How to avoid the extra kilos in cold weather

Mohmad Yusuf N Shaikh

Winters are usually synonymous with weight gain for many people. Winter goodies are not the only culprits behind this. With temperature dropping severely, the chilling weather can make people lethargic. As days get shorter and nights longer and more chilling, resulting in longer time spent indoors, it results in minimum physical activity and more eating. The cold season also amps up body’s cravings for warm, comforting food. It usually results in our eating more of nourishing but high-calorie food. And to add to the season’s weight gain woes, winter is also the season of weddings, year-end vacations and Christmas and New Year celebrations.   

According to a recent survey, an average weight gain of two to four kg is the norm in the winters.  However, with regular workout and herbal fat-cutting measures as suggested in the ancient Ayurvedic texts, one can shed off those excess kilos gained in the winters. 

Following are some Ayurvedic measures that are good for weight-loss: 

Meal essentials 

With workouts and even routine activity/movement outdoors almost cut down to zero, it’s advised to reduce the size of your meals and also increase the time-span between every meal. This will encourage the body to burn off the stored fat for energy. For a healthy adult, three meals in winters are enough to keep them going for the entire day and have a natural and permanent weight management solution. For better weight-loss results and healthier digestion, have a dose of Triphala (an ancient Ayurvedic formula consisting of three fruits: amalaki, bibhitaki and haritaki) after every meal. But make sure to take this herbal potion as directed by an Ayurvedic expert. 

Simple detox practices

Cleansing and weight-loss roots such as turmeric, ginger, dandelion and burdock can help in better digestion, cleanse cells and lose weight, especially when the right seasonal foods are eaten. Having these roots in tea with a pinch of black pepper and raw honey brings more weight loss in a healthy manner. 

Get out in sun and exercise 

One way to help the body shed those extra kilos is to balance its natural rhythms by providing it with more sunlight. As per Ayurveda, the first rays of the morning sunlight are extremely beneficial for the human body as these instantly block any lingering melatonin production during the day and open up the room for more calorie-burning energy. Apart from these rays, get more sun during the day as well as sunlight can also provide the body with optimal levels of vitamin D synthesis. Having vitamin D between 50 to 80 ng/mL daily has been shown to accelerate healthy weight loss.

—The writer is the founder of Kudrati Ayurved Health Centre, Ahmedabad