It’s Labor Day here in the United States, which means it’s the ”symbolic” end of summer for most of us. I know, I know, I’m sad to see Summer go too. It always comes so slow, yet goes by so fast. With the passing of Summer means we’re one step closer to Winter and the holidays, which can also mean weight gain. While over-indulging during the holidays can cause you to gain some weight, did you know that most people experience seasonal weight gain without over-indulging?

It’s true! In the Winter months many people tend to put on a few extra pounds. One book I read talked about how this could be due to some biological factor where our bodies want to protect themselves from the cold and the potential lack of food. Our bodies need a little more “insulation” (fat) during the Winter, especially if you live in a place that gets freezing cold in the Winter, like I do!

Another more obvious reason is the fact that for people who have to deal with snow, ice, and cold temperatures, it’s not as easy to be active as in the Summer months. The lack of activity, of course, is going to cause us to gain a few extra pounds.  I know for myself, it’s much more difficult to get in all the activity that I’d like during the Winter months. Sure I can go to the gym every day, but my additional daily walk that I take at night is usually not something I’m up to doing when it’s so cold that it hurts to breath.

Gaining a few extra pounds in the Winter is really no big deal. Don’t give yourself a hard time if you do because come late Spring and early Summer, you’ll most likely drop those pounds once your activity level goes up. And of course, there’s no need to deprive yourself of enjoying the holidays even if it means gaining an extra pound or too because you ate an extra slice of pie.

Farewell Summer, we’ll see you next year!