Its been about 2 months now since I have seen any additional weight loss. Don’t get me wrong, loosing 30lbs is nothing to be sad about. But I could stand to loose another 30 or so. I have been trying to sort out the many factors could be putting a wrench in my weight-loss machinery.
I have narrowed my list to the following suspects in order of likelihood:
- the Fall season (and the reason for writing this post)
- additional stress in my life
- letting “slip” too many extra pieces of candy
- too many grain “cheats”
I do not believe there is enough added stress in my life to justify the lack of weight loss. I was under much more stress back in July-August. Its possible it is a different type of stress however. Who knows?
The 3rd and 4th item are possible – BUT I believe they are a side-effect of the first. Over the last 2 months I have noticed myself craving more sugary and richer foods, such as M&Ms. My meals have otherwise have stayed pretty much the same although I have noticed a harder time resisting grains. Suspect Number 1: Autumn.
I love the Fall season: Halloween, Thanksgiving, changing of the leaves, cooler air (I was born end of August if that has anything to do with it). I have had several patients these last 2 weeks come in complaining of either weight gain or trouble loosing weight. It can’t just be a coincidence? I did some searching and found this article:
Does the cold weather make it harder to get in shape? by Chrisitian Finn
He makes several points in the article that seemed interesting and quite feesible in that colder temperatures cause:
- less calorie burning when doing physical activity and in general
- drops in Growth Hormone and Testosterone and changes in other hormones
- rise in Lipoprotein Lipase and Cortisol which both encourage fat storage
- drop in Serotonin
Although I think they are all relevant, I think the big one here is the last one – our friend Serotonin, aka the “feel good hormone” (though not techincally a hormone).
On my Weight Loss page, 5-HTP is recommended as a supplement to keep cravings for grains at bay for new converts. It works by being converted from 5-Hydroxy-Tryptophan (5-HTP) to 5-Hydroxy-Tyrptamine (5-HT which is the chemical name for Serotonin). Other websites I have come across suggest that the increase in night-hours causes an increase in Melatonin, which is synthesized from Serotonin so the body may “steal” Serotonin to make Melatonin. Some of the above effects may also be caused by increased Melatonin.
Another proposed explanation is dropping Vitamin D levels. I don’t buy into this one as much because the end of summer should theoretically mark the highest Vitamin D levels of the year because of accumulation over the summer. Synthesis of Vitamin D by sunlight on the skin makes other metabolites in addition to Vitamin D which may be important as well. It is more feasible that it is not the dropping level, but the decreasing synthesis of Vitamin D that may contribute to the over-all problem.
Final Recommendations:
- Just wait it out – spring will be here before you know it
- Take extra Vitamin D or make short visits to the tanning booth (of course, don’t over-do either)
- Take 5-HTP
- Get more sleep during winter months, ensure 7-9 hours of sleep at night
Hi Dr. Z! Don’t despair! I think this is indeed normal and something to be taken into consideration and even expected and planned for! No stashing or hibernating allowed! We are neither squirrels nor bears. (although I notice I get as grouchy as a bear if I get glutened now days) The desire to cheat is stronger this time or year for me as well but I believe it is to a large extent psychological due to fond memories of many years of fond family celebrations that occur at this time of year. Many of the foods enjoyed at the time were limited to this season and become emotionally entwined. Before I was grain free I know that these foods always made me feel bad and uncomfortable but it’s funny how as the years pass the good memories way overshadow and crowd out the bad ones just as I remember much more clearly the fun times vs the family squabbles and or disagreements that I know happened at times though those details are fuzzy. I usually try to stay away from “grain free” versions of this or that but this time of year always has me searching the grain free recipe blogs and websites for something similar to memories of old. They may be grain free but sure aren’t calorie or sugar free! Even if the sugar is healthier organic sugar, honey, maple syrup or molasses it is still sugar!
Theresa, thanks for your comments.
Apparently, I am not alone. Over the last several weeks I have had everybody from patients, to staff at work, to family members report to me that they they stopped losing weight once the fall came around despite staying on the whatever weight loss program they were following.
Makes me wonder if we need to rethink every diet, health, and weight-loss study and factor time-of-year as a variable in the Randomized Controlled Studies.
Doctor Z
Hey, Dr Z!
I’m enjoying your blog and I hope you’ll keep blogging — I notice that you sounds like you may be getting discouraged. Remember, weight is just a number, it’s health you’re really after. That can be great no matter what your pants size is.
I went grain free almost 2 and a half years ago and I have indeed lost weight. Sometimes the weight comes off quickly, sometimes it stablizes for a while. But I *always* feel so much better than I did when I ate grains. To me, that matters so much more. (Besides, I hate shopping and when the weight is coming off fast, I need a new clothes size every three months or so.)
For me, the key to surviving this time of year is to come up with alternative, grain free recipes that are similar to the treats I remember from my youth. They’re not the same, but they do help to reinforce my will power and keep me from feeling “deprived”.
Bets wishes to you to get through the winter with your resolve intact!
Misti
Hi Misti, thanks for your comments.
I am glad to hear you are doing so well going no-grain.
You are absolutely correct that weight is just a number. I still feel great and would not imagine going back to my old ways. I wanted to share my experience because there would be a lot of people who be discouraged by lack of progress during the cold season, give up and go back.
Best wishes,
Doctor Z