Feeling Hungrier in Winter? Here's What's Happening and How to Cope

The well-known dietitian, Dr. Maya Roseman, discussed on her 103fm radio program the phenomenon of increased hunger during winter and listed the scientific reasons along with practical solutions.

"When it's cold, our body looks for ways to warm up, and eating is one of them," she said. "The digestion process requires physical effort from the body, much like exercising. Stomach contractions for food digestion consume 20% of the calories we eat. For example, if we consume a 500-calorie meal, about 100 calories are used up just for digestion, warming the body naturally."

She further added: "In winter, with the reduction in daylight hours, there is also a decrease in serotonin in the brain - this drop leads to increased hunger and cravings for carbohydrates and sweets."

So how do we handle winter hunger? Dr. Roseman offered several solutions to reduce hunger and maintain balanced nutrition during the colder months.

"A hot chocolate with a teaspoon of cocoa, a bit of sucralose, boiling water, and some milk is considered a satisfying and enjoyable drink between meals; hot cider based on diet apple juice is a delightful option containing only 16 calories per glass; a warm toast made from two slices of light bread with cheese, a little pesto, tomato, oregano, and olives provides a lavish snack with less than 150 calories."

She added that boiled and seasoned chickpeas contain tryptophan, which can help raise serotonin levels in the brain and are considered a healthy low-calorie snack. Another recommendation: "A warm apple cut into slices with sucralose and cinnamon heated in the microwave makes for a tasty and light winter dessert."

Dr. Roseman concluded by stating that it's possible to manage winter hunger in a healthy and thoughtful way by choosing "smart and nutritious snacks."