Diet expert warns of winter weight loss mistake - ahead of clocks going back
With the clocks set to go back at 2am on October 27, heralding the end of British Summer Time, nights will draw in earlier and a chill will settle over our days. While we may welcome an extra hour under the duvet, it's undeniable that the UK will embrace a more sombre mood as summer fades away.
However, Lucy Diamond, a Registered Dietitian and Clinical Director for Innovation at NHS weight management service Oviva, warns that the approaching gloom isn't the only concern we face in the cooler months. Speaking exclusively with The Mirror, she shared insights on how weight management becomes more of a challenge when the temperature drops, primarily due to four essential factors.
"It's completely natural to feel less motivated about weight management during the colder months," she explained. "We're biologically programmed to seek comfort and conserve energy when days are shorter and darker.
"This, combined with the abundance of seasonal treats and fewer opportunities for outdoor activities, can make it harder to stick to our health goals." The array of seasonal treats, reduced opportunities for outdoor exercise and numerous food-centric social gatherings make sticking to health and fitness regimes a tough nut to crack in winter, according to Lucy's expertise.
Notably, she even acknowledged that the scant amount of sunlight can affect our mood, with a staggering three in every 100 people suffering from significant winter depression in the UK, according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
As a result, she advises Brits to think about small ways to create sustainable habits ahead of Christmas time. That way you can develop a 'more balanced approach' to food and more control over your weight.
"Rather than viewing the pre-Christmas period as an obstacle, I encourage you to think about the opportunities it can bring," she continued. "At this time of year, the best approach can be to make small, consistent changes that you can maintain long-term. These build the foundation for lasting success well beyond January."
Lucy's advice includes four simple steps:
Meal prepping warm, nutritious lunches to avoid impulsive comfort food choices.
Setting a consistent sleep schedule to regulate hunger hormones.
Adding movement to indoor activities, like stretching while watching TV.
Staying hydrated with warm drinks like herbal teas.
She also emphasised the importance of avoiding a 'restriction mindset' when it comes to food, warning that it could foster an unhealthy relationship with meals. Lucy continued: "This type of cycle isn’t the healthiest and you may actually end up gaining more weight, as your body adjusts to a lower maintenance calorie level, which then dramatically increases.
"This cycle could also amplify feelings of guilt, demonising certain foods...The habits you establish now will serve you well into the new year. By focusing on gradual, sustainable changes rather than drastic measures, you're setting yourself up for long-term success. Remember, the goal isn't perfection, but progress."
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