How Seasonal Affective Disorder Impacts Your Weight
As the days grow shorter and the leaves turn, many of us notice more than just a chill in the air. For some, the darker months bring changes in mood, energy, and even weight. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a real condition that can affect your emotional well-being, eating habits, and metabolism.
From a holistic perspective, understanding the connection between mood and weight is essential for navigating the fall and winter months. Here’s what you need to know and how you can support both your mental health and weight loss goals during this seasonal shift.
How SAD Can Affect Your Weight
SAD is typically linked to reduced sunlight exposure, which can throw off your circadian rhythm and impact hormone production. This can lead to:
- Increased cravings for carbohydrate-rich or sugary foods as your body searches for quick energy.
- Slower metabolism and difficulty maintaining or losing weight.
- Lower motivation to stay active, which can compound the effects on your energy balance.
Essentially, when mood dips, it’s natural for appetite and activity levels to be impacted. But there are strategies to help your body and mind stay balanced during this transition.
The Role of Sunlight and Vitamins
Sunlight is one of the most powerful tools against SAD. It’s essential for Vitamin D production, which not only supports bone health but also plays a role in mood regulation and weight management. Pairing Vitamin D with K2 is crucial because K2 helps direct calcium to the bones rather than soft tissues, supporting overall health.
Without enough sunlight, our bodies can become deficient in these key nutrients, which may exacerbate fatigue, cravings, and mood swings. Simple practices like getting outside during daylight hours, even for a 15-minute walk, can make a difference.
Herbal Allies for Mood and Energy
Nature has provided a range of herbs and nutrients that can help support mental clarity, mood, and energy during the darker months:
- Siberian Ginseng: Known for its adaptogenic properties, it supports immunity, boosts energy, and promotes resilience to stress which is perfect for combating the fatigue and low mood that often come with fall and winter.
- Gotu Kola: Supports circulation, cognitive function, and mental clarity, helping you feel sharper and more focused.
- L-Tyrosine: An amino acid that aids in neurotransmitter production, helping to regulate mood, alertness, and motivation naturally.
When combined thoughtfully, these herbs and nutrients can enhance your emotional balance, reduce anxiety, and ease the lethargy associated with SAD.
Lifestyle Practices to Support Your Mood and Weight
Some strategies that can help keep your mind and body in balance include:
- Prioritize movement: Even short walks in natural light can help regulate circadian rhythm, support metabolism, and improve mood.
- Focus on seasonal, nutrient-dense foods: Think root vegetables, squash, apples, and leafy greens. High-fiber, whole foods help stabilize blood sugar and reduce cravings.
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule: Darkness affects melatonin, which influences sleep quality and appetite regulation. Aim for consistent bedtimes and wake times.
Shine Through the Fall with EWYN’s Shine Supplement
For an extra boost, EWYN’s Shine Supplement is specifically formulated to support mental and emotional well-being during the darker months. This powerful blend includes Vitamin D, K2, Siberian Ginseng, Gotu Kola, and L-Tyrosine to naturally lift your mood, reduce anxiety, and ease the emotional and physical symptoms of SAD, including fatigue, irritability, and lack of motivation.
With Shine, you can feel supported from the inside out. This carefully crafted formula helps:
- Lift your spirits naturally, bringing more balance and positivity to your day.
- Boost energy and motivation, so you can stay active and focused even when the days are shorter.
- Calm your mind, helping you feel more relaxed and in control.
- Support emotional resilience, easing the low moods and fatigue that can come with seasonal changes.
- Enhance mental clarity and nervous system health, keeping your brain sharp and your focus steady.
Fall doesn’t have to mean low energy or extra stress. By pairing Shine with seasonal, nutrient-rich foods and mindful routines, you can navigate the darker months feeling brighter, more balanced, and ready to take on your wellness goals.
Ready to feel your best this season? Try Shine and give your mood, energy, and focus the support they deserve.
- Desiree Bandi – Holistic Nutritionist & EWYN Health Coach