I have spent most of my life in New England and every fall I would have to fight the weight gain.  Finally near Thanksgiving I would give up and eat what I wanted through the holidays after which I would be so disgusted I would stop the gluttony.

In 2005 I move to Los Angeles.  I noticed that I did not have as much difficulty over eating in the fall there but it was hard to know the causes: weather, lifestyle change, away from family.

I returned to New England for an extended visit in June.  This fall I have noticed a return to old needs for comfort food.

Since returning my suspicions have been confirmed. Weather has a tremendous effect on me.  The shorter days, the unending days of no sun, the rain, the cold – All of these factors push for comfort and for me that is food.

  In the fall the comfort foods come out in New England:  Baked beans, chowder, winter squash, potatoes and sweets.  Not only are they comforting but full of calories.

Los Angeles weather is temperate for most of the year and the sun is out nearly every day.  This lends to my desire to eat more salads, fruits, fresh veggies and less desire for comfort food. 

 So those of you who believe the weather affects you.  It does!