Why You're So Hungry Over The Winter

Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to stay on track with a healthy lifestyle over the summer than the winter? Are you dragging, starving, and sluggish as the cold rolls in?

There may be an evolutionary reason for this.

A few studies pointed to increases in caloric intake in the winter. The participants reported that they were still hungry after their meals, even though they ate larger meals during that time. In fact, participants ate more calories per day in the fall than in the spring, with a increases of about two to four points in the winter versus the summer.

Suppression of satiety mechanisms, the brain stuff that makes you feel full, may be the culprit. Our circadian rhythm may also prompt us to eat faster in the winter, while we have less light, than in the summer. Of course, holiday eating habits doesn't help!

How do you fight the over-eating urge?

• Eat slowly and mindfully
• Fill up on protein, not carbs. It'll last longer! 
• Watch the grazing.
• Get into the light more.
• Keep up with your exercise regimen. 

Just sticking to a routine over the winter and not hitting a cold weather funk can be a huge step in keep winter calories down.