A cold winter day, a cosy blanket and a hot plate of food sound blissful. There is absolutely nothing else you need to make your winter day more relaxing and enjoyable.
But this comfort eating session can turn problematic for many when the numbers on their scale start increasing.
Why you gain weight in winters
Winter weight gain is a real thing, and several factors contribute to it. Firstly due to cold weather, the level of physical activity decreases, secondly our metabolism slows down, and thirdly we eat more than usual to stay warmer.
All these things make it challenging to stay in shape or even shed kilos in this season.
During winter, our biological system increases our urge to eat more. Many researches have proven that it’s a natural tendency to eat more during the cold weather.
Here are 6 food options that are mostly linked with weight gain and what you can do to manage your weight
1.Cookies
From the treats being passed around your office to the homemade snacks your family sends you during the holiday season, cookies are a major source of weight gain in the winter months.
Most cookies are made with refined flour and sugar, both of which result in an increase in blood sugar. This subsequently causes an increase in insulin which is a fat-storing hormone.
Guilt Free Sweet Fix Cookies for all Dieters
2.Cream-based soup
Winter without a hot bowl of soup is incomplete. It helps to curb untimely hunger, keeps you warmer and provides you with nutrients to fight cold. But if you opt for cream-based soup, then you are more likely to gain weight. We are not saying you should avoid soup, just make conscious choices.
Instead of creamy soup, have clear soup like tomato, vegetable, and bone broth soup. The cream increases the calorie count of the soup, making you gain weight.
Read more: gut healing turmeric cauliflower soup
3.Baked Pie
Whether you prefer pumpkin, apple, or pecan, pie is a high-calorie food that’s typically low in fiber or protein that might otherwise keep you full—meaning you might find yourself going back for seconds or even thirds.
While one slice here and there is unlikely causing you to gain weight, having too much of these sweet treats will show over time. If you do opt to indulge, Try to choose pies with natural added sugar.
4. Winter sweets
Gajar ka halwa, chikki, til laddo, gulab jamun and the delicious Christmas cake all are high in calories. So, you also need to be careful while consuming these winter delicacies.
It is not that you have to refrain from eating them, we only suggest being mindful about the quantity and frequency. It is easy to get swayed and consume dessert 2-3 times a day and regret it later. Have dessert once and in a limited quantity. Also, have a homemade dessert and try to use healthy ingredients to prepare it.
Try these Guilt-free winter indulgence
5.Stuffed Parathas
Hot stuffed parathas loaded with butter and paired with pickle or chutney is winter’s special treat.
It is easy to make and with so many varieties of veggies available in the season, the most preferred lunch or dinner option. You can stuff your parathas with potatoes, cauliflower, radish or carrot, all are equally tasty. But to make it healthy and manage your weight, you must be careful about the amount of ghee or butter you add to it.
Fat helps to keep you warm in winter, but taking in excess of it can make you gain weight. This should also be kept in mind when preparing sarson ka saag.
6. Coffee and Tea
What is winter without coffee and tea, right?
Sipping a warm cup of beverage keeps us warm and active in the cold and harsh weather.
Another fact is that it can contribute to weight gain if your choice of beverage is loaded with sugar and whole milk. We would suggest you limit your beverage intake to 2-3 cups a day and also swap your traditional cup of coffee and tea with herbal tea or black tea.
Herbal tea like lemongrass tea, hibiscus tea, green tea, oolong tea is rich in antioxidants and also have anti-inflammatory properties.They are low in calories and speed up your metabolism.
Try our Healthy Spiced Hot Chocolate To Keep You Warm This Winter
So, before binging, do not forget to face the consequences.
And if you’re ready to shed a few pounds, check out these Healthy ways to enjoy Christmas without putting on Weight
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