Easy Zucchini Lasagna Recipe

Do you find yourself more vulnerable to food cravings in the colder months?

Most people would agree that, in winter, we tend to crave foods rich in carbs.  We crave heavy, rich dishes…the so-called “comfort foods.”

One theory suggests these amplified cravings occur because carb-rich foods simulate the formulation of the “feel good” hormone, serotonin in the brain.

A new study into the link between nutrition and psychiatry has found that our stomach can actually produce the ‘happy’ chemicals, dopamine and serotonin. So, when we eat comfort food, it makes us feel happy and content.

These ‘happy’ chemicals are also released when we exercise and when we spend time in the sun. (Another reason it’s important to keep up your workouts during the winter months!)

And, because our exposure to the sun declines in the winter months, our bodies undergo a change in the balance of various gut bacteria and natural chemicals.  As a result, we crave the comfort foods during the colder months to help trigger feelings of happiness!

Unfortunately, many comfort foods aren’t necessarily waistline friendly.

But, with a few simple tweaks to some of your favourite recipes, you can still enjoy the comfort of the foods in your tummy without feeling the effects around your waistline.

Try this easy and healthy Vegetable Zucchini Lasagna recipe by Nutritionist Allison Sherkin. It gives you all the goodness of a classic lasagna, without all the starchy carbs.

Easy Vegetable Zucchini Lasagna Recipe

(serving size: 3)

Ingredients:

½ cup mushrooms, chopped
1 can tomato sauce (5g sugar or less)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
3 zucchinis for layering
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Dash of sea salt

Directions:

1) Using a sharp knife, slice the zucchini lengthwise into thick strips.

2) Sprinkle the strips with salt and lay them on paper towels. Put another piece of paper towel above to absorb moisture. Let them sit for 20-30 minutes.

3) Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

4) Line the bottom of the lasagna pan with a single layer of zucchini strips. Overlap edges for complete coverage.

5) Top the layer with mushrooms, chopped basil, tomato sauce, and a thin layer of mozzarella cheese.

6) Continue above process until you have 3-4 layers.

7) Bake for 30 minutes until cheese on lasagna browns.

8) Enjoy!!

Looking for more healthy recipes? Try this Chocolate Peanut Butter French Toast recipe! One of our favourites!