There’s something about the winter that makes us eat more. Not really all that surprising, right? Personally, I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that we typically aren’t walking around in shorts or rocking our bikinis, so we feel free to stuff our faces, but what do I know? I also live in New York, so the two aren’t really options. It’s been scientifically proven that we eat more during the winter time, but there’s another theory out there that actually makes a lot of sense.
Apparently since the beginning of time, when cold weather approaches our primal urges kick in. The lower the temperature and the shorter the days, the more calories we want, and usually do, consume. [via Gothamist] So the fact that you like to snuggle up with a tub of ice cream or bake a cake and eat everything down to the batter is totally normal – best news you’ve heard in a while right?
While the biological aspects are pretty compelling, there’s a different way of thinking on the table. You know how sometimes the food you eat or smell while it’s cooking can trigger some pretty serious memories? Maybe it’s eating apple pie with your grandparents or helping cook in the kitchen with all those smells in the air. Whichever it is, the combination of certain foods and their memories can actually be part of the reason you indulge. It reminds you that you’ve done it before, and makes you want to again.
Furthermore, if we’re talking strictly holiday eating, the sheer amount of food at your fingertips brings eating everything in sight to a whole different level. If the cake is there the point is to eat it, right?
So this winter, stop worrying and feel free to indulge, it’s apparently kind of the point.
What do you think, Lovelies? Do you indulge in the winter months? Are you looking forward to eating a lot this holiday weekend?
guest
I have a rule: I can eat whatever I want between my family’s Christmas party (the week before Christmas) to New Years Eve. After that,I whip my butt back into workout mode.
guest
no i hate the holidays stupid holiday dinners loaded w/ fat. i just eat ricecakes before i go so im not tempted for the fatty chochlate.
daisy / 598 posts
i say indulge. the holidays are no fun if you restrict yourself. life is no fun if you restrict yourself. just be smart about it.
daffodil / 1615 posts
Moderation is key
guest
I enjoy food all the time, not just during the holidays. Moderation is the key to being able to eat what you want while staying healthy. I have never understood the mentality that some people have that just because it is Christmas they have to eat half the cheesecake. Enjoy holiday meals, but there is no need to eat like there will never be food again.
guest
Of course the anorexics come out of hiding.
guest
Don’t you burn more fat in the winter trying to stay warm? Think of it as fuel for the fire
I eat whatever I want when I feel like it and that works for me. I’m a tiny girl (barely 105 lbs.) and I have noticed that my body just maintains that weight by itself. I don’t try to get bigger or be smaller. I just eat whatever I am craving at that time. Sometimes it’s meat, sometimes dairy, and sometimes just plain old junk food. Just eat what you want, when you want and dont hold things back from yourself. The more you do hold back the more you daydream about it and then pig out on it when you do finally give in. Just have a little bit of whatever looks good to you. Also don’t eat if you aren’t hungry and don’t eat a ton of just one thing.
orchid / 176 posts
I am a glutton on the holidays! This…helps me explain it? Haha.
guest
@fat_barbie_chronicles@xanga - If you’re going to eat next to nothing, you may as well eat nuts or something instead of styrofoam-like rice cakes. Those, at least, have protein and can provide a little energy.
guest
For me, I think it’s the alcohol! Everywhere you go during the holidays, there is spiked drinks, cocktails, and shots. Those pack lots of extra calories and are hard to say no to!
ex.Thanksgiving: Had Baileys with my coffee all day. Even worse, my boyfriend’s mother supplied and encouraged me since I had just turned 21 haha
orchid / 115 posts
I’m the other way around- shed like 5lbs during the winter (possibly due to exams) and gain them all back during the summer, WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME
guest
I don’t eat a lot more, I just eat mostly sweets and nothing else
guest
during the holiday and christmas season I put my diet plans on ice ’cause christmas is only once a year and it only frustrated you when seeing everybody else eating the delicious meal and you cannot.
For me, christmas is the time where I eat whatever I want and after it I immediately walk into the next gym
Otherwise, when you leave the carbohydrates off your plate … You do not need to fear the scale! (according to the diet plan http://www.schlank-im-schlaf-coach.de