Winter changes our rhythms, our desires and sometimes our hunger. Behind these seasonal cravings, very specific mechanisms are at work.
As the seasons settle in, our relationship to sleep, energy and food subtly transforms. L’summer makes the days lighter like plates, while winter invites us to slow down and turn to more substantial meals.
This evolution is not only a matter of habits or comforting pleasures shared around a table. It is part of a broader context, shaped by the fading lightthe cold and the different rhythm of the days.
When thewant to eat more is felt in winter, it is therefore not just a simple attraction for convivial dishes. It remains to understand what is really at stake at this time of year and to know whether it is necessary give in to this trend or, on the contrary, learn to nuance it.
Cold, a signal for the body
When temperatures drop, the body enters a mode d’adaptation permanent. It must maintain a stable temperature of 37°C, whatever the external conditions, thanks to a mechanism called thermogenesisreports the site I’m interested.
Producing heat requires energy, even without additional physical activitywhich naturally increases the calorie expenditure. As a result, the appetite manifests itself more clearly.
This phenomenon is also influenced by ghrelin, often referred to as a hunger hormonethe secretion of which can increase when the body requires more energy to function in a colder environment.
However, this increased hunger does not mean that we must systematically eat more in winter. It all depends on lifestyle. If daily life remains active, with walking, outdoor sports or a sustained pace, a slight adjustment of contributions can be justified.
Conversely, when the days are spent mainly indoors, between heating, teleworking and more sedentary activities, needs do not increase mechanically. The challenge then consists of find a balanceby agreeing comfort food without turning winter into a season of excess.
What dietary guidelines should you adopt during the cold season?
When winter sets in, the main thing remains to maintain a varied and structured dietwithout giving in to extremes. Seasonal products then naturally find their place, not because of fashion, but because they better meet the needs of the moment.
THE winter fruits and vegetablesdenser, more nourishing, provide essential vitamins and minerals, while citrus fruits contribute to support the defenses when fatigue sets in. Soups, stews or roasted vegetables also allow you to eat hot, a detail far from trivial when the body seeks comfort above all else.
This period also invites us to integrate more filling foodscapable of lasting over time without adding unnecessary weight. Root vegetables, nuts or well-chosen cereals offer more stable energywhile contributing to the general balance. However, having fun remains essential.
A richer dish from time to time is not incompatible with a healthy eatingprovided that it fits into an overall logic. In winter, eating a balanced diet also means accepting a part of comfortwithout losing sight of the measure.
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