While it may not always be possible to cook while you’re trying to relax, I have included some quick and easy comfort food recipes that can be kept frozen until you need them.
If you’re interested in learning more about how psychology affects our selection of comfort food, make sure to read these psychological articles on food.
Quick and Easy Comfort Food Recipes
Depending on your mood, satisfying a little craving can sometimes provide enough satisfaction to allow your mind to relax… at least for a little while.
Here are my suggestions:
- For the man of the house, you may want to use this tasty meatloaf recipe with a side of delicious and creamy loaded mashed potatoes.
- If you have more time to spare, you could make a batch of delicious and healthy tea biscuits. They are perfect for a quick yet comforting breakfast or a late-night snack.
- For a whole-body hug, I recommend chicken soup. I’ll post a homemade recipe shortly, but it’s always good to keep a few cans/packages in your pantry. Heat and serve. It’s also great if you feel like you’re coming down with the flu.
- Who said that comfort food can’t be a little fancier for company? Try one of these delicious roast beef recipes.
- To improve my mood when I feel blue, I always have a pint of sugar-free, low in fat, vanilla ice cream in my freezer. While the taste might not be as good as the sinful, “full-on” ice cream, I will be able to pull away from the pint before I finish it… And if I can’t pull away, then my hips should forgive me.
- What about enjoying a romantic dinner with your special someone or a lively dinner with your family? Fondue is a great meal and it comes in many varieties! Try some creamy cheese fondue recipes or even a minty chocolate fondue.
Frozen and Ready When You Need It
If you like to cook and if you have room in your freezer, it’s a great idea to prepare some comfort food ahead of time.
Here are two recipes that you can make months ahead and freeze so you can enjoy comforting meals when you need them most.
- My all-time favorite has to be this Won Ton Soup recipe. Although some might not consider it “real” comfort food, it makes me relax and I feel better all over without overeating.
- I think my next one might be a favorite for a lot of you… Or at least it was for Garfield… Try one, two, or all three of these delicious lasagna recipes.
Tea and Other Comfort Drinks
While I do not suggest that you go on a binge when you get depressed, one glass of red wine can do wonders when you try to unwind at the end of the day. Similarly, a cool beer in the summer might help alleviate some stress when your day is over.
For the whole body hug on a cool or cold evening, I always go for one of the many excellent teas on the market.
Tea is well known for its health benefits. Here are some interesting facts about tea and information on how to relieve insomnia with herbal teas.
Other Comfort Food Recipes and More
You’ll find a list of comfort food recipes in the sidebar of this page.
You can also have healthier and lower-calorie comfort food by using Stevia instead of sugar. Check out these sugar-free recipes to get you inspired!