In the winter many animals go into hibernation to conserve their calories, they stay warm in their dens and this slows down body metabolism. Bears, prairie dogs and even us humans hibernate!
Of course humans hibernate in bulky sweaters and coats when outside and inside we use fireplaces and heaters! When the temperatures drop our activity levels drop and we naturally crave more hearty solid foods and less light green salads!
These changes in the body during the winter; means our levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain, decreases naturally. A low serotonin level creates a desire for more food consumption and more food munching! Also, decreased serotonin impacts moods, many people become more depressed because there is less sunlight. This can also affect how we eat.
My suggestion is to try the following foods that will work in unique ways. They help you by increasing serotonin and give you nutrients your body needs to help hold your weight steady or slim down; instead of gaining which tends to happen in the winter.
Beans are high in protein and fiber is filling making you feel fuller longer. Sweet potatoes are also good nutrients and fiber.
Grapefruits especially before a meal, increase fiber but most importantly will reduce insulin levels. Cut grapefruit in half spread tops with honey and broil the grapefruit to warm it; will help your desire for sweet cravings.
Sardines and avocado are high in Omega 3 levels and help with transmission of serotonin in the body and will help your moods also.
Sardines can be mashed and added to tomato sauce for pasta or on top of salads. I also found they are great on toast!
Spinach and nuts are high in magnesium which is crucial for synthesis of serotonin. It also helps with anxiety and keeping the muscles in good working order.
Hot and warming spices like cayenne, pepper, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves (like in Chai) help boost metabolism and increase circulation to keep you warmer.
Yogurt high in calcium enhances fat burning. Studies show that eating fat free yogurt loses 22% more weight and 61% more fat than a regular calorie counting diet.
Eggs instead of bagels in the morning can help you lose more body fat and give you more energy with no change to cholesterol, studies have proven this.
Fresh ginger besides adding warmth and flavor to meals can boost metabolism, and is anti-inflammatory. You can drink ginger as a tea or mince and add to greens like Kale or top it on fish. You could also make up some ginger syrup and take a few shots of this throughout the day!
By using some of these suggestions, you will be way ahead of the game come spring when you want to lose a few pounds to look good in that swim suit!
References;
Cynthia Burrows, from Austin, Texas, owns Cindy Burrows, Natural Health Consultant; assisting individuals with health issues they would like to change. She will set up a program giving choices of foods, herbs, teas and homeopathic suggestions. Cindy is past owner of Nature’s Healing Herbs, an Herbal, Green Tea, and Tincture product line, and a rare product line of Green Tea Foods. She has certificates for Herbalist at East West School of Herbology, and as Wellness Consultant with the Wellness Forum in Ohio.
Cindy is also a Medical Technologist, with a B.S. degree from Mansfield University in Mansfield Pa., she has been in healthcare for over 30 years. In 2005, she started using a new device founded in Europe, Quantum Biofeedback, “an energy rebalancing of the body”, by using our bodies electricity or frequency waves it can detect stress points in the body, she has added this to her consulting practice. She now has her Certification as a Biofeedback Specialist. She helps her clients by working with the synergy of herbs, food, homeopathy, and aromatherapy within her practice. She is a speaker, writer, and teacher. Cindy has been interviewed on TV; about the benefits of Green Tea and has been on radio about her small business tour to Ecuador.
Cindy has been an herbalist for over 20 years and has spent 6 years learning through the East West School of Herbology with Michael Tierra. She has studied Western, Chinese and Ayurvedic Herbs with a strong emphasis on nutrition. Along with many other continued studies of alternative and complementary medicine. She is a Certified Wellness Consultant, through a special program, The Wellness Forum, which has its nutrition program, now part of the curriculum at Ohio State University, providing educational seminars and workshops designed to impart relevant nutrition information to individuals to take control of their own health. These programs give healthier options and choices that can impact your longevity and quality of life. Cindy has been a speaker to many groups and has conducted many of her own classes on food and healthy life style programs.
Cindy has been involved with a hands-on healing program for the past 4 years and offers energy healing, through donation only, to anyone who needs her services.
She is Co-president of the Austin Herb Society and a member of the American Herbalist Guild. Cynthia has been a board member on many programs in the past including; La Sertoma, Arthritis Foundation, Toastmasters International, National Association of Female Executives, Handicapped Equestrian Learning Program, Entrepreneurs Association, and Austin Integrated Health Care Program.
Cindy also loves nature, animals, reading, blending teas, juices, etc.; likes to hike, and work with plants and, of course, cooking., mostly vegetarian.
Cindy has an adventurous streak.
She has organized and taken tours with business and artists groups to Big Bend, Texas, New Mexico, USA, and Ecuador, South America.
