Diabetes dietician shares winter mistake causing weight gain, before clocks go back

With the clocks turning back in the early hours of tomorrow (October 27, 2am), it's clear that summer is truly over. Our evenings will get darker, our days will be colder and - though you might get an - Britain now feels a little more dreary.

But Lucy Diamond a Registered Dietitian and Clinical Director for Innovation for the weight management provider, , suggests the isn't the only thing that might change in the coming months. In an exclusive interview, she told The that weight management goals may get a little more challenging as temperatures drop - and it's mainly due to four key factors.

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"It's completely natural to feel less motivated about weight management during the colder months," she explained. "We're biologically programmed to seek comfort and conserve energy when days are shorter and darker.

"This, combined with the abundance of seasonal treats and fewer opportunities for outdoor activities, can make it harder to stick to our health goals." Comfort eating, less motivation to exercise outdoors, and social events centred around food are among the main reasons that weight management can be trickier during this time of year, according to Lucy.

She even drew to the impact that reduced sunlight exposure can have on our moods, with a staggering three in every 100 people suffering from significant winter depression in the UK, according to the

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As a result, she advises Brits to think about small ways to create sustainable habits ahead of time. That way you can develop a 'more balanced approach' to food and more control over your weight.

"Rather than viewing the pre-Christmas period as an obstacle, I encourage you to think about the opportunities it can bring," she continued. "At this time of year, the best approach can be to make small, consistent changes that you can maintain long-term. These build the foundation for lasting success well beyond January."

Among Lucy's recommendations are four small steps. These include the following:

Meal prepping warm, nutritious lunches to avoid impulsive comfort food choices.

Setting a consistent sleep schedule to regulate hunger hormones.

Adding movement to indoor activities, like stretching while watching TV.

Staying hydrated with warm drinks like herbal teas.

When it comes to food, she also stressed that it's important to dodge a 'restriction mindset', while claiming that it may foster an unhealthy view of mealtime. Lucy continued: "This type of cycle isn’t the healthiest and you may actually end up gaining more weight, as your body adjusts to a lower maintenance calorie level, which then dramatically increases.

"This cycle could also amplify feelings of guilt, demonising certain foods...The habits you establish now will serve you well into the new year. By focusing on gradual, sustainable changes rather than drastic measures, you're setting yourself up for long-term success. Remember, the goal isn't perfection, but progress."

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