Meals? Really! I’m just not feeling it. When you are down or feeling depressed the last thing you want to do is exert what little energy you have on preparing a meal. Here are some easy meal plans and snack ideas.
We all face times of sadness and feeling down. Let’s face it, life has its daily challenges and there are times when we just don’t feel like preparing a meal. So, keep it simple and make it delicious. Keep reading to find out about my meal ideas. But first I must tell you I am not a medical professional, and this article is not intended as advice or treatment of any medical condition. This article is for entertainment purposes only.
Easy Meals: Must Have Supplies
In an article by Piedmont five foods are identified as mood-boosting. They are eggs, cold water fish, nuts, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. The key to making a quick and easy meal is a well-stocked pantry. Here are the items I keep on hand for those times when I am feeling down or just am too tired or busy for too much fuss.
I buy these items when they are on sale so that I always have them on hand for quick and easy meals. Here are the items I keep in my freezer: walnuts, blueberries, cranberries, whole wheat pita bread, salmon, broccoli, and other frozen vegetables.
In my pantry you will find my easy meal go to items like peanut butter, canned chicken breast, anchovies, canned peeled tomatoes, beans, legumes, and some emergency cans of soup. I call them emergency soup because my preferred method is homemade, and I try to make ahead and freeze in individual portions.
Refrigerator items to keep on hand for quick meals are milk, cheese, butter, onions, bell pepper, celery, carrots, other vegetables. Check