Fun and Cozy Meals to Make for Every Mood. You will be surprised what food can really do for your state of mind.
Sometimes, certain food tastes better depending on whether you feel happy, confused, stressed or tired. Other times, you can boost your mood by eating a meal rich in specific nutrients and minerals. Check in with yourself and how you’re feeling. While a good meal won’t solve everything, it can be a fun way to treat yourself. You may want to try one of these fun and cozy dishes to match your emotional state for your next meal.
Sadness
Many studies have shown the positive impact omega-3 fatty acids have on depression. Researchers suggest they can quickly move toward the brain cell membrane and alter the molecules that influence moods. They’re also anti-inflammatory.
Foods high in omega-3 include nuts, seeds and avocado. If you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up snack, guacamole is the perfect solution.
There are endless guac recipes out there depending on your tastes. You can go for a simple combination of mashed avocado with salt, or experiment by adding different spices, salsas or vegetables.
Anxiety
Garlic-based dishes might be a favorite go-to comfort food for you already–who doesn’t love some warm garlic bread? But it has surprising benefits in relieving anxiety.
Try treating yourself to a hearty Italian dish, like a garlicky pasta with snow peas or a vegan minestrone soup. You can customize these dishes with whatever vegetables or spices you like. The garlic will help soothe your nerves, and the classic Italian-style meals will make you feel warm and cozy.
Fatigue
Carbohydrates tend to be a comfort food, but they’re not all created equal. When you’re feeling fatigued, you’re going to want to eat foods that fuel your body rather than zap your energy.
Simple carbs are high in sugar and are usually found in packaged food items. Think of simple carbs as processed foods, soda, high-fructose syrups, desserts, and raw or cane sugar.
Prevent fatigue and boost your body’s energy by eating whole grains and fruits with naturally occurring sugars instead of refined ones. Oatmeal with fresh-cut fruit on top is an excellent cozy meal option to beat lethargy.
You could also add shredded coconut flakes or nuts on top for extra crunchiness if you like. The other benefit of oatmeal is that it will hold you for a while and prevent your blood sugar from dropping too quickly.
Happy
Berries contain anthocyanin that puts you in a great mood, whether you’re overcoming the blues or are already in a happy state of mind. In a recent study, the effects of anthocyanin helped treat depression-like behaviors in mice.
Keep your spirits lifted with this yummy mixed berry crumble that’s the perfect balance between sweet and tart and is scrumptious in any season.
You’ll want to use mixed berries — any combination of blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries — either fresh or frozen. You’ll also need a small amount of sugar, whole wheat flour and old-fashioned oats.
This makes a delicious, cozy dessert to end any meal.
Brain Fog
Brain fog affects everyone once in a while. Thankfully, shellfish and sweet treats like dark chocolate can help in those situations.
Dark chocolate contains flavonoids that improve cognitive function, memory, concentration and other neurological impairments.
Treat yourself — and your mental blocks — with a fruit and nut chocolate bark recipe that calls for chocolate chips, mixed nuts, mixed dried fruit, candied ginger and sea salt.
You might also want to consider opting for dark chocolate, which contains less sugar than milk chocolate.
Heartache
We’ve all been there. When dealing with heartache, sometimes comfort foods are the only remedy. Eating foods that remind us of happier times or our childhoods can trigger feelings of joy that can mend a broken heart.
Whether you crave something sweet lie dairy-free ice cream or something savory like French fries, there isn’t a right or wrong way to have comfort food. However, you may want to keep your health in mind when seeking relief from your emotions.
Try a nutritious ramen bowl loaded with vegetables and seasonings as a healthy but still comforting meal. It’ll provide the same levels of coziness and warmth without the extra calories.
When Your Mood Determines Your Food
There are lots of fun, easy and cozy meals you can make for yourself that feed whatever frame of mind you’re in. Food can be a great source of comfort when you’re down and medicinal for when you need a boost in energy. Try one of these recipes the next time you pinpoint your emotions and bring balance to your life.
Cora’s passion is to inspire others to live a happy, healthful, and mindful life through her words on Revivalist – wholeheartedly convincing them that everyday moments are worth celebrating. Cora has spent 5+ years writing for numerous lifestyle sites – hence her sincere love for both life and the beauty of style in all things. Keep up with Cora on Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook.
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