Why We Eat More In Winter And What To Do About It

Ever notice how that salad that hit the spot in July doesn't quite cut it when December rolls around? Our eating patterns shift with the seasons, and there's more science behind those winter cravings than just holiday temptations (4). Let's dive into why our bodies seem programmed to raid the pantry when temperatures drop.

Prehistoric Programming

Our bodies still run on ancient software. Back when humans had to survive harsh winters with limited food, we were programmed to pack in extra calories during colder months. Think of it as your body's internal squirrel, storing nuts for winter - except instead of nuts, it's making you crave mac and cheese, cake, and ice cream.

This survival mechanism worked great for our ancestors who faced genuine food scarcity. They needed those extra fat stores to make it through winter's lean times. Today, even with fully stocked grocery stores year-round, our bodies haven't gotten the memo that winter survival isn't quite so challenging anymore.

A Chemical Reaction