Winter's cozy appeal often tempts us to indulge in comfort foods and stay indoors, making it harder to keep the extra kgs off. With colder weather and lower motivation to stay active, cravings for rich, hearty meals increase. However, winter doesn’t have to mean weight gain—by following simple, effective strategies, you can maintain or even improve your fitness throughout the season. Why is it Difficult to Lose Weight in Winter? Unlike summer, people love to stay indoors during the colder months. Winter lifestyle often leads to the ignoring of regular exercise and diet. Let’s consider the key reasons why it is hard to maintain or lose weight during the winter season. Lower Activity Levels Shorter days and colder weather often reduce outdoor activities. For many people, winter means fewer walks, less jogging, and a reduction in sports or activities that require leaving the warmth of home. This drop in activity naturally affects calorie expenditure, leading to a slower metabolism and, consequently, potential weight gain. Read more: 10 Delicious Quinoa Recipes for Weight Loss Comfort Food Cravings During the colder months, we crave warm, filling foods high in calories, fats, and carbs. These cravings are not just psychological—your body uses more energy to keep you warm, which can cause you to crave denser, more energy-rich foods. Reduced Sunlight Exposure Winter’s reduced sunlight can lower vitamin D levels, affecting mood and leading to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) for some. SAD often causes fatigue, sadness, and carb cravings, reducing motivation to exercise and eat well. Low energy and mood make it harder to maintain fitness and balanced nutrition during the season.  Changes in Metabolism Colder weather triggers the body to maintain its internal temperature, which can slightly increase the human body’s metabolic rate. However, this increase is inadequate to offset higher calorie intake from comfort foods. Instead, our bodies may go into a mild "hibernation mode," where metabolism slows as activity decreases, making weight loss a bit more challenging. Read more: Delicious Oatmeal Recipes for Weight Loss Tips to Avoid Winter Weight Gain Though people want to live a more relaxed lifestyle during the colder months, following some strategies can prevent gaining extra pounds. Stay Active Indoors When outdoor exercise feels less appealing, find ways to keep moving indoors. There are countless ways to stay active at home, from following online workout videos to using home fitness equipment. You can try online classes in yoga, dance, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT).  Create a home gym setup with resistance bands, dumbbells, or kettlebells. You can also incorporate bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups that require minimal space. Staying active at home burns calories and keeps your mood and energy up during those winter days. Read more: 10 Best Teas for Weight Loss Set Winter Fitness Goals Sometimes, all it takes is a goal to keep you focused. Setting specific, achievable goals like improving strength, running a certain distance, or completing a workout challenge can provide motivation. Winter is a perfect time to work on endurance, flexibility, or strength, as these can be developed indoors with minimal equipment. Embrace Seasonal Vegetables and Light Comfort Foods Winter foods do not have to be heavy to be comforting. Root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips, along with leafy greens like cabbage and spinach, are winter staples that are both nutritious and satisfying. Try making lighter versions of classic comfort foods, like soups and stews with plenty of veggies, lean proteins, and low-sodium broths. Practice Mindful Eating Mindful eating is all about slowing down and truly savouring each bite, which can help reduce overeating. In winter, many people tend to eat more out of boredom or to seek comfort. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to hunger cues and avoid eating in front of screens. Try to focus on each meal, chew thoroughly, and consider portion sizes. Read more: Healthy Weight Gain Strategies: Add pounds fast safely, naturally Choose Snacks Wisely Smart snacking can prevent winter weight gain by curbing cravings and stabilizing energy. Choose high-protein, high-fibre options like yoghurt with apple slices with peanut butter. These snacks keep you full and help avoid unhealthy choices later. Stick to small portions and avoid sugary snacks that lead to quick energy spikes and crashes. Control Your Stress Managing stress, especially during the winter season, can help prevent weight gain. High stress increases cortisol, a hormone that can lead to weight gain and cravings for junk food. To keep stress levels low, try techniques like exercise, meditation, yoga, or deep breathing. These methods help control cortisol and reduce the likelihood of overeating unhealthy foods. Boost Your Vitamin D Levels Lower sunlight exposure in winter can lead to a drop in vitamin D, which plays a role in maintaining a healthy immune