body, you’re armed and ready with the tools you need to combat these changes, right? You’re well aware of the significant role muscle plays to burn calories, so if you want to be lean and toned you’ll need to build muscle to help your body burn calories.
You’ll benefit tremendously by committing to a regular exercise regimen, which includes weight training to lose the extra weight you’ve gained. It’s not rocket science; it’s simple common sense – build muscle, burn calories and keep the weight off. By making a few simple lifestyle changes you will reduce many of the menopausal symptoms you’re experiencing and you’ll begin to feel beautiful, youthful and energized once again.
Both Mark Kimathi & Susan Megge are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Mark Kimathi has sinced written about articles on various topics from Soccer, Lose Weight and Site promotion. More on weight loss and related topics like fat & obesity stories and. Mark Kimathi's top article generates over 18100 views. Bookmark Mark Kimathi to your Favourites.
Susan Megge has sinced written about articles on various topics from Lose Weight, Woman Menopause and Debt Reductions. Susan Megge founded http://www.40isbeautiful.com to assist women with issues related to menopause, such as weight gain, hot flashes, mood swings, etc. Susan Megge is th. Susan Megge's top article generates over 40500 views. Bookmark Susan Megge to your Favourites.
