Perhaps you recognize this in yourself. In the summer you enjoy smoothies and salads, while in your cold months you crave carbs, comfort food and sugars. You are not the only one, there are several factors that cause these so-called winter cravings. We discuss them in this blog!

4 causes of winter cravings

Biological survivalism and sugar consumption

The tendency to consume more sugar in winter can be explained by our biological survival instinct. In ancient times, accumulating high-calorie foods, such as sugar, was essential to survive the cold winter months. The more fat one had, the greater the chance of survival with these extra reserves. Unfortunately, today this evolutionary mechanism can lead to unhealthy food choices.

Tip: Choose healthier alternatives, such as fruit, to satisfy cravings for sweets and avoid excessive intake of refined sugars.

Lack of daylight

The shorter days and reduced exposure to daylight in winter can disrupt our biological clock. This disruption affects the production of neurotransmitters, including serotonin. Serotonin is a crucial player when it comes to regulating mood and appetite. A lack of serotonin can lead to increased cravings for comfort foods, such as carbohydrate-rich snacks, because these foods can briefly improve your mood.

Hormone changes

Hormone changes during winter can also contribute to increased cravings. For example, melatonin, the sleep hormone, is produced in greater amounts during dark periods. This can lead to fatigue and a tendency to reach for energy-rich foods.

Tip: Support your hormonal balance with supplements such as vitamin B6 and zinc, which contribute to normal hormone balance.

Winter dip or depression 

The winter dip, or winter depression, can also play a role in winter cravings. Symptoms such as dejection and fatigue can lead to emotional eating as a coping mechanism.

In addition, sugary and high-fat foods can temporarily boost your mood because these foods give you a dopamine boost, something your brain sees as a reward and something you think you could use during a gloomy day.

Reduce winter cravings?

To reduce your winter cravings, it is first of all very important to keep eating well and preferably combine fiber (whole grain vegetables, legumes and whole grain cereals), protein and healthy fats at every meal. In addition, sleep is essential, as fatigue can actually worsen cravings as well as a minimum of 30 minutes of outdoor walking daily, whether it is sunny or not.