Comfort Foods and Fall Weight Gain

The season when the weather gets cold is often when it’s much easier to put on weight. Cuddling in a blanket in front of a fire with your favorite movie on is a fun time to get out the snacks you love, that might just happen to be packed with calories. If you have some tips that are in place ahead of time though, you can avoid this trap. First of all, don’t eat a large meal before bedtime. Your body needs about three hours to process all the sugar that is in a meal before you lay down for sleep. That’s because if you wait that long, it will be ready to burn those calories as you recover during the night. If you instead eat immediately before sleep, it’s more likely that those calories are going to turn into fat. As you eat, remember to keep your portions the appropriate size. For example, your fist is the right amount of each food category that should be on your plate. This will give you the nutrients you need without overdoing the calories that need to be burned off later. It’s far better if you leave yourself a little hungry, rather than filling up these foods and feeling stuffed. Your body and mind cannot function appropriately when you feel like this. The regular bedtime routine your family has should also include some downtime to relax. This means slowing things down, letting your mind rest from the day, having some comfortable conversations and generally preparing your body for a restful sleep. By doing this, you’re giving your body all the tools it needs to actually rest and not lay awake, as your mind runs. The same thing can be used for your children in order to give them some healthy sleep habits they can use the rest of their lives. If you use nutrition tips like this, you can enjoy the fall season and your favorite comfort foods without putting on the traditional ten to fifteen pounds. You’ll also feel better and have more energy, which will help you stay on track with your fitness routine!