In ancient times, autumn was known as the season of increased appetite and weight gain. There are several factors that contribute to increased appetite in autumn, but by understanding and managing these factors, it is possible to control appetite and achieve weight loss goals.
The main reasons for increased appetite in autumn are as follows: first, the relief from summer heat leads to a surge in appetite; second, the harvest season brings new grains and various autumn delicacies to the market, stimulating the appetite; third, the decrease in temperature leads to increased energy consumption to maintain body temperature, resulting in increased hunger compared to summer; fourth, compared to summer, autumn has shorter daylight hours, leading to a decrease in the secretion of appetite-inhibiting hormones in the brain, making it harder to control appetite. To address these causes of increased appetite, the following measures can be taken to control appetite and achieve weight loss.
Eat more vegetables: In late autumn, the diet should focus on protein and vegetables, while minimizing the consumption of foods that contribute to obesity.
Eat more whole grains: In autumn, it is advisable to consume more whole grains and less refined grains. Dinner should not be too late and ideally should be consumed approximately 3 hours before bedtime. As autumn is a season when fruits are abundant, it is best to consume them in the morning or during the day rather than at night, as they contain a significant amount of easily absorbable fruit sugars.
Chew slowly: By chewing each bite slowly, a feeling of fullness can be continuously generated, preventing overeating. It is recommended to chew each mouthful approximately 20 times, starting from 10 if necessary.
Engage in physical activity: Exercise can accelerate blood circulation, promote fat metabolism and consumption, and effectively control excessive appetite. In addition to increasing physical activity in autumn, for those with busy work schedules, it is beneficial to walk more during commuting, engage in stretching exercises, squats, and pay attention to posture while standing or sitting.
Reduce stress: Restricting diet for weight loss can cause significant stress. Moreover, high levels of stress, fatigue, and lack of sleep can put the body in a heightened state of tension, leading to increased appetite. Therefore, it is important to avoid forcing weight loss or rapid weight loss and instead focus on relaxation and stress reduction.
Acupressure: There are acupuncture points on the ears that can help suppress hunger and appetite. Applying pressure to these points can aid in appetite control and weight loss.
It is important to note that excessive appetite and overeating in autumn are not conducive to good health. If excess fat accumulates in the body and physical activity decreases in winter, metabolism slows down, and weight gain occurs. Therefore, in autumn, it is advisable to consume smaller portions and maintain weight within a healthy range to welcome the arrival of winter with a healthy body.