system and mood. You can boost vitamin D by spending a few minutes outside when the sun is out, even on colder days. Try including vitamin D-rich foods like fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy. Consider discussing supplements with a healthcare provider. Read more: Postpartum Weight Loss: How to lose baby weight fast after pregnancy Stay Hydrated It is common to drink less water in winter because the cold weather may make you less thirsty. However, hydration is just as essential in winter as in summer. Water helps keep metabolism running efficiently and prevents overeating, as thirst is sometimes mistaken for hunger. You should carry a water bottle around, and drink herbal teas for warmth and hydration without added calories. Prioritize Sleep Adequate sleep is essential for weight management because it regulates hormones that control hunger and appetite. Short winter days may disrupt sleep cycles, but try to maintain a regular sleep schedule. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to keep energy levels balanced and reduce cravings for sugary or high-carb foods. Make Exercise a Social Activity Staying active can be more fun with friends or family. Look for local winter sports or try virtual workout challenges with friends. Many gyms also offer winter workout programs or challenges that can help you stay consistent. Making fitness a social commitment adds accountability, increasing the likelihood of sticking to your routine. Read more: 5 Healthy Winter Soup Recipes for Weight Loss Plan Your Meals Ahead Meal planning can help you avoid impulsive food choices that are high in calories. Prepare meals for the week, focusing on balanced nutrition and portion sizes. If you have healthy, ready-made meals at hand, you are less likely to reach for high-calorie options. Keep Meals Balanced with Protein and Fiber Winter meals often have plenty of carbs but lack protein and fiber, both essential for feeling full and managing weight. Protein boosts metabolism and reduces appetite, so aim for 25–30 grams per meal from sources like meat, poultry, fish, beans, and quinoa. Fiber also supports fullness and prevents overeating. Include fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts to help maintain balance and control calorie intake during festive meals. Do not Skip Workouts It can be tempting to skip workouts when it is dark and cold outside, but consistency is key. Even short workouts, such as a 20-minute HIIT session, can be effective. Maintaining a regular exercise routine will keep your metabolism running and help offset any extra calories from winter foods. Read more: How to Lose Weight without a Strict Diet or Heavy Exercise Final Words Winter weight gain is avoidable with proactive habits. By recognizing winter’s triggers and making mindful choices, you can stay active, eat well, maintain balance, and lose extra pounds. Relish seasonal treats without derailing your health goals. With the right approach, you can enjoy the cold season feeling energized and motivated. Embrace winter, stay mindful, and prioritize your health throughout the season. Read more: How Does Fat Leave the Body When We Lose Weight?

In today's fast-paced world, the struggle with obesity is a prevalent concern. Obesity leads to various health complications. From heart diseases to diabetes, the implications of carrying excess weight are far-reaching. However, the solution might be as simple as a comforting cup of tea. Several teas have been recognized for their potential to aid in weight loss. Let's explore the 10 best teas that promote weight loss. 10 Popular Teas to Shed Extra Pounds Green Tea  Green tea, a popular beverage, is made from the leaves of tea plants. It is scientifically known as Camellia sinensis. In Bangladesh, it's referred to as "Shobuj Cha." Renowned for its richness in antioxidants, particularly catechins, green tea offers numerous health benefits.  Consuming around  2 to 3 cups daily can provide a boost to metabolism and aid in the oxidation of fats. However, excessive consumption can cause hepatotoxicity.  Read more: Top 10 Kidney Cleansing Teas with Recipes Usually, green tea is brewed using 1 teaspoon of tea leaves with 150ml boiled water. The tea leaves need to be soaked at 61 °C to 87 °C temperature for 30 seconds to 3 minutes depending on light or strong tea you prefer.    Oolong Tea Oolong tea, is a semi-oxidized traditional Chinese tea strikes a balance between green and black teas. It is derived from Camellia sinensis plants. In Bangladesh, it goes by "Ulong Cha."  Oolong tea offers a unique flavor profile. It is packed with polyphenols, theanine, and vitamins. Consuming 4 cups daily is safe for most people according to WebMD. However, excessive intake could lead to caffeine sensitivity like mild to serious headaches and irregular heartbeat.  