How to curb your winter cravings
There’s no denying it anymore.
Winter is here in full swing and the winter munchies are unavoidable. It’s not your fault, though. Your increased appetite is just your body’s way of fighting against the cold and trying to keep you warm and cozy.
Even though the winter munchies are going to be in attack mode, there’s still a way for you to get the upper hand. Here are four sure-fire ways to curb your winter cravings:
- Eat breakfast like a king
We’ve all heard this before: “Eat breakfast like a king and dinner like a poor man.” This applies throughout the whole year, but it’s important to remember that your winter breakfast should be a well-balanced one. Including protein, high fibre carbohydrates, and fat in your breakfast will ensure that you have enough sustained energy and steady blood sugar levels. Most importantly – you’ll also feel full for a longer period of time and be able to resist the urge to take a nibble.
- Keep your body hydrated
Have you ever realized that you drink a lot less water during winter than you do during summer? The reasons for this are obvious. Chugging a glass of ice-cold water when it’s freezing outside might not seem like the ideal thing to do. But it’s a great way to fend off the munchies. When you get a food craving, drink a glass of water and it will most likely subside after only a couple of minutes. If you really don’t feel like drinking water, a cup of green tea will have the same effect while speeding up your metabolism as well.
- Don’t lose the dietary fat
When we try to lose weight, our first reaction is always to cut out fat from our diets. Logically it makes sense, but in winter you need fat more than ever. Fat can satisfy those pesky hunger cravings that are especially prone to show up during winter months. Aim to make “healthier” fats like monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids a part of your daily diet and you’ll see the difference. These “healthy” fats can be found in food like salmon, nuts and olive oil.
- Make exercise a part of your daily routine
It’s never easy to stay committed to your workout routine during the winter months, but it is of great essence not to lose sight of your fitness goals. Daily exercise will keep the endorphins pumping, fighting off the winter blues and also helping you conquer your cravings for comfort foods. If you’re struggling to keep up with your daily exercise, check out these six reasons to stay committed to your gym regimen.