Summer weight gain is actually quite common. Why do we gain weight even when we sweat, and what can we do to combat it starting today? ~Nutritionist's Column Vol. 141

Do you think it's easier to lose weight in the summer because you sweat?
In fact, many people find that they gain weight at the end of summer.
The causes are excessive consumption of cold drinks, lack of exercise, and the slowdown in metabolism that is typical of summer .
This time, we will introduce three pitfalls that cause summer weight gain and measures that you can start taking right away.

What causes summer weight gain? Three common pitfalls you might be overlooking

1. Beware of the sugar content of cold drinks

When the heat continues, we tend to reach for juice, carbonated drinks, and sports drinks.
We understand the feeling of wanting a cold drink after working up a sweat , but these drinks contain a lot of sugar, such as high fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners .
In particular, high-fructose corn syrup tends to raise blood sugar levels rapidly, stimulating insulin secretion and creating a constitution that is prone to fat accumulation .
Furthermore, since liquid sugar does not require chewing, it is difficult to feel full, and you may end up consuming too many calories without realizing it .

▼ Measures
Make a conscious effort to choose sugar-free drinks such as water, unsweetened carbonated water, barley tea, and herbal tea .
When buying commercial drinks, check the back label.

2. People tend to get less exercise in the summer

Summer is a season when people tend to avoid going outside or exercising due to fatigue caused by the heat and concerns about heatstroke.
In addition, spending long periods of time in air-conditioned rooms reduces opportunities to move the body, which can lead to a decline in basal metabolic rate .
On the other hand, summer is also characterized by an increased number of opportunities to eat cold , high-calorie, quickly digestible foods such as ice cream and cold noodles.
The vicious cycle of overeating without moving accelerates fat accumulation .

▼ Measures
Stretching and squatting indoors, and simply maintaining good posture can stimulate your muscles .
The key to preventing summer weight gain is to consciously get into the habit of moving your body, even for a short period of time.

3. Don't be complacent about the seasonality of your metabolism

Did you know that, surprisingly, summer is the season when your basal metabolic rate drops the most throughout the year?
In winter, the body expends energy to produce heat to cope with the cold.
In contrast, in summer, temperatures are high, so there is no need for heat production, and energy consumption naturally decreases .
If you don't realize this decline in metabolism and continue to eat the same amount of food and snack as you did in winter, you will end up consuming more calories than you burn, making it easier for fat to accumulate .
Furthermore, when your internal organs get cold from air conditioning or cold drinks, your autonomic nervous system becomes disrupted and your fat burning efficiency decreases.

▼ Measures
It is important to eat warm meals and drink room temperature drinks to prevent getting too cold .
Even when your appetite is low, try to eat a nutritionally balanced diet.

Start today! 4 tips to prevent summer weight gain

When hydrating , be mindful of the quality
The basics are water, unsweetened carbonated water, barley tea, and herbal tea.
If you crave something sweet, choose natural options like homemade drinks with fruit.

● Be careful of the air conditioner getting cold
Don't lower the room temperature too much, and make it a habit to eat hot soups and room temperature drinks .
Cold internal organs can slow down metabolism and cause the autonomic nervous system to become unbalanced.

● It's OK to exercise while doing other things
Try to find ways to move your body even for a short time in an air-conditioned room , such as stretching while watching TV or doing squats in between housework.
Simply correcting your posture can stimulate your muscles and boost your metabolism.

● Cold foods require a little ingenuity
Ice cream and cold noodles cool the stomach and intestines, reducing digestive power.
To avoid it getting too cold, try adding a warm soup or adjusting the amount.

How can you prevent summer weight gain, which is the opposite of summer fatigue?

Even in the summer when appetite is low, there is actually a risk of storing fat.
However, by reviewing small daily habits, it is entirely possible to stay light and healthy even in the summer.

Eating nutritionally balanced foods such as plant-based protein is also effective in maintaining your condition in the summer.
Avoid overeating and overcooling, and support your metabolism from the inside out.
This summer, limit your sugar intake, prevent colds, and get through it lightly.
Why not start spending your summer in a way that won't make you gain weight starting today?

▼ GRØN Protein 28DAYS Challenge
GRØN's ideal set for getting started with plant-based protein.
This great value set includes a 28-day protein blend, a glass shaker, and a measuring spoon, all with free shipping.