The craving of different foods in cold weather has a scientific reasoning behind it. As the temperature drops and the leaves start to fall, our food preferences and cravings tend to shift. The return of pumpkin spiced lattes and hearty soups often attract us towards warmer and more comforting foods during this time of the year.
Dr. Carrie Ruxton, a dietitian at the Health & Food Supplements Information Service, explains, “As the weather turns cooler, we tend to crave warmer, cosier, and comforting foods. So, hearty stews and soups may come to mind or we may be more likely to treat ourselves with extra snacks or drinks.”
Many of the comfort foods we tend to lean towards in colder weather are high in sugar and carbohydrates, which can have an impact on our hormone levels. Eating foods rich in sugar can trigger the release of dopamine in our brains, leading to heightened feelings of pleasure. This dopamine release drives us to repeat actions that are deemed rewarding by the brain.
The drop in temperature during autumn can also intensify our hunger as our energy expenditure increases to help maintain our core body temperature. However, factors such as habit, environmental cues, and cultural norms around the season play a significant role in influencing our cravings during winter rather than just the cooler temperature.
During autumn, it is important to ensure our bodies are getting the necessary nutrients, especially with the reduction of sunlight affecting our vitamin D levels. Foods like egg yolks, oily fish, red meat, and fortified cereals can help in topping up the vitamin D levels. A varied diet is recommended to strengthen immunity as we head towards winter.
While indulging in comfort foods that are high in salt, sugar, and fat should be limited, it is essential to maintain a balance and not completely restrict ourselves to only whole foods. Swapping in healthier options for sweet cravings like apple with peanut butter or Greek yogurt with berries can be beneficial.
As we navigate through the transition from summer to autumn, being mindful of our cravings and making informed food choices can help us maintain a healthy and balanced diet during the colder months.