As the seasons shift, our bodies start craving more warmth and comfort from our meals. While summer is perfect for light, crisp salads, fall and winter bring the need for something more substantial. But how do you know when it’s time to make the switch?
Listen to the Weather
The change in temperature is one of the first signals that it’s time to transition from summer salads to heartier meals. As the weather cools, we naturally seek out foods that warm us from the inside out. Think about it — when you start trading iced coffees for hot lattes, your meal choices should probably follow suit.
If you’re reaching for sweaters and jackets, it’s time to start incorporating more warm and filling foods into your diet. Soups, stews, casseroles, and roasted veggies become ideal options as fall takes hold.
Follow Your Appetite
Our bodies are surprisingly good at telling us what they need.
When you start craving more filling, warm dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or comforting pasta, it’s a signal that your body is looking for foods that will provide more energy and warmth.
Salads are great when it’s hot, but as the days grow shorter, our appetites shift toward foods that take a little longer to digest. These heartier meals often include higher amounts of protein and healthy fats, helping you stay satisfied longer.
Seasonal Produce Tells the Story
Another great way to decide when to make the switch is to look at what’s in season. In the summer, we gravitate toward fresh produce like tomatoes, cucumbers, and leafy greens.
But in the fall, the farmers’ markets are stocked with root vegetables, squashes, and other hearty ingredients that lend themselves well to roasting and baking.
If you notice an abundance of sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and Brussels sprouts at your grocery store, it’s a sign that these should be your new meal staples.
These vegetables are not only more nutritious during the colder months, but they also pair perfectly with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and thyme.
Consider Your Activity Level
Many people find that their activity levels change with the seasons. In summer, we tend to be more active outdoors, leading us to crave lighter foods. In winter, however, we might slow down a bit, requiring meals that provide sustained energy throughout the day.
If you find yourself doing fewer outdoor activities or spending more time indoors, a switch to heartier meals makes sense. Slow-cooked stews, baked casseroles, and comforting grains like quinoa and farro can provide that long-lasting energy without weighing you down.
Start Slowly and Transition
You don’t have to give up salads entirely when fall comes around, but consider making them heartier. Add roasted vegetables, nuts, or grains like farro or quinoa for more substance. Gradually transition to warmer, more filling meals to ease into the colder months.
Remember, your meals should make you feel satisfied, cozy, and ready to take on the chill of fall and winter. Keep an eye on the weather, your appetite, and the produce aisles, and you’ll know exactly when it’s time to make the switch.
