Why Winter Has Us Craving Carbs

It’s one week before Christmas, it’s cold, and I’ve noticed something about my meals lately: I’m eating more carbs. Not the cookie-tray kind (although I do enjoy a few of those too), but the nourishing kind—roasted potatoes, brown rice pasta, brown rice, even a buckwheat English muffin (love Pacha brand). And of course, plenty of fruit and veggies.

At first, I wondered if this was just me drifting into “winter comfort mode.” But the more I paid attention, the more I realized: my body is actually asking for this. And yours might be too. 

Here’s the simple truth: in the dark of winter, our bodies often need a little more warm, starchy, grounding fuel.

No guilt. No overthinking. Just biology and intuition working together.

Cold weather increases our energy needs. Even when we’re not shivering, our bodies work harder behind the scenes to keep us warm. Carbohydrates—especially the slow-burning kind—are our body’s preferred fuel for steady heat and steady energy. They’re also deeply satisfying this time of year, which is why potatoes and warm grains sound a lot better than a cold salad when it’s 30 degrees outside.

Then there’s the daylight. Or lack of it.

When the sun checks out at 4:30 pm, our serotonin levels dip. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that helps keep our mood steady and our cravings calm. Carbs naturally support serotonin, which is one reason a bowl of soup with rice, or a warm baked potato, feels so comforting in winter. It’s not “indulging.” It’s responding to what your body needs.

This is intuitive eating at its simplest: noticing what your body is asking for and giving it a nourishing version of that food.

I’ve been mostly choosing carbs that truly satisfy—whole grains, root vegetables, fruit, and hearty veggies. And because I’m fueling well, I’m not continually battling cravings for holiday sweets. When your body has enough complex carbs, it’s far less interested in overloading on sugar cookies and marshmallow-heavy hot cocoa. That’s a win during the holiday season.

Keep in mind your activity level. If you’re still exercising (especially strength training), your muscles need glycogen—the stored form of carbohydrate—to perform and recover. For many of us, giving the body just a bit more of the right carbs keeps our energy more stable throughout winter workouts.

So, if you’re craving more carbs lately, you’re not doing anything wrong. You’re not “off track.” You’re simply tuned in.

Try this gentle, intuitive approach:

• Choose complex carbs that make you feel good, warm, and satisfied.
• Build them into meals you already enjoy.
• Let them support your energy, mood, and workouts.

Winter is a season for nourishment and listening to your body is one of the healthiest things you can do all year long.

Much love,
Health Coach Carol

“Not all carbs are villains; choose wisely.” – Michael Pollan

 

❄️ Winter Carb Cheat Sheet

Simple, nourishing complex carbs your body naturally craves in cold weather.

🌾 Warm & Cozy Staples

• Roasted potatoes (red, gold, sweet)
• Brown rice or wild rice
• Brown rice pasta
• Buckwheat or whole-grain toast
• Quinoa

🥕 Hearty Winter Vegetables

• Carrots
• Beets
• Parsnips
• Turnips
• Butternut, acorn, or kabocha squash
• Sweet potatoes

🫘 Fiber-Rich Power Options

• Lentils
• Black beans
• Chickpeas
• White beans
• Green peas

🍲 Easy Everyday Add-Ins

• Oatmeal
• Leftover grain bowls
• Soup with rice, beans, or potatoes stirred in
• A slice of hearty bread with almond butter or avocado

💡 Carol’s Tip:
Choose the carb that warms you, fuels you, and leaves you satisfied. Winter isn’t the season for restriction — it’s the season for nourishment.