Why Americans feel more tired in winter, and the RD fix backed by metabolic research

SALINAS, Calif. - Jan. 22, 2026 - PRLog -- According to the APA, almost one in three Americans feels their mood and energy plummet during winter. Though many shrug it off as winter blues, emerging research points to diet as a significant driver of seasonal fatigue. To help understand this phenomenon, Taylor Farms explores the biological link between comfort foods and low energy, drawing on the latest metabolic research and insights from Kristen Carli, M.S., RD.

The science of the "winter slump"

"While our bodies naturally decelerate in winter due to disrupted circadian rhythms, what we eat serves as the real fuel behind these winter crashes," says Carli. According to a 2024 review in The BMJ, there is a significant association between the consumption of ultra-processed foods, common staples when temperatures drop, and deteriorated sleep quality.

While fiber-rich nutrient sources facilitate deep restorative rest, the sugary, high-glycemic treats that dominate winter tables cause blood sugar volatility, leaving consumers tossing, turning, and waking up drained.

The expert view: The metabolic mismatch

"In the winter, our bodies biologically crave carbohydrates to boost serotonin, but relying on processed comfort foods creates a metabolic mismatch," explains Carli. "The solution isn't restriction, it's eating nutrient-rich vegetables along with protein to support steady energy and metabolic balance."

Cozy veggie hacks to boost energy during winter

To make fresh foods common even in the coldest months, Carli busts the myth that salads belong to summer. She backs up three Taylor Farms (https://www.taylorfarms.com/) recipes to enjoy winter salads or warm up your veggies, boosting both nutrition and comfort:

• The comfort swap: trade mashed potatoes for creamy mashed cauliflower (https://www.taylorfarms.com/recipes/garlic-mashed-caulifl...) to satisfy those cozy cravings without spiking your blood sugar. You still get the fiber and rich texture of a classic winter dish.
  
  
• The digestive warm-up: Winter lethargy is often exacerbated by sluggish digestion. Kristen Carli recommends wilting iron-rich greens (like spinach or kale) into hot miso-ginger broths (https://www.taylorfarms.com/recipes/miso-ginger-broth-bowls/). This aids rapid nutrient absorption and provides a warming internal effect for cold days.
  
  
• The hybrid bowl: Merging the "warm bowl" trend with fresh greens, this hack involves piling hot, roasted root veggies over crisp greens for a "Baked Salad" (such as the Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad (https://www.taylorfarms.com/recipes/roasted-cauliflower-green-goddess-salad/)). This trend blends the comfort of warmth with the enzymatic benefits of raw greens.
  
  

Fueling over fasting

By prioritizing metabolic comfort over deprivation, this approach aligns with a broader consumer evolution expected to dominate 2026: the move from dieting to "fueling." Instead of cutting calories, consumers are increasingly focused on energy, mood, and metabolic stability.