‘Due to body’s need for calories, winter contributes to weight gain’

Doha, Qatar: Maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet during winter is crucial, as it provides the energy needed to stay warm while reducing the risk o...

Doha, Qatar: Maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet during winter is crucial, as it provides the energy needed to stay warm while reducing the risk of weight gain, which can lead to obesity and other health issues. A healthy diet also plays a vital role in enhancing the body’s immunity, helping it fight infections and illnesses that become more common in colder weather.

Nutritionist Nisreen Jabr from Umm Al Seneem Health Center, at the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), said, “Undoubtedly, weight gain is a common issue during winter. Many people find it challenging to maintain a healthy weight due to an increased craving for high-calorie foods that help keep the body warm, coupled with the abundance of unhealthy options like sweets, fast food, and sugary drinks such as hot chocolate.”

She added that weight gain can have several negative consequences, including elevated blood sugar, high blood pressure, increased cholesterol levels, heart problems, and psychological issues such as self-blame over one’s appearance.

One of the key tips for staying warm and avoiding weight gain in winter is to consume an appropriate number of calories while avoiding nutrient-poor, high-calorie foods. Regular physical activity is also essential, and meals should be well-timed and evenly distributed throughout the day.

A balanced diet should include protein, found in foods like fish, poultry, eggs, and legumes, which is effective in promoting satiety; fiber, present in whole grains and vegetables like brown rice, whole wheat, quinoa, oats, and leafy greens, which takes longer to digest and reduces the urge to overeat; warm foods and drinks such as lentil soup, vegetable soup, and herbal teas like mint and ginger, which help maintain warmth; and spices like black pepper, turmeric, cumin, and basil, which add flavour while reducing the need for added salt.