When it comes to losing weight, we all know what role exercise and nutrition play. A balanced diet and working out regularly are considered the key to weight loss. Equally important are the lifestyle choices that we make, such as sleeping and waking up at the right time, limiting alcohol intake, quitting smoking, taking care of mental health, etc. But does weather affect weight loss? If yes, then which weather is the most suitable for that?
This is exactly what new research has found out. When it comes to weight loss, people generally believe that warmer climates are more conducive. However, findings of the new research published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine has proved the opposite. In fact, working out in colder environments can help you better with weight loss.
More About The Study
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The study was undertaken by researchers from the University of Copenhagen, who studied two groups of males for a certain duration of time. While one group swam during cold weather and went for a sauna just after that, the other group swam in temperature-specific conditions. Here is what the study found out:
- The swimmers who swam in cold weather had better thermoregulation. This means working out in cold environments may boost the body’s ability to adapt to different temperatures.
- Swimmers who swam in cold weather also had better activation of brown fat. This special kind of fat is activated when the body gets cold. With higher heat production, the body sheds more calories, thus helping in weight loss.
- The previous research has also suggested that people who have higher brown fat storage are at a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, type-2 diabetes, and hypertension. This reflects that a colder climate not only helps with weight loss, it also protects the body from several serious health conditions.
How To Lose Weight
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Now that we know that cold weather may help with weight loss, let us learn how to actually do it. Below are some tips suggested by the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS):
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Do Not Skip Meals
Many people tend to miss a meal, generally breakfast, to avoid consuming some amount of calories. This isn’t the ideal thing to do as you might save yourself some calories, but you will also starve yourself of some essential nutrients. Also, when you skip a meal, you tend to feel hungry later, and you might satiate that with snacking, which in turn will lead to weight gain.
Also read: Why Eating Too Little For Weight Loss Is A Bad Strategy: Know Its Impact On Body
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Eat Plenty Of Fruits & Veggies
Experts recommend that half of your meals should comprise of fruits and vegetables. Not only are they rich in nutrients and minerals, but they also fill you up with fewer calories, thus making them ideal for weight loss.
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Avoid Junk Foods
It is no surprise that highly processed junk foods are the worst you can put in your system. Not only are these calorie-dense, but they are awful for your overall health.
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Eating Mindfully
Most people generally have their meals in front of a screen, thus they often ignore keeping track of how much they eat. It generally takes about 20 minutes for your stomach to send a signal to your brain that it is full. Hence, eat slowly and mindfully, which will help you cut down on some extra calories, which you might consume while eating hurriedly and mindlessly.
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Exercise Daily
It’s a well-established fact that working out is crucial to losing weight. Not only does it help with weight loss and management, but also improves overall health.
Also read: Eat When Hungry, Understand Your Cravings: Expert Shares 8 Food Habits For Weight Loss
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Stay Hydrated
Drinking at least 6-8 glasses of water daily is crucial for sound health.
Last but not the least, rest well. Although having adequate sleep is not given as much importance as nutrition and exercise when it comes to weight loss. However, it is extremely crucial for overall health and qualitative life. Just think, when sleep-deprived, you feel tired and cranky. To make up for that energy, you fill yourself with food, thus consuming several extra calories. Thus, make it a point to get at least 7-8 hours of sound sleep daily.
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