Feel like you can’t stop eating as soon as the temperature drops? We hear you. Here are 3 key reasons why you’re (always) hungry in winter, and exactly what you can do about it…
1. HIGH STRESS
Stressed? Anxious? Mind always in overdrive? This is a little something we call “sympathetic nervous system dominance” (otherwise known as “fight or flight mode”). And studies have shown it can increase appetite… Stress eating – it’s a thing!
SWIISH Hack: Try 3 rounds of this 4-7-8 Breathwork at times of stress and just before eating to help your body return to that calmer “rest and digest” parasympathetic nervous system.
2. NOT ENOUGH PROTEIN & FIBRE
Protein is the “builder” of the body. It’s involved in everything from muscle growth to hormone synthesis… and appetite control! Research explains that protein helps increase satiety and stabilise energy – meaning the body doesn’t signal for food as often, because it has all the resources it needs! On the other hand, fibre (which 7/10 adults are deficient in!) influences the release of hunger-reducing hormones as well as the production of short-chain fatty acids, which promote fullness!
SWIISH Hack: We know that protein-rich and fibre-dense foods aren’t the easiest to get into your diet – especially in winter when pasta and garlic bread just look SO GOOD. This is where our flavourless and 100% dissolvable GLOW Marine Collagen Powder (which is a protein) and GUT FIBRE Cleansing Powder are the perfect add-me-to-anything additions. Put them in your coffee, over cereal, or anywhere you wouldn’t typically get protein and fibre!
3. MINDLESS EATING
Experts are always harping about the importance of mindful eating – and for good reason. Digestion is a difficult task, your senses are put in place to help this. The sight and smell of food alone triggers the cephalic phase of digestion where important enzymes are released to help break down food. When you eat while you’re distracted, you miss this… AND you end up eating more without even realising.
SWIISH Hack: We asked our SWIISH Nutritionist, Lani, for her No.1 tip to eat mindfully, and she explained that simply chewing does the trick – 32 times to be exact. When you’re eating your larger meals of the day, aim to chew each mouthful the magic number of, yes, 32 times to help slow down, control appetite, and get the most out of your food. Cool, right?
