Frustrated over winter weight gain. Slower metabolism to blame?

[kelly237]

I struggle with the same thing in the winter..different numbers but same thing..

In fact, all my friends struggle more in the winter...

I have started using a light therapy gadget that I got from Amazon for $60 to see if
my winter blues & low energy are improved. I have used it a week and I do feel more energetic.
That makes me sit less which has to be a good thing...

The other thing I am going to try is fiber supplements. I have been reading research and taken
before meals they reduce appetite..

Brainstorm about winter/summer differences & list...

My list
more yard work and outside activities in summer
enjoy fresh veggies more in summer
less boredom eating in summer
less tv in summer
better mood in summer
drink more in summer

[stoutboy]

Five days a week cardio might be excessive and causing you to plateau. Try dialing back for a month at 3x per week. Add in 1-2 days of resistance training.

[danielpearl]

Drink green tea ! it has enormous ability to increase the metabolic rate. and packed full of other benefits. Also try some adding some strength training in your workout schedule.

[caligirlz]

Originally Posted by Checkered24

Since about mid November, I have been unable to maintain my weight. I have gone from weighing 167-170 range over the summer and fall (170 I would consider my norm), to a high of 176 this morning, and I have been in the 173-176 range since Dec-Jan.

My problem in combating this is I am not sure exactly what the problem is that has slowed my metabolism, other than blaming the winter season for a slow down of my metabolism. My diet around the holidays I am sure is partly to blame, as it is hard to eat well through there. By now, however, my diet is back to normal and is back to normal (and basically follows alow carb, low sugar diet for the most part).

I supplement that with jogging as my main exercise, doing 5 miles a day in 45 minutes, 5 days a week on a treadmill, up a 2.5% grade. So I am getting a good workout too.

I just cannot seem to increase my metabolism, or burn enough to get my body to stop storing.

Any hints or tips? Wait it out a couple months to see if it reverses as we get into spring, and more vitamin D is available to wake my body up?

As Karen_S said, add weight lifting. Do it a minimum of 3-4 days per week, preferably 4. Include squats.

And mix up your work outs. Do something different each day. You don't need more cardio time, but perhaps you might want to try different types of cardio (biking, elliptical, jump-roping, stair master), or different types of running. Maybe mix in sprints, hill sprints, run stairs. If you have access to the biggest loser ladder, do it, totally awesome!!

Also, supplements do not increase your metabolism enough to cause weight loss regardless of what the label, marketing or Dr Oz claim.

Clean up your diet. The big rage is paleo. You might want to check that out.

Track your food intake using an online tracker, such as myfitnesspal, livestrong, sparkpeople. Just find one you like & use it. Commit to entering EVERYTHING you eat, even if you don't want to. If you don't know what you are really eating, then it's all just a guessing game.

Finally, weigh yourself regularly, like weekly. Many of the online food trackers allow you to track weight (water & activity) too. Determine your goal weight, and determine a "red flag" weight. When you are within 5 lbs of the red flag weight, this is the time to really keep track of what you are doing & make changes as necessary.... track all your food, cut out carbs at night, increase water, increase exercise, make sure you are getting 8 hours sleep...or whatever you determine is necessary.