They are often referred to as the winter blues. It happens to many us. After the winter season excitement has worn off and we are left with the drab, short days of winter. All we want to do is stay inside and stay in bed. Getting up and getting ready to face the cold seems more and more like a chore until Spring rolls around. This is especially true when the winter weather lingers into what is supposed to be a period of warming. Experts refer to this as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. It is a form of depression that occurs during the winter months. It can have similar effects on your body as depression as well.
Ever wonder why you gain weight during the winter? SAD may be to blame. Similar to depression a side effect of SAD is craving those “comfort foods” which consist of sugary, carbohydrate laden foods. They fill us up, warm us up, remind us of simpler days, and are often easy to reach for. It’s easy to turn to these seasonal treats. Unfortunately it is also easy to put our active lives on hold to stay inside and under the covers. This increased appetite and lack of energy can have a negative effect on the waistline.
The best way to get out of your winter rut and get back on track is to just get out. Get out of bed, get out of your lounge clothes, and get out of the house. Start moving. Go for a walk or go for a drive. Being in different surroundings can help boost your mood. Start exercising to avoid winter weight gain. If the weather is too frightful to workout outside; try going to the gym or using work out DVDs at home.
Eat and eat well. No one is telling you to starve yourself during the winter but be mindful of what you are consuming. Writing down what you eat in a food journal may help you recognize your weaknesses when it comes to food so you can keep those items out of your home. Try turning to mood inducing foods as opposed to the sugary carbohydrate heavy foods you normally turn to for comfort. Some examples of “happy” foods include:
. Green beans
. Ginseng tea
. Tofu
. Butternut squash
. Red snapper
. Chocolate
. Grapefruit
. Wheat
. Sesame seeds.
. Goat's milk
. Butter beans
. Cottage cheese
. Portobello mushrooms
. Cauliflower
. Lentils
. Oranges
. Tuna
. Parsley
. Hummus
. Carrots
. Halibut
. Walnuts
. Cod
. Kelp
. Sweetcorn
Returning to a healthy lifestyle should help you feel happier in no time.
References:
Seasonal Depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder) http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/seasonal-affective-disorder
How to prevent Winter Weight Gain http://www.prevention.com/prevent/how-how-prevent-winter-weight-gain-0
Seasonal Affective Disorder and Light therapy http://www.ncpamd.com/seasonal.htm
Foods to help you feel better http://www.webmd.com/depression/features/foods-feel-better
29 foods that make you happy http://menshealth.intoday.in/story/29-Foods-that-make-you-happy/0/2839.html
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