Winter weight gain is a very common complaint. Every winter people add a few pounds, and despite our best efforts we don’t lose them again. We gain weight every year because the pounds are so hard to lose.   Then one day you look in the mirror and notice you’ve put on 30 pounds. Why does this happen and what can people do about it? Have a slow metabolism?  Check out Tom Venuto’s plan to Burn Fat and Feed Your Muscle

There are lots of contributing factors. First, it seems that we have a pronounced genetic disposition to store fat as winter approaches. In particular, animals in cold climates store fat in the winter and it was probably vital to our ancestor’s survival. Body fat protected people from the cold and then were used as fuel in the late winter and early spring when food stocks were extremely low.

We have are likely to eat more in the fall, when food is plentiful after harvest time to help the fat storage process along. Humans subconsciously choose foods that are higher in calorie content at this time.In addition, holiday foods are ridiculously high in calories.

Hormone levels can also cause humans to gain weight. The  interaction of brain chemicals and hormones causes changes in appetite and cravings. Serotonin and norephinephrine are neurotransmitters that can also influence the way we eat. People who are overweight often have lower levels of these important neurotransmitters and the results can include depression, increased appetite and sleep disorders.

At the same time, the lack of daylight caused by the shortening days during winter can create seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or winter depression. Unfortunately, one of the most effective ways to boost energy levels is to eat high carbohydrate foods including sugary treats, chips and cereals that create a fast blood sugar ‘fix’. Feeling depressed in the winter can lead one to overeat or eat the wrong foods, leading to weight gain, more depression and a disheartening vicious circle.

There are many reasons why people eat more high carbohydrate foods such as cookies, pies and chocolate in the winter. Unfortunately these foods are full of calories and full of sugar. The best way to handle this is to substitute other foods that are also high in carbohydrates so that we get what our body craves, but which have less sugar, lower fat content and more fiber. Foods like potatoes, wholegrain rice, fresh wholegrain bread, fresh fruit and vegetables.

Cravings are reduced a great deal by eating a wide range of different foods that contain a lot of antioxidants. Frozen vegetables and fruits are a nice way to economize if you live in a cold climate where there isn’t as much fresh produce available in the winter.

Getting more exercise is also essential. Often people’s physical activity levels drop in the winter and they have a tendency to want to stay home and sleep. Wanting to hibernate is normal when it is cold outside, but not helpful for the waistline. Click here to go to an article about losing pregnancy weight

Now, we obviously do not need to stow fat the way that cavemen they did in prehistoric times.It is not surprising that people worshipped fat goddesses back then, they lived longest.

Troll craigslist in search of home exercise equipment or renew your gym membership. Transform those calories into energy right now instead of storing them on your body until spring. Winter weight gain is definitely avoidable with a healthy diet and lots of exercise. Click here to learn about fat burning diets