The REAL reasons why we gain weight in winter – and what to do about it

It’s no secret that we eat more and move less during winter.

Cooler temperatures and shorter days often see our motivation levels drop, leading us to indulge in warm, high-carbohydrate meals and less exercise.

That extra four or five kilos can be difficult to work off come spring, so it’s better to eat well and keep training all year-round.  

According to Australian dietitian Susie Burrell, there are five main excuses we use during the cooler months that can result in us piling on the kilos.

 

Cooler temperatures and shorter days often see our motivation levels drop, leading us to indulge in warm, high-carbohydrate meals and exercise less (stock image)

‘Each year it gets to about this time and many of us start our annual hibernation,’ Susie said on her blog. 

‘We are so spoilt with our generally warm temperatures that as soon as it gets even a little chilly we can barely bring ourselves to leave the house.’ 

Dietitian Susie Burrell (pictured) has revealed the excuses that can make us gain weight in winter

Dietitian Susie Burrell (pictured) has revealed the excuses that can make us gain weight in winter

But the dietitian has a solution for each of those excuses: 

1. It is too cold 

It has been a cold start to winter in Australia, but in comparison to other parts of the world, our cities don’t usually drop below 10 degrees. 

‘If we exercise outdoors we barely need a scarf to keep warm so stop telling yourself it is so cold, it really isn’t,’ said Susie.   

2. You need more food when it’s cold

As temperatures drop, many think we need to eat more food in order to keep our body warm and energy levels up.   

However, according to Susie this is not accurate.

‘If we were living in Iceland we perhaps could get away with a little more carbohydrates and not lose weight but since again most of our homes are heated and we spend much of the day sitting down no we do not need a whole lot more carbohydrate just because it is winter,’ said Susie. 

So before you reach for that extra bowl of mash potato, perhaps swap it for salad instead.   

'We do not need a whole lot more carbohydrate just because it is winter,' said Susie (stock image)

‘We do not need a whole lot more carbohydrate just because it is winter,’ said Susie (stock image)

3. You will wait until spring to lose weight

When the first beach day in spring rolls around, many of us are reluctant to strip down to swimwear because of the weight we’ve gained in winter. 

Although many of us prefer to put off our health plans until the warmer weather returns, it’s better to remain on track year-round.

‘You know the drill, you can eat what you want now and then focus on getting back into shape in spring. But lets be honest what really happens is that Spring returns with a bang and we are straight back into parties and socialising,’ said Susie. 

‘The best idea, stop the weight gain now and then you will not have to worry come spring.’ 

Although many of us prefer to put off our health plans until the warmer weather returns, it's better to remain on track year-round (stock image)

Although many of us prefer to put off our health plans until the warmer weather returns, it’s better to remain on track year-round (stock image)

4. It’s too dark to get up  

Putting your trainers on when temperatures are close to zero degrees in the morning is can be a difficult task.

‘It is much harder to get up and out when it is cold and dark but it does not mean you cannot swap your gym session to a lunch or evening session, or arrange to walk or run with a friend later in the day,’ explained Susie.

‘Team up with a buddy to get those training sessions happening even with shorter days.’  

Susie said getting up for an early morning run in winter can be difficult so  instead commit to a lunch or evening session (stock image)

Susie said getting up for an early morning run in winter can be difficult so instead commit to a lunch or evening session (stock image)

5. It is hard to eat healthy in winter 

A lot of us indulge in hearty curries, hot pastries and takeaway dinners during the cold months, but winter meals do not have to be heavy.

‘They can be just as satisfying when they are healthy,’ said Susie.

‘Think soups, vege-topped pies, roasts with lean meat and baked fruit instead of pies, hot desserts and creamy rice and pasta dishes.’



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