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A new energy policy for America: Save money and lose weight!

It is possible to have the best of both worlds with Dr. Bell’s advice.
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What if every American turned their heat down one degree Fahrenheit in the winter and their air conditioners up one degree in the summer? Guess what – everyone would lose weight and save money – two things that most Americans would like to do. But how can this be?

Winter

The brain is keenly aware of the temperature outside the body, and works feverishly (no pun intended) to make sure that the core temperature inside remains at 98.6 degrees F. During cold weather, more internal heat needs to be generated, than in the summer. The best source of internal heat is burning stored fat. The calories you burn from fat are actually units of heat. So, when you feel cold, your brain revs up, and sends a signal to fat cells to be burned up for heat. You can increase the rate of heat generated and fat burned enough to lose weight.

Summer

When you feel warm, the brain’s appetite control center shuts down. You may still have a thirst sensation, particularly of you are perspiring. But, in general, people who live in warm regions and who do not have air conditioning, are leaner than those who laze around in 70 degree F rooms day and night, despite it being 100 degrees or more outside.

Bottom line: Shed some pounds, save some money, and adjust your thermostats downward, and your air conditioner setting upward.

Dr. Stacey J. Bell is a nutrition doctor and expert on food and dietary supplements: staceyjbell.com and follow her on Twitter.

Comments

Nick Flit said on 8/2/2011 at 2:54 PM,

GREAT ARTICLE!!

I have been following this philosophy for years.. I keep my home at a balmy 55 degrees all winter and enjoy quite the energy savings, not to count the added benefit of being more prepared for the cold when I step outside, plus I seem to sleep more soundly..

Some think I am crazy to have 15 degrees less than most keep their homes, but you actually adjust quickly and save hundreds in electrical bills over the winter..

And if it gets a little chilly I just grab a sweater.

Even when I lived in an apartment and didn't have to pay for heat, I always turned the temp all the way down during the day, as it is just wasteful to heat an empty space.

Dr. Stacey Bells said on 8/2/2011 at 4:46 PM,

Thank you for your great remarks. Just think of the extra money everyone would have if they followed your sensible habits. But, I find 55 degrees a bit chilly. My point was a-little-is-a-lot. Start slowly and just change your thermostat one degree at a time. I bet a lot of people can go from 70 degrees in the winter to 68 or 69. Even that saves money and helps you lose weight.

Susan Bock said on 8/3/2011 at 1:34 PM,

I keep my heat between 65-68 degrees in the winter and my airconditioner at 74 degrees in the summer.
I have found that since I have lost so much weight, I tolerate the summer heat much better and don't need to have my airconditioner any lower than that. As for the heat in the winter, 65 is the lowest I can go without being miserable.
To now learn there are other benefits other than cost is wonderful!
Thank you for sharing your knowlege with us Dr. Stacey.

STACEY BELL said on 8/12/2011 at 11:07 AM,

Susan,
You exactly made my point. By losing weight, the summer heat is less oppressive. And, with the weight loss, you'll likely live a longer, healthier life and have more money to spend on yourself and not your heating/cooling bills. Nice going, Dr. Stacey Bell

ljschelling said on 8/29/2011 at 9:52 AM,

This was nice to read. I am going to start doing these things in the winter and in the summber. During the summer we actually leave our home at 78 degrees but I will start putting the heat to 68 degrees in the winter!!!!!

Thank you for the inspiration!!!

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