Does winter REALLY make you fat? Expert reveals cold weather HELPS with weight loss

Winter is widely-accepted as a season of inevitable weight gain

WINTER is an easy excuse for weight gain, but is the cold really the culprit? A nutrition expert shares her secrets for warding off those unwanted pounds this festive season.

 

Christmas puddings are on the shelves and the skin-baring summer days have become a distant memory. 

The colder months are upon us and with them come cosy comfort food and limb-covering layers. 

 

The festive season will also see a calorie-filled increase in alcohol consumption. 

Indeed, winter is widely accepted as a time of inevitable weight gain. But is the season really to blame?  

 

Does winter REALLY make you fat?

According to Sun-Pat Nutritional expert Dr Sarah Shenker, the colder months don't have to come with unwanted pounds.

In fact, the lower temperatures can actually help you lose weight.

Speaking exclusively to Daily Express, Dr Shenker said: "Shivering stimulates the production of hormones that can increase the production of brown fat in the body.

"Brown fat, unlike our usual white fat, has the ability to generate body heat to keep us warm, so the more brown fat we can make in the body the better."

 



Dr Sarah says to eat seasonably and make delicious soups and stews



And as for those sweet sugary cravings that seem even harder to refuse?

Dr Shenker said: "Bad weather and lack of day light can also affect our mood, making it tempting to curl up on the sofa with our favourite treat.

"Try to avoid sugary drinks and snacks... Instead choose a more balanced snack such as a slice of wholegrain toast with peanut butter (which) can help you to feel fuller for longer."

For Brits looking to be nutritious in winter, Dr Shenker says to eat seasonably and take advantage of delicious soups and stews. 

 

Bad weather makes us less likely to exercise during winter months, which can lead to unwanted pounds

Dr Sarah Shenker's tips to stay healthy and ward off unwanted weight gain 

1.       Eat seasonal fruit and veg - winter greens, squashes and pumpkins, citrus fruit, potatoes and other root veg like carrots and parsnips

2.       Stay hydrated, you're likely to drink less water when it’s cold, so find other ways to keep your fluid intake up such as soups

3.       Keep on exercising, even if it’s cold you'll soon warm up so don't let the weather put you off

4.       Take advantage of the long nights to get more sleep.