02/11/04

American Dietetic Association Offers Tips on Fueling Your Body When Outside Temperatures Plunge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 11, 2004

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CHICAGO - This winter, many areas across the country are experiencing extremely cold temperatures, sometimes seeing the mercury drop to 30 degrees below zero. According to the American Dietetic Association, when outside temperatures plunge, your body must work harder to stay warm and needs more fuel to do so.

Outside temperatures affect your body’s internal energy production. On chilly days, your basal metabolic rate burns higher to keep you warm during prolonged exposure to cold. Shivering and moving to keep warm requires energy, too.

“The upside to such frigid weather is that your body burns more calories in cold weather,” said registered dietitian and ADA Spokesperson Susan Moores. “The body functions much like a furnace that needs to work harder when it’s cold. Harder work means more energy used and more calories burned.

“One way to keep the fuel burning is to start those bitter cold days with a healthy breakfast,” Moores said. “Forty years of studies show jump-starting your day with a healthy breakfast has many benefits, including fueling your body’s furnace.”

Think you don’t have enough time for breakfast? Moores suggests quick and easy options: 

  • Whole-grain cereal with fruit and milk
  • Whole-grain cereal with yogurt
  • Frozen waffles topped with peanut butter
  • Instant oatmeal with milk and dried fruit.

If your taste buds just don’t crave breakfast foods, enjoy a sandwich or leftovers such as pizza, pasta or rice in the morning.

With nearly 70,000 members, the Chicago-based American Dietetic Association is the nation’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition and well-being.