Health Brief
The Fall surprises!
The fall season offers plenty of enjoyment: gorgeous sceneries, pleasant temperature and many interesting outside activities.
The fall season is a transition between the warmth of the summer and the cold temperature of the winter. This transition brings a few changes in our behaviors that are often unconscious. Some of these changes are related to our humor and our food consumption. For example, studies show that we eat 200 more calories per day during the fall season.
Why? The researchers are telling us that this is to get ready for winter and the lack of food that comes with it. Of course, nowadays, we do not miss food during winter times... but we inherited this reflex action from our ancestors. These ancestors had to store a certain quantity of fat to survive during the cold season. This behavior is instinctive; therefore do not be surprised if you have raging hunger... you are following your instinct...
Now that you know about this phenomenon, we would like to offer you a few tips to mitigate the negative impacts on your health:
- Avoid nibbling at non nutritious food that is bad for your health;
- Watch the size of your portions;
- Drink a good quantity of water. This will provide you with a feeling of satiety;
- Continue to eat 5 to 10 portions of fruits and vegetables each day. In addition to diminishing your appetite, it will contribute to supply the essential vitamins to face the cold season;
- Get off the couch… And go play outside!
Have a good fall!
