Did you just think you'd be greedy in winter? What the cold really does to your body

When the outside temperature drops, the body has to provide more energy to maintain its internal temperature at around 98°F/37°C. This mechanism, known as thermoregulation, results in a slight increase in energy expenditure.

According to INSERM, exposure to the cold can increase daily caloric expenditure by 5 to 10%, depending on the intensity of the cold, the duration of exposure and body type.

The result: a slight increase in appetite, particularly for satiating, high-energy foods.

Cold also affects our food preferences. Warm food provides an immediate sensation of comfort, but it's not just a question of pleasure.

Several factors come into play:

• the warmth of food aids digestion,
• melting or creamy textures are perceived as more reassuring,
• Eating hot food sends a safety signal to the brain.

Studies in food neuroscience show that the warmth of food activates brain areas associated with well-being, which explains the appeal of soups, purées or simmered dishes in winter.

In winter, reduced light directly influences our hormonal balance. Reduced exposure to natural light reduces the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood and appetite.

At the same time :

• melatonin production increases,
• feelings of fatigue are more pronounced,
• cravings for carbohydrates become more frequent.

Complex carbohydrates (rice, pasta, potatoes, legumes) increase the availability of tryptophan, a precursor of serotonin, which explains their natural appeal in cold weather.

Lipids have a high energy density: 9 kcal per gram, compared with 4 kcal for proteins and carbohydrates. In winter, the body tends to appreciate them more to meet its increased energy needs.

Historically, this adaptation was essential to survive cold periods. Even today, our bodies retain this biological memory.

This doesn't mean that we should eat more fat without limit, but that the need is physiological, not just cultural.

The shorter days and lack of light also influence :

• hunger schedules,
• the frequency of snacking,
• portion size.

Winter periods are associated with :

• less physical activity,
• an increase in evening eating,
• an increased search for snacks.

The body naturally seeks to compensate for the perceived drop in energy.

It's not a question of fighting against these mechanisms, but of accompanying them intelligently:

• give preference to homemade hot dishes,
• include quality starchy foods,
• don't eliminate fats, but choose them carefully (oils, butter in reasonable quantities),
• stay well hydrated, even if you don't feel thirsty,
• maintain regular mealtimes.

• ignore hunger in the name of "self-control",
• compensate for the cold with ultra-processed foods,
• multiplying restrictive diets in winter, a period that is already demanding on the body.

Excessive restrictions during periods of physiological stress increase the risk of fatigue, lowered immunity and dietary imbalances.

• it slightly increases our energy requirements,
• it modifies our food preferences,
• it acts on our hormones and moods,
• it encourages more comforting eating behaviors.

Rather than resisting these changes, it's healthier to understand and adapt to them. In winter, eating warm, nourishing and satiating food is not a deviation: it's the body's natural response to the seasons!