As snow starts to melt and temperatures start to rise, spring brings cheerful thoughts of flowers, sun, and people not having the fear of getting pneumonia every time they step outside. The new season is also bringing something else for Staples students: new diets.

Participants of a 2005 study conducted by Ockene and published in the journal Nature consumed an average of 86 more calories per day in the fall, as compared to the spring.

Students have also made this change, swapping out heavy food for lighter food as spring approaches.

Sarah Rountree ’14 said that she tends to eat more in the winter because her body needs more calories to compensate for the cold weather.

Nica Wardell ’15 said that her change to lighter food was not an intentional decision.

“No one probably makes a conscious decision and says, ‘it’s the first day of spring, time to cut back on the calories.’ It’s more natural than that,” she said.

However, for others, the decision to exchange comfort for nutrition was more deliberate.

Reni Forer ’15 is a lightweight rower, which means that she has to be under 130 lbs for races. For the spring season, she has to adjust her diet to make sure that she doesn’t gain too much weight while still remaining healthy.

Douglas Raigosa ’16 said that his activity level dictated his decision.

“I am more active in the warmer temperatures, [so] the greater calorie intake is preferred,” he said.

Jessica Chachra ’16 said that she changed her diet simply to avoid processed foods and gain a healthier lifestyle.

Lastly, for others, spring is just a warning that swimsuit season is right around the corner.

“The only reason I see to change your diet is to get ready for bikini season,” Olivia Troy ’17 said.