23 Spring Comfort Food Recipes That Will Make You Feel Good (2024)

FAQs

What comfort food makes you feel good? ›

Comfort foods, the study found, actually do make us feel less sad. So what were the top seven items on my poll? Mac and cheese hit the No. 1 spot, followed by beef stew, apple pie and ice cream, chicken and dumplings/chicken pot pie, meatloaf with mashed potatoes, bread pudding and fried chicken.

High-fiber whole grains like whole wheat pasta and bread, oatmeal and sweet potatoes help your body release serotonin. 5. Low-fat dairy. Not only are low-fat cheese, milk and yogurt good for your bones, the calcium and vitamin D found in these foods contain peptides which promote feelings of well-being and relaxation.

The first is obvious—if you're looking to feel all warm and cozy, go for foods that are (literally!) served piping hot, like soups and stews. We've included some of our favorites, like our lasagna soup, our white bean chicken chili, our beef stew, or our chicken matzo ball soup, but really, any will work.

Aim for whole foods, vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains, lean meats, and especially fish. Other foods that may help include: turkey and other tryptophan-containing foods, such as eggs, dark chocolate, cheese, pineapple, bananas, oats, and tofu.

Fresh, plant based foods, such as berries, are good sources of antioxidants. A diet that is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, soy, and other plant products may help reduce the stress-related symptoms of depression.

Foods naturally rich in magnesium may, therefore, help a person to feel calmer. Examples include leafy greens, such as spinach and Swiss chard. Other sources include legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Foods rich in zinc such as oysters, cashews, liver, beef, and egg yolks have been linked to lowered anxiety.

A “happy food” is any ingredient that lifts your mood and supports mental health. Examples of happy foods include fish, nuts, seeds, eggs, leafy greens, berries, olive oil and whole grains.

What is American comfort food? ›

Other comfort foods that were popular across many states were fried chicken, chicken and waffles, chili, and pot roast. Certainly, Americans love to get their protein in the form of stick-to-your-bones soul food.

Research has linked foods like avocado, oranges, or oysters to reduced feelings of anxiety. Drinks like water and 100% fruit juice can also be beneficial if you have a lot of anxiety and stress. Those foods and drinks contain antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that help alleviate anxiety symptoms.

Fruit, veg and wholegrains

These are important for stabilising your mood, as they release sugar into your body slowly. Other sources of complex carbs include wholemeal bread, brown rice, whole grain pasta, beans, pulses and oats.

Many individuals rely on comfort foods when they're depressed, anxious, or simply in need of a little mood boost. Comfort foods can evoke coziness and comfort as they are frequently linked to carefree memories.

If you're feeling under the weather, these four comfort foods and drinks will help you feel better in no time! Grilled cheese sandwiches are gooey and crispy, oatmeal is filling and nutritious, hot tea is soothing and calming, and toast is easy on your tummy. So next time you're sick, be sure to give these foods a try.