Why do we crave fattening foods during winter?

By Bianca Barr Tunno, AccuWeather staff writer 

 

 As winter's icy grip sets in, people in colder areas of the country may be craving heavy and fattening foods.

Experts say it’s easy to select comfort food when the days are dark and dreary, but those choices may not be as satisfying as you think.
“When it is cold outside, it is only natural that our body temperature drops, which can lead to wanting a warm beverage or hot food to help warm our bodies,” said Angie Murad, a wellness dietitian at the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program. “Some of the foods that are warm can be loaded with extra calories, fat or sugar.”
Around the holidays, the need for sweets or heavy meals may be driven by memories of the past. Many people have more access to their favorite home-cooked foods because of gatherings at Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Memories of holiday meals gone by may cause cravings of heavy, carbohydrate-laden foods this time of year. (bhofack2/iStock/Thinkstock)

Murad said memories of family meals and celebrations might make you want the associated foods, such as cookies and pies or turkey with all of the fixings, even more than usual.
With these events happening in quick succession on the calendar, you can easily find yourself a few pounds heavier after indulging over and over again.
“Food is related to so many things in life: where we came from, how we grew up, and the holiday and traditions we celebrate,” she said. “The foods we eat can bring back these fond memories.”
Murad told AccuWeather warm meals often have enhanced aromas and flavors, as well as a sensation of “warmth” when you get to eat the meal. She said all of these factors can make a meal much more enjoyable and comforting, especially if there is snow or bitterly cold air.
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Winter also brings longer nights, and the lack of daylight can disrupt the balance of melatonin and serotonin, brain chemicals that affect sleep and mood.
And whether it’s something more serious like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression, or just lethargy that comes with the change in seasons, experts say our bodies know that carbohydrate-rich foods give us the mood-enhancing serotonin boost we lack at this time of year.
“It’s not surprising that we reach for these kinds of foods,” she said. “This can set us up for a vicious cycle. If we choose sugary foods, our blood sugar levels quickly rise but also fall quickly. These types of foods don’t satisfy our hunger since they lack fiber or protein and we get hungry all over again.”
Murad said there’s another way to raise serotonin levels naturally and it has nothing to do with eating.
“Put together a winter activity plan that can be done in the gym or at home on those cold, wintry days,” Murad said. “It doesn’t have to be complicated -- just get up and move.”