עברית
The well-known dietitian, Dr. Maya Roseman, discussed on her 103FM radio program the common phenomenon of increased hunger during winter, outlining the scientific reasons behind it and offering practical solutions.
“When it’s cold, our body looks for ways to warm itself up, and eating is one of them,” she explained. “The digestion process requires physical effort from the body, much like exercising. Stomach contractions involved in food digestion consume about 20% of the calories we eat. For example, if we consume a 500-calorie meal, roughly 100 calories are used solely for digestion, which naturally warms the body.”
She further noted, “In winter, as daylight hours decrease, serotonin levels in the brain also decline. This drop leads to increased hunger and stronger cravings for carbohydrates and sweets.”
So how can we manage winter hunger? Dr. Roseman offered several practical strategies to help reduce cravings and maintain balanced nutrition during the colder months.
“A hot chocolate made with a teaspoon of cocoa, a little sucralose, boiling water, and some milk is a satisfying and enjoyable drink between meals. Hot cider prepared from diet apple juice is another delightful option, containing only 16 calories per glass. A warm toast made from two slices of light bread with cheese, a bit of pesto, tomato, oregano, and olives provides a generous snack with fewer than 150 calories.”
She added that boiled and seasoned chickpeas contain tryptophan, which can help raise serotonin levels in the brain and serve as a healthy, low-calorie snack. Another recommendation: “A warm apple cut into slices, sprinkled with sucralose and cinnamon, and heated in the microwave makes for a tasty and light winter dessert.”
Dr. Roseman concluded by emphasizing that winter hunger can be managed in a healthy, mindful way by choosing “smart and nutritious snacks.”
