The change of season from summer to fall brings with it an adjustment in our body, especially in the metabolism. As temperatures drop and days get shorter, the body makes certain changes to adapt to the new environment, which can influence our energy, appetite and weight. In this article, we will explore how the metabolism behaves in the fall and what habits we can adopt to stay in balance.
What is metabolism and why does it change in autumn?
Metabolism is the set of chemical processes that occur in our body to convert food into energy. Throughout the year, metabolism can vary depending on factors such as ambient temperature and the amount of sunlight.
In autumn, when temperatures drop, our bodies start to expend more energy to keep warm. In addition, the reduction in sunlight can affect the levels of certain hormones, such as melatonin, which can make us feel more fatigued or increase our appetite.
1. Increase your intake of nutrient-rich foods
In the fall, the body may demand more calories to stay warm, which sometimes results in cravings for more substantial foods. However, it is important to choose foods that are nutrient-dense and not just caloric. Seasonal fruits and vegetables such as pumpkins, carrots and sweet potatoes are ideal. These foods not only provide energy, but also contain vitamins and antioxidants that strengthen the immune system.
2. Maintain a physical activity routine
Even though temperatures are lower, exercise is still essential to keep your metabolism active. Activities such as brisk walking, hiking or yoga not only help burn calories, but also improve your mood, especially when the days get shorter. In addition, regular exercise helps regulate your appetite and keep your energy levels stable.
3. Get enough sleep and regulate your sleeping habits
As autumn approaches, it is common to feel more sleepy due to the decrease in sunlight. This affects the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. Maintaining a consistent sleep routine, with between 7 and 8 hours of rest, is key to supporting metabolism. Make sure to create a dark and quiet environment for sleep, and avoid excessive use of screens before bed.
4. Hydration: Don't forget water
With the cooler weather, it’s easy to forget the importance of staying hydrated. Water is still essential for metabolism, as it is involved in all cellular processes that generate energy. In the fall, you could opt for hot, caffeine-free infusions or waters flavored with seasonal fruits, to stay hydrated without feeling cold.
5. Bet on thermogenic foods
Thermogenic foods are those that help increase body temperature and therefore boost metabolism. Some examples are ginger, cinnamon, green tea, and chili peppers. Incorporating these ingredients into your meals can not only help you beat the cold, but can also give your metabolism a boost.
The change of season can affect our bodies in many ways, but by adopting healthy habits we can keep our metabolism active and balanced. Eating nutritious foods, staying active, getting enough sleep and staying hydrated are key pillars to taking care of our bodies in the fall.
