Most people crave foods in the Winter that are higher in starches and sugar. Less sunlight can drop our mood and energy and the body’s natural way to raise serotonin levels is by creating cravings for starches and sugar. Serotonin is produced in the gut from carbs. Yes, serotonin is produced in the gut and that’s where the majority of this happy neurotransmitter lives. There are natural ways you can boost your mood and satisfy carb cravings through your diet without putting on the pounds.

I love salads in the Summer time, but in the Winter I want something that warms me, such as stews, hot oatmeal, soups and roasted vegetables. One of the ways I still get my loads of veggies in and feel satisfied is to add warm butternut squash or sweet potatoes to my salad. The combination of warm and cold is perfect and helps fill me up and warm me.

 

Here’s my lunch salad from today: A bed of mixed greens, spinach, kale, collard greens with 1/2 avocado and 3 hard-boiled eggs. Topped with a cup of butter

nut squash and a few sweet potato pieces. These are from a bag of frozen veggies that I heated up and topped the salad with. Drizzled it with the champagne pear vinaigrette from Trader Joe’s (No, it doesn’t make you drunk!). You can also add a piece of grilled chicken or salmon on top to boost your protein intake and do without the eggs.

There are many ways to amp up your winter salad. Share with me your favorites so I can get inspired by your ideas!