Argus News - Feeling Hungry All The Time In Winter? Here’s Why…

Bhubaneswar, Jan 24: During winter, most people feel hungry more often. Even after eating, hunger returns quickly. While light meals are usually sufficient in summer, winter makes foods like parathas, pakoras, sweets, and hot dishes more appealing. This often raises the question: does the body truly need more food in winter, or is it just a mental feeling?

In cold weather, the body expends more energy to maintain its temperature. Through a process called thermogenesis, extra calories are burned to keep the body warm. As a result, the brain receives signals that energy is running low and prompts us to eat. This means that increased appetite in winter is, to some extent, natural.

Hormones also play a major role. Hunger is regulated mainly by two hormones: ghrelin (which increases appetite) and leptin (which signals fullness). In winter, reduced sunlight and lower physical activity can decrease leptin’s effect and enhance ghrelin’s influence, making us feel hungry more frequently.

The brain can also be tricked. Spending more time indoors during winter reduces activity and increases boredom. The brain often fails to distinguish between hunger and boredom. Moreover, high-calorie winter foods like carrot halwa, almonds, and sesame laddus can stimulate cravings even when the body isn’t truly hungry.

So, should we eat more in winter? The body certainly requires a bit more energy in cold weather, but that doesn’t mean unlimited eating. What’s needed are foods that keep you warm, satisfy hunger, and provide nutrition, such as grains, pulses, vegetables, soups, and moderate amounts of dry fruits.