Avoid Weight Gain From Winter Eating

T

he leaves have fallen and the
weather is getting colder. For
many of us, this is a sign to get
out our warm and oversized sweaters that
we use to cover up the expected weight
gain of the season. Not this year!
If you will allow yourself the possibility
of making a few changes to your typical
winter way of life, I can almost guarantee
not a single pound will be gained and a
sense of power will be reclaimed.
In winter, the days become shorter,
which results in less sunlight that we have
exposure to. Lack of sunshine may trig-
ger a drop in our serotonin level. This is
the chemical that our brain produces that
"makes us feel good." A drop in serotonin
can lead to depression, which often leads
us to craving things that may temporarily
satisfy our sadness.
To help avoid these cravings, we need
to get as much natural light as possible.
It may mean sitting by the window in the
morning - or taking a walk outside dur-

ing your lunch break. Keeping
your home and office well lit
may help, too.There are even
therapeutic light boxes to help
with seasonal depression.
In order to make sure that
our serotonin level doesn't
drop so low that we go on an
all-out binge, you want to be
sure you eat carbohydrate-rich
foods. Now, I know this sounds
contradictory to everything we
hear about gaining weight and
eating carbs. However, our bod-
ies crave carbs because we need
them to stay balanced.
Eating complex carbohydrates, such as
whole grains, fruits and vegetables, as well
as carbs that have not been processed with
extra chemicals our body cannot even rec-
ognize will help increase serotonin level.
Keeping a food diary during the winter
months also will be helpful in raising
awareness of how much we consume

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mindlessly. I recommend you
write down everything that you
eat during the course of a day
- yes, even the stick of gum
or a mint By raising our level of
consciousness, we will eat less.
Making exercise a priority,
not an option, is one of the
most important ingredients in
the equation. Its very easy to
stay under the warm covers of
your cozy bed in the morning;
however, I urge you to step out
of the comfort zone and get your
body moving as early as pos-
sible. Exercise is proven to provide us with
more energy throughout the course of a
day; studies have proven that it is one of the
most effective treatments for depression.
Last but not least, do not deprive your-
self: everything in moderation.
When we feel we are missing out on
something, it is a complete set up for
over-indulgence. I believe that daily treats

are necessary, keeping in mind portion
control. Read labels to actually know what
a serving really is instead of eating endless
helpings until we feel sick.
This is great for teaching to children, also.
My kids now will read a bag of chips and
know how many they can take and still be
aware that they are having a treat - just
another step in raising consciousness.
Make sure you get plenty of sunshine,
eat complex carbohydrates, stay mindful
of what you are eating, exercise regularly
and remember: Eat to live, not live to eat.
You are going to have a winter without
gaining a single pound.
The common statement in the United
States these days is "Time for Change."
With the new year, may the change begin
with you! Li

Jill Sherman-Marx of Farmington Hills trains

at the West Bloomfield JCC, the Sports Club of
West Bloomfield and other locations. Contact
her at (248) 819-4622 or Ainjill@aol.com .

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December 25 • 2008