does being cold burn calories?

blakgarnet

So, I have a job which requires me to be outside a lot. Most days it requires some physical activity which I do not log, as it is more strength for my arms. However, as those in the north east also know, it's gotten quite cold. I had to stand outside waiting for a client for about half an hour today. does it take more calories to keep your body warm in those situations?

iplayoutside19

The difference is probably negligable, but your body trying to stay warm is an active process. Your HR is a probably a little elevated, probably have to pee more, shaking, that's the body trying to produce some heat, and where does heat come from, energy, what do our bodies use for energy...calories! yay!

Phatdaddymike

i sure hope so..i just ran 2 miles in 23 degree weather with a wind chill of 9. i should be a goal weight in a hour or so...lol

VballLeash

I'M ALWAYS COLD.... I hate it! And I live in california! lol Its not enough to count if you ask me... Next time do some jumping jacks to get warm and then you'll for sure burn calories!

Leash

LittleSpy

If you're shivering then absolutely. I have a hard time keeping weight on my little dogs in the winter because they shiver all the time (pretty much any time the temperature is under 80 degrees :laugh:).

blakgarnet

thanks, I was just curious. I wouldn't count it as anything but I am always hungrier on days where I am outside and it is cold. I easily stayed in my calories yesterday (although all I ate were carbs) since I ended up seeing an emergency in the evening and missing dinner. Just had a smart ones at 10pm when I got home, watched the newest top chef to give myself some time to digest before bed.

DeeDeeLHF

A friend from Buffalo (chiropractor, fit and healthy, vegetarian) told me once that it is impossible for him to not eat some meat in the winter months just to stay warm. He says there is something about animal protein that simply helps. When he lived in CA he never felt that way. I am sure you burn more!

I am about to go outside to shovel many feet of snow from my driveway and the wind chill is minus 16. I hope that between the cold and the shoveling it all counts because I know that with the roads and weather I will not make it to the gym today. Actually, I am on the computer in hopes of avoiding this unpleasant task!!!:laugh: