How Does Winter Give Way to an Increased Appetite?
Scientists aren’t knowledgeable as to why the cold seems to promote a big appetite and craving for carbs, but they have a few strong thoughts on the matter. As people, we may be more like animals than we may think, but that also may just be another reason to justify our pig-out attitude toward those holiday treats. Ira Ockene, of the UM Medical School, tells us that we are moved by things implanted in our brains long ago. Seasons influence our well-being, and the cold specifically increases our desire to store up for the colder months. While this gives a mediocre excuse for consuming more of your preferred fatty treat and deliciousness at Thanksgiving and Christmas, don’t just wander to the pantry quite yet. Another view of this increased craving for food during the winter months, according to Marcia Pelchat of Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philidelphia, is the powerful bonds we have among memories and particular foods. “The stronger the link becomes,” Pelchat states, between food and the sweet holiday memories, “the more likely you are to indulge in the food.” The solution to this is, again, the solution to nearly every diet question: Moderation. You don’t need to get rid of your desired foods, or suppress the memories bonded with them, but you do need to closely watch your consumption. It’s okay to try it, but don’t eat the whole dessert dish!
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