Brr, Can Frigid Temps Lead to Weight Loss?

Finally, an upside to the frigid temperatures that have gripped much of the nation -- all the shivering could help shed a few pounds. The body wants to maintain a balance, a homeostasis of 98.6 degrees. If you make it cold, the body will do everything it can to get back to 98.6. And it has to burn calories to do that -- heat equals calories. 

No need to spend money on cryotherapy or CoolSculpting (Just another way to freeze fat) when you can use winter to lose that winter weight. People can burn up to 50 percent more calories by exposing themselves to below-freezing temperatures, which causes the body to work overtime.

There's actually a type of fat called brown adipose tissue -- BAT. Cold can trigger this BAT. It actually produces heat, and you burn fat tissue. In environments as mild as 60 degrees, some of these people saw metabolism rates boost by as much as 20 percent. 

But be warned exposure to extreme cold, especially through ice baths, could cause complications in people with cardiovascular problems or even induce cardiac arrhythmia in those at risk. Some should consult a physician before attempting some of these techniques.

Drinking ice water first thing in the morning can rev up the metabolism. Reduce the temperature in your house to 64 degrees or less and try to get used to the temperature without bundling up with a blanket or wearing a sweater.

Here are some at-home tips to try thermal dieting:

1) Place an ice back on the back of your neck and on your upper chest for 30 minutes while reading or watching TV to rev up your metabolism.

2) Take cold showers: Try taking 30-minute cold showers for the maximum benefit, but shorter showers help too. For an abridged version, gradually lower the temperature in the shower to 68 degrees over the course of five minutes, then stand in the cold stream for two to three minutes straight before getting out.

3) Immediately upon waking, start drinking ice cold water and continue sipping ice water throughout the day. 

4) Go for "chill walks." Make sure to bundle up extremities such as your hands, feet, ears and head, and then go for a walk in the cold in summer exercise attire. Consider working up to this kind of walk by slowly taking off layers of clothing. Be sure to carry your coat with you, so that you can warm up should you become too cold.