Winter and summer are complementary seasons, but the need for weight loss is constant. This means that no matter what season it is, it needs to be executed if we have a workout plan.
But since these two seasons are two extremes, we tend to wonder in which season there is more weight loss or any weight loss. However, there have been several case studies that show mixed results.
This article aims to provide you with a clear-cut understanding of weight loss in winter and summer.
What do the case studies tell us?
According to studies from the University of Massachusetts Medical School and the University of Georgia, “our average caloric intake decreases about 200 calories per day in the summer compared to fall and winter.”
Not only do we have a lesser calorie intake, but we also tend to exercise more in the sun. So, according to this study, we can assume that weight loss is easier in the summer season.
However, as per Cell Reports Medicine, recent information says that more calories burn in winter than in summer. The study also mentions how our body adapts to the cold climate by generating heat (survival technique).
The body boosts its ability to burn fat much faster, thus producing heat for us to stay warm. Also, workouts during the cold season activate brown fat in our body, which helps maintain body temperature by burning calories.
We understand that in both seasons, weight loss is possible. However, this does not depend entirely on the external environment, i.e., hot or cold, but on our workout session, diet, and even our clothes.
Weight loss in Winters
Given below are specific ways you can effectively lose weight during the winter season.
Do not miss out on regular exercise
In the winter season, we can insulate our bodies to lose weight. However, if we don’t wear the essential winter clothes, we may get health issues. Go for regular workouts, even during winter seasons, but remove the outer layer of cloth when you work out.
Remember to put back the clothes on after the workout to keep your body warm. Our body heats up using the energy stored in cells called thermogenesis.
However, if this process does not function properly, you tend to feel nausea, hypothermia, and shivering. Head indoors as soon as possible and warm yourself up, or else you would need medical attention.
If you live in places that snow, like Manali, Auli, Mussoorie, etc., you can participate in outdoor activities like skiing, ice skating, snowboarding, heli-skiing, ice hockey gondola, and sledding. According to the National Personal Training Institution, these activities can burn about 400 calories per hour.
However, it is a bit risky to take part in these outdoor activities at times. During such cases, opt for indoor sports/games like yoga, Zumba, martial arts, gym workouts (like high-intensity cardio and leg workouts). It helps in the weight loss process by burning up calories. You can also take part in these indoor activities during the monsoon season in the comfort of your home.
Consider this as a motivational incentive – there are multiple offers for a gym membership during the holiday season.
Importance of diet
Diet also plays a vital role in weight loss during the winter season. When you include carrots, beetroot, guava, and other herbs in your diet, it helps in decreasing weight.
Carrots have less calorie content, and it increases digestion. On the other hand, beetroot and guava have tons of fiber content. Guava has about 12% of the actual fiber content needed in our body, thus increasing the metabolism rate in our body.
People tend not to drink much water in the winter season. This leads to dehydration, decreased burning of fat, and growling.
The reason behind this is cold weather. However, it may lead to dehydration, which results in less fat being burnt.
Drinking lukewarm water can increase blood circulation, helps in the breakdown of fat, and maintain body temperature.
Quality sleep is a must
Sleep is an essential step in weight loss. Not getting enough sleep can also lead to weight gain. Sleep early and try to get at least six to eight hours of proper sleep.
According to the National Sleep Foundation Poll, reducing the temperature to 60-to-67-degree F helps to sleep quicker.
Weight Loss in Summer
Follow a proper diet and workout session to effectively reduce weight in the summer season. Read on to know more.
Weight loss diet in summer
According to studies, people tend to eat light food during hot weather as it helps in weight loss.
Overcooked food will have lower nutrients, fiber, vitamin, and mineral contents, which is why, during the summer season, it is recommended to eat half-cooked veggies or healthy smoothies as it has more antioxidants, fiber, nutrients, etc.
Include items like buttermilk and curd for lunch to increase metabolism and weight loss. Also, adding fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, pears, and so on keeps us feeling full and increases the water content in our body.
The weather in the summer season is warm, and the days are long, which means more time for exposure to sunlight. Due to the heat, we are more inclined to drink water.
Numerous studies show the benefits of drinking water before meals when it comes to weight loss.
When we drink water, the food consumption is less since our tummy is filled with water. You can also have water between your meals to slow down the eating process.
This will help metabolism and limit the intake of too many calories since our brain takes around 20 min to identify fullness. So, if we eat slowly, our brain gets time to identify whether we are full or not. Use a spoon to have food as it also limits food intake; thereby, the calorie intake is also under control.
Yes – it is terrible to waste food but don’t stuff yourself as it is unhealthy. Just avoid filling your plate with heaps of food items; take only what you need!
Workout sessions
Take part in outdoor activities to ensure you get a sufficient amount of Vitamin D. It controls our hormone levels and reduces body fat and helps with weight loss.
To estimate your workout session, daily prepare a workout log where you mention details like how long you worked out, calories burnt, calorie intake, and so on.
If you do not like working out in a gym, opt for other outdoor activities like long walks, cycling, playing sports, and even swimming. Swimming is one of the best ways to reduce weight as it involves entire body movement. Get a workout partner for a healthy competitive workout session.
Your takeaway –
Weight loss is possible in both the winter and summer seasons, but this mainly depends on the type of food you consume and the workout session you follow.
Stick to a proper workout and do not skip it because of the heat or cold. With workout, a well-balanced diet and proper sleep is a must.
What is your take on this? Do you think working out in winter or summer is more effective? Please let us know in the comment section below.
