During cold days, people eat more food than in other seasons. This is very common. It has also been claimed in the study that people consume more calories during the winter season. Experts believe that this seasonal increase in hunger is due to the drop in temperature.
When the weather is cold, the body needs more energy to stay warm from inside. In such a situation, the brain repeatedly sends signals of hunger and craving for calorie rich food. These foods are mainly packed with sugar and fat, so that the body can generate energy in a short time and keep itself warm.
Carbohydrates uplift mood
Due to less sunlight during cold days, the levels of mood regulating hormones serotonin and dopamine start decreasing, due to which one starts feeling tired and irritable. In such a situation, people feel craving to eat bread, pasta and dark chocolate. Carbohydrate balances the levels of these hormones.
Brain is causing overeating
Hunger felt in winter is not just related to food. Rather, it is a strategy of the brain, which is necessary for improving mood. However, for many people it leads to overeating, which is a factor responsible for weight gain.
hormone game
Hormones also play a role in increased appetite in the cold, such as ghrelin, which stimulates appetite, increases, while leptin, which signals fullness, decreases due to disrupted sleep or reduced activity. These changes combine to make us feel less satisfied after eating, so it’s important to recognize and control these triggers.