Issue #262: Why We Eat So Much in the Winter
Good morning. It’s Tuesday, November 7th.
Today’s Quick Win
From the Lab: Eating Away the Winter
Speed Read: Running vs. Writing
Tuesday QR: Immunity-Boosting Oatmeal
“You would expect evolution to have given us the ability to realise when we have eaten enough, but instead we show little control when faced with artificial food. Because modern food today has so much sugar and flavour the urge humans have to eat it is greater than any weak evolutionary mechanism which would tell us not to.”
The number of turkeys consumed on Thanksgiving in the U.S. (source)
From the Lab
We eat 86 more calories a day in the winter compared to the summer.
Makes sense - how many holiday parties are on your calendar between now and New Year’s? (Oh - your company is remote now? I bet you still get the treats in the mail).
Or maybe it’s that additional snack in the evening while watching Netflix since it’s dark by 6pm now - so much for that sunset walk after dinner.
Well - there’s actually an even bigger reason.
From an evolutionary standpoint, it was a much greater threat to our survival when we were underweight than if we were overweight. In 2016, a study from the University of Exeter showed we have a subconscious urge to overeat - especially in winter.
So that means two things:
We store more weight in the winter when food was typically scarce (survival mechanism).
We can’t say no to those sweet treats that give us a ton of calories.
In fact, new findings show that our Neanderthal ancestors may have even hibernated for much of the winter - just like bears and other mammals. This would have required a lot of eating and a significantly slowed metabolism - starting in late fall (hmmm).
The food companies have done a great job putting calories and flavor into our ultra-processed food that we just can’t say no. Our evolutionary need for survival far exceeds our ability to pass on the extra slice of pie.
The other thing that happens during these short days (how is it really dark already?) is a reduction in the hormone serotonin. You know what gives a boost in serotonin though - carbs! So pass the stuffing!
But that doesn’t mean we should never indulge - it was actually a good thing for us to cycle through the seasons with different foods and maybe slow down once in awhile. We’ve just taken that to another level with what we eat these days.
So go all in on Cold Weather fruits & veggies that actually fill you up -
Pumpkin and its Cousin (Squash) - pumpkin and these gourds have tons of beta-carotene, iron, and fiber. It doesn’t have to be a pie (or spiced latte). My favorite is butternut squash soup (recipe).
Apples - what’s better than a crisp, ripe apple in the fall? This is my go-to every afternoon with some nut butter on every slice. Apples have a ton of fiber, nutrients and polyphenols like quercetin that is one of the best longevity substances you can get.
Pears - it’s a fan favorite in our house. The under the radar healthy fruit with tons of fiber to fill you up and feed your gut bacteria.
Citrus - perfect time of year to go with some Cuties (Halos), grapefruit or persimmons. Don’t just put ‘em in the kids’ lunches - save one for a mid-day snack for yourself.
Sweet Potatoes - with all the fiber, Vit B6, and potassium, these are actually a great side for any meal (and they’re freaking delicious). Add ‘em to a lunch or dinner instead of empty carbs.
You might be thinking - that’s not exactly exciting. Well, if you gotta have that holiday dessert - try one of these amazing recipes from our archives:
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Speed Read
Health & Longevity in the News
Tiny Homes for a Big Problem: After selling his company, a Canadian entrepreneur is tackling homelessness in his community. He’s building 99 tiny homes in a gated community and enabling work opportunities for the residents. There are critics to the plan, but mental health requires a community, and this is a start. (Good News Network)
Running vs. Writing: Seem totally different, but require the same mental fortitude. The idea is easy, but the process is challenging. At every turn there are doubters (especially internal), obstacles only you can conquer, and continuous distractions. In the end, the work itself is often the reward. Max and I are both more creative when we run, often sending long texts mid-run to get a stream of consciousness out. (Outside)
Wind, Solar…Iron?: Could iron be a replacement for fossil fuels without the need for new infrastructure? Iron is abundant, and cheap, and can be burned to produce energy without the nasty carbon release. Its byproduct, rust, can be recycled. Unfortunately, the weight of iron (15 gal in your tank would weigh the same as your car) and the challenges with recycling rust are current obstacles, but scientists are learning more about burning the metal in microgravity, to apply back on Earth. (Big Think)
Tuesday QR | Instant Pot Oatmeal
Boost your immunity with a breakfast designed to combat colds and flu. Packed with disease-fighting ingredients like turmeric, kale, and garlic, this meal is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Nutrient-dense seeds and oats provide essential omega-3’s and fiber, fortifying health from the start of your day. Enjoy!
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The information in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and may not be appropriate or applicable based on your individual circumstances. Thrive25 Labs LLC does not provide medical, professional, or licensed advice. Please connect with your healthcare professional for medical advice specific to your health needs.