Do you often find yourself craving heavy comfort foods such as mashed potatoes, a creamy lasagne or rich curries when it’s cold?
Well, Healthy Mummy Nutritionist Cheree Sheldon sheds light on WHY (and what you can do about it).
Why your body REALLY craves carbs when it’s cold (and what you can do about it)
As winter creeps in, the days become shorter and there’s less sunlight, the body craves that extra carb load to help compensate the lack of serotonin levels in the body during the colder months.
“When there is less sunlight, your vitamin D levels drop and this means your levels of serotonin also fall meaning your body reaches for carb dense foods to help raise insulin levels,” says Healthy Mummy nutritionist Cheree Sheldon.
“When you consume carb rich foods such as mashed potatoes or a creamy lasagne your insulin levels spike and the body feels temporarily satiated,” she adds.
“But this can lead to a vicious cycle as your insulin levels spike and later drop you’ll crave more carbs to keep your energy levels up,” Cheree warns.
But as much as you feel the need to indulge in carb dense foods, it’s probably going to take you off track on your weight loss journey.
Stress not though as there are a few simple tricks you can apply to keep yourself away from devouring that mac and cheese you so desperately crave.
Luckily The Healthy Mummy app is full of HEALHY versions of comfort food – like this yummy stovetop lasagne!
Cheree’s must have tips!
According to Cheree one trick you can use is to replace your water with a hot herbal tea to stop you feeling cold.
“When you feel warm and toasty you’re less likely to crave those carb dense foods,” says Cheree.
Another top tip Cheree suggests is to eat hearty healthy nutrient dense soups that a full of filling fibre and packed full of veggies.
“If you have a hot soup full of nutritious ingredients, you’re more likely to feel satiated and won’t feel the need to reach for those hot fries,” says Cheree.
For some delicious soup recipes, get out your 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge app, open up the recipe tab, and type in SOUP in the search bar.
In winter, you’re also more likely to want to indulge in sweet treats, especially in the afternoon when you feel your energy drop.
“Try a nice healthy hot chocolate to curb those afternoon cravings for a sweet treat,” says Cheree.
You can try our healthy winter warmer smoothie that’s packed full of nutritious ingredients and won’t pile on the kilos.
Another tip Cheree suggests is to have a hot lunch to help keep you warm and satiated.
“If you have a sandwich, simply toast it and you’ll find yourself feeling more satiated than eating it cold,” says Cheree.
Awesome tips Cheree.
9 ways to lose tummy fat in Winter
Are you ready to become a Healthy Mummy?
