Why Do We Crave Sugar In Winter: In winter, as the days become shorter and the temperature decreases, the body automatically starts moving towards more energy giving food. This also includes sweet things. Actually, during cold weather, the body searches for extra energy, so that it can keep itself warm and balanced. This is the reason why even after eating food, one starts feeling the urge to eat sweets or something sweet.
This seasonal change affects not only appetite but also mood. Some studies have found that craving for carbohydrates and sweets in winter can also be related to seasonal sadness or seasonal affective disorder. However, the good thing is that these cravings can be controlled to a great extent with habits like light, right eating habits and physical activity.
Why does the craving for sweets increase in winter?
According to a study published in the journal Food Quality and Preference in 2022, cold weather, decreasing sunlight and mental beliefs related to winter attract people towards high-calorie foods instead of light food. In simple words, as the weather becomes cold and dark, both the body and mind start demanding more energy-giving food.
At the same time, research related to mental health shows that winter also affects our emotions. An old but important study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry found that people suffering from seasonal depression eat more carbohydrates and sweets in winter than in spring or summer. According to researchers, craving for sweets and carbohydrates is one of the main symptoms of depression in winter.
How to control sweet cravings?
Even if winter is attracting you towards sweets, it does not mean that you should consider yourself helpless. You can handle cravings with these simple steps:
Include sunlight in your daily routine
Spending some time in the sun or using a light therapy lamp improves mood and the body clock, which may reduce sugar cravings.
Choose healthy and hot food
Choose filling and nutritious options like soups, stews, hot grains, vegetables. This will give you satisfaction and you will not have the desire to eat sweets again and again.
stay active
Light walk, stretching or indoor exercise keeps blood sugar balanced and also improves mood.
Take care of mental health
Loneliness and stress may increase in winter. Conversations with friends, hobbies or creative activities can be helpful in this.
prepare in advance
Keep healthy options in the house like nuts, hot tea, fruits or whole grain snacks, so that sweets don’t become the only option.
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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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