By Sean Seaberg
So once again the holidays are here. Wait a minute, isn’t there a holiday we can pig out on during every month? Another birthday cake and another bad day at work. There always seems to be a reason to over indulge and this time of year really isn’t any different, in my opinion — that is, besides the fact that it gets colder and people tend to gain more weight.
There are a few reasons why this happens and if we are aware it is not such a hard task to fight off the seasonal pounds.
Genetic Evolution?
There are hypotheses that it is genetic predisposition toward weight gain in the winter season since our ancestors often would face famine during these times. So over millions of years people have adapted to these circumstances. This is called the ‘thrifty gene hypothesis’, but has more recently been overshadowed by the ‘drifty gene hypothesis’ which makes a bit more sense.
As easy as it would be to just blame it on the genes we inherited we all have the ability to control our fat gain in most situations. I think deep down most people truly know this and know it’s their decision as to whether they are overweight or not. Always keep in mind that overweight or obese can be relative to each and every person, so fat to you may be different from me or someone else depending on many factors.
The season's got you sad
Another supposed reason for weight gain over the winter is (SAD) Seasonal Affective Disorder otherwise known as seasonal depression. People tend to develop into low levels of happiness, called ennui. Some studies show people have tendencies to eat more comfort foods than usual which obviously would be a clear reason people may gain weight and extra fat during the holiday seasons. Beyond this there tend to be more calorie dense treats during this season that are high in fats. Autumn is the beginning of fat season so to speak.
The D
The sun is not out quite as much during the winter as well. The same goes with people. People are less active in the winter. Since people aren’t outside as much and the sun isn’t out as much people get much less vitamin D in the winter. Vitamin D levels are low in people who are obese and overweight studies indicate. So knowing all this we must all be doomed right?
Naahhh I’ll give a few simple ways we can keep from using lame excuses and stay sexy during the winter season.
- Modify your favorite comfort foods & recipes so they aren’t so rich in fat & sugar.
- Make a pact with a friend to hold each other accountable — I suggest finding someone who won't make it easy to be a fatty.
- Keep a food journal, count calories, macros, and just be aware of what you are eating. Know what you can get away with!
- Seek help from a professional for seasonal depression. Some people prefer lightbox therapy.
- Take vitamin D supplements, get out in the sun with exposed skin on nicer days. Try more oily fish that are high in vitamin D.
- There has never been a better time to get out and exercise. With so many fun ways to improve, now is the time!
Where can you exercise in Middletown
- Yoga In Middletown
- Bikram Yoga Middletown
- Connecticut Yoga Center
- YMCA of Northern Middlesex County
- Wow Fitness
- CrossFit Religion
- Innovative Fitness & Wellness
- Vinnie's Jump and Jive
- Yoga Possibilities
For help with exercise programming, training, coaching and nutritional counseling, see boom.athletics@gmail.com and https://www.facebook.com/BOOMATHLETICS
