Before I moved to western Nebraska, I thought a blizzard was a frozen milkshake with a gazillion calories. Then I experienced a storm with snow going sideways at 40 miles an hour. That was a blizzard.
According to the National Weather Service, a blizzard is a storm with large amounts of snow, winds greater than 35 mph, and visibility less than one-fourth of a mile. Apparently, it’s the strength of the wind that determines a blizzard from a snowstorm.
Blustery weather makes me thankful for electricity and hot coffee. Our dogs are happy we let them in by the fireplace. And even though they haven’t said so, I know the horses and cattle are relieved when they see my husband bringing them extra hay in his big green tractor.
Animals in the cold need extra energy to maintain their body temperature. Is that true of us humans as well? It is if we’re shivering in the cold trying to keep warm. Not so if we’re dressed like a grizzly bear in hibernation. Just to maneuver through an icy blast with all that gear on can definitely use up some extra calories, however.
Some studies show that exposure to cold makes us feel hungrier, even if we don’t need the extra calories. I do admit it’s not always easy to fight off the urge to bake cookies when the weather outside is frightful.
Cold weather can also blunt our feeling of thirst. And since working outside in cold weather causes losses of fluid from our breath and sweat, not getting adequate fluids can develop into a serious situation in a hurry. Besides a thank you to linemen who keep the power on, farmers and ranchers who feed and care for their animals and delivery drivers who bring us precious packages this time of year, a thoughtful gift might be a hot beverage to go.
People who live in colder climates also have a higher risk for a deficiency of vitamin D than those in warmer locales. That’s because vitamin D is manufactured when our skin is exposed to sunshine. And even if your weather is toasty, the shorter days of sunlight in winter months can lessen your body’s ability to make this important nutrient.
One other thing we know, according to data from the U.S. and around the world: When the temperature drops, people tend to consume more alcohol. And those extra cups of cheer can add up to a whole host of problems, especially if you are trapped in the house with unwanted relatives.
One thing for sure, there is something special about a white Christmas. So put on a pot of tea. Try not to eat all the Christmas cookies you bake. Take it easy with the spiked eggnog. And thank God for the greatest gift ever given to mankind. Merry Christmas.
(Barbara Intermill is a registered dietitian nutritionist and syndicated columnist. She is the author of “Quinn-Essential Nutrition: The Uncomplicated Science of Eating.” Email her at [email protected].)
