Most of us admit to eating more in cold, those dull wet and cold, miserable days can have a significant effect on weight loss as calorie consumption tends to increase when the weather turns to winter.
Health on Female First
Here are five tips to help you beat the extra calorie trap particularly during the festive party season.
1) Never go to a party hungry
When we eat outside the home, studies suggest that we take in 40% more calories than we would otherwise. An environment with lots of food and alcohol choices is very tempting - so be on guard and have a high protein snack before you go. Peanut butter on a slice of wholemeal toast is a great choice: low in calories but full of protein to keep hunger at bay.
2) Be alcohol aware
Alcohol is loaded with calories - empty ones at that (no nutritional benefit!). And since many holiday celebrations involve drinking, it's easy to consume a lot of calories without being aware that you are. Drink a glass of water or a diet soda before and after each alcoholic drink to help pace yourself and dilute calories.
3) Limit calorie damage
If you do overeat one day, it's not a reason to keep overdoing it for the next few days. The quicker you draw a line, the faster you'll minimise the chance for weight gain.
4) Exercise where and when you can
It's hard to drag yourself out in the evening when it's dark and cold, so try to get your exercise in during the day. Take a walk in the morning or at lunchtime - just 30 minutes a day at a moderate pace is enough to burn an extra 100 calories. Or try a fitness DVD from the comfort of home.
5) Comforting food doesn't have to be calorific
Stews and soups are great warming meal choices when made with chicken and lean beef with plenty of fresh seasonal veggies. These have a high water content and are low in energy density which means they provide plenty of volume to fill you up, but without the calorie tag.
Tips from calorie counter App, Nutracheck