Read more: Health benefits of floral teas: 10 blends you can try Oolong tea supports digestion, enhances energy expenditure, and can aid in weight management. To prepare, first, boil the water over 80-90°C. Then steep the leaves for 1-5 minutes. Now the Oolong tea is ready to enjoy. Black Tea Black tea is sourced from the Camellia sinensis plant, the same as green tea. In Bangladesh this tea is referred to as "Rong Cha" or "Lal Cha." Loaded with theaflavins, thearubigins, and vitamins, black tea offers robust flavor and health benefits.  Four cups of black tea daily is normally moderate for most people. But be cautious due to its high caffeine content. It supports metabolism, aids weight management, and provides a caffeine boost.  Read more: These are the 10 Most Expensive Teas in the World To make black tea, first 100ml of water at 100°C. Then soak 1 teaspoon of tea in the water for about 6 minutes. You may enjoy it with sugar, milk, or lemon. But for weight loss, unsweetened black tea without sugar is recommended. White Tea White tea is also obtained from the tea plant or Camellia sinensis plant. This tea is normally called white tea while in Bangladesh it’s known as Recognized as White Tea, it's known as "Shada Cha." White tea offers a delicate flavor and health benefits. This tea is abundant in catechins, flavonoids, and antioxidants. You can consume 2-4 cups daily to be safe. Overconsumption of white tea can lead to insomnia, dizziness, and gastrointestinal discomfort.  Read more: 10 Healthy Bedtime Teas for Better Sleep, Relaxation White tea supports fat breakdown, offers antioxidants, and enhances overall well-being. For a nice cup of white tea first boil 1 cup water. Then pour it into a cup and add a tea bag into the water. Finally steep for 2-3 minutes for the perfect taste.  Rooibos Tea Rooibos tea is derived from the leaves of the rooibos plant, native to South Africa. The plant is called red bush and carries the scientific name Aspalathus linearis.  Rooibos tea is packed with nutrients like aspalathin and nothofagin. This caffeine-free herbal tea offers a unique taste and health benefits. Experts suggest drinking 6 cups daily. A large intake of rooibos tea can cause an increase in liver enzymes which can potentially indicate liver problems.  Read more: Masala Tea Health Benefits: How Can It Improve Your Immunity To prepare rooibos tea first you need to boil 1 cup water over 100 °C. After medium boiling add 1 teaspoon of tea leaves. Then brew for 5-6 minutes and your tea is ready to savor.  

Higher vitamin D during the first year of life can help to beat obesity in adolescence, according to a study.

NeckSense, a new technology, can detect in the real world when people are eating, how fast they chew, how many bites they take and how many times their hands head to their mouths, according to a study of Northwestern University (NU).   The data, along with other information like heart rate, will help scientists understand what leads to binging or troublesome eating behaviors and how to intervene to stop those behaviors in real time, said the study posted on the website of NU on Wednesday.   The data also will include self-reported physical details such as and how hungry or satiated you feel or psychological details such as how depressed or how anxious you are. The user also will upload photos of their food via a smartphone app.   The technology includes wearing a tiny camera pendant to validate what the necklace is sensing. Eventually the camera will be removed.   A Northwestern Medicine study with 20 participants has validated the technology.   "The arsenal of the dietician has been upgraded," said lead study author Nabil Alshurafa, an assistant professor of preventive medicine at NU Feinberg School of Medicine. "The ability to easily record dietary intake patterns allows dieticians or even laypeople making use of our tech to deliver timely digital interventions that occur as eating is happening to prevent overeating."   "The beauty of this is that it requires almost no effort on the part of the wearer," he said.   Measuring people's eating patterns allows scientists to begin to understand how these variables are associated with overeating, providing them with new ways to intervene.   Currently, dieticians must rely on self-reporting based on 24-hour recall by the patient, a notoriously unreliable method because people forget what they ate or fabricate their diet. Another method, journaling food/drink consumption as it occurs, is subject to error because it is burdensome and disruptive to day-to-day routine.   In the next step, the researchers will test NeckSense along with several other wearable devices with 60 participants who have obesity and validate the device against standard 24-hour recall, and will tweak the necklace to make it more fashionable and test the feasibility of real-time interventions.   NeckSense is part of a broader study called SenseWhy, which will assess if wearing sensors will help us understand people's problematic eating behaviors in real time.   The technology has been published in the Proceedings of the ACM on Interactive, Mobile, Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies.

New Zealand food industry is encouraged to enhance its work to tackle obesity in the country, released in a government statement on Saturday.