Winter Season Is Best For Weight Loss Study Reveals
A new study finds there may be a link between weight loss and weather
When it comes to losing weight, we all know the role exercise and nutrition play. Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly is considered the key to weight loss. Equally important are the lifestyle choices we make, such as sleeping and waking up at the right time, limiting alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, taking care of mental health, etc. But does weather affect weight loss? If yes, which season is most suitable for him?
One such new research has revealed. When it comes to weight loss, people generally believe that warmer weather is more favorable. However, the findings of new research published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine have proved the opposite. In fact, working out in a cold environment may better help you lose weight.
More About the Study
The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Copenhagen, who studied two groups of men for a certain period of time. Where one group swam in cold weather and went to the sauna right after, the other group swam under temperature-specific conditions. Here's what the study revealed:
Swimmers who swam in cold weather had better thermoregulation. This means that working in a cold environment can increase the body's ability to adapt to different temperatures.
Swimmers who swim in cold weather also have better brown fat activation. This particular type of fat gets activated when the body cools down. With higher heat output, the body sheds more calories, thus helping with weight loss.
Previous research has also suggested that people who have higher brown fat storage have a lower risk of heart disease, type-2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. It shows that cold climate not only helps in weight loss, but it also protects the body from many serious health conditions.
How to Lose Weight
Now that we know that cold weather can help with weight loss, let's figure out how to actually do it. Below are some suggestions suggested by the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS):
Don't Skip Meals
Many people miss out on a meal, usually a snack, to avoid consuming some amount of calories. This is not the ideal thing to do as you may save yourself some calories, but you will also deprive yourself of some essential nutrients. Plus, when you skip a meal, you feel hungry later, and you can satiate it with snacking, which in turn will lead to weight gain.
Eat Plenty Of Fruits And Vegetables
According to experts, Half of your meals should consist of fruits and vegetables. They are not only high in nutrients and minerals, but they also fill you up with less calories, which makes them ideal for losing weight.
Avoid Junk Food
It should come as no surprise that highly processed junk foods are the worst in your system. Not only are they calorie-dense, but they are terrible for your overall health.
Eat Mindfully
Most people usually keep their food in front of a screen, thus often neglecting to keep track of how much they eat. It usually takes about 20 minutes for your stomach to send a signal to your brain that it is full. So, eat slowly and mindfully, which will help you shed some extra calories, which you can consume when you are hasty and thoughtless.
Workout Everyday
It is a well established fact that exercising is important for losing weight. It not only helps in weight loss and management, but also improves overall health.
Stay Hydrated
It is important to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water per day for healthy health.
Last but not least, relax. However, getting enough sleep is not given the same importance as nutrition and exercise in weight loss. However, it is extremely important for overall health and a quality life. Just imagine, you feel tired and cranky when you are sleep-deprived. To compensate for that energy, you fill yourself up with food, thus consuming many extra calories. Therefore, take at least 7-8 hours of deep sleep every day.
