You know eating more veggies can help you lose weight [1] and give you the fiber and vitamins you need to stay healthy, and you feel more energetic after eating a salad for lunch instead of a bowl of pasta, but the thought of chewing cold, crisp veggies on a chilly Winter's day doesn't appeal to you whatsoever. The next time you make a salad, use these tricks and you'll be craving salads even when the snow is falling outside.
- Add roasted, warm veggies: Who said your salad had to be freezing cold? Top your greens with roasted butternut squash, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, or peppers. They'll not only bring the temperature up but they'll also make your salad feel more substantial, more like a stir-fry or bowl of soup.
- Go for kale over other greens: Darker and thicker, kale requires more chewing so it feels heartier and more robust than romaine or baby spinach.
- Add cooked grains: This is another way to add warmth to your salad. The added fiber will fill you up and keep you feeling satisfied, and the protein will give you sustained energy. Go for cooked quinoa, farro [2], or brown rice.
- Add warm protein: Whether you like grilled chicken or marinated tofu [4] on your salad, make sure it's warm before placing it on your salad. Warmed-up beans will also make an otherwise cold salad feel more inviting in the Winter.
- Go for warm-flavored, thicker salad dressings: Light salad dressings like lemon vinaigrette are perfect for summertime but not as appealing in the Winter months. Choose creamier dressings like Goddess dressing, and skip the dressing and flavor your roasted veggies with cinnamon or cumin.
- Don't forget the healthy fats: Salads topped with whole grains and protein will make them feel more filling, but you also want to include healthy fats to add to that "stay full for hours" feeling. Mix in avocado to add fiber and creaminess to your veggies, sliced almonds or salted sunflower seeds to add crunch, or chia seeds [5] for a healthy dose of calcium and omega-3s that can reduce inflammation [6] that leads to conditions such as asthma, which tends to flare up in the Winter.
- Have soup or bread, too: If you're not 100 percent feeling your salad, have a cup of steaming veggie chili on the side or a slice of warm avocado toast [7]. You'll get your veggies while also satisfying your Winter cravings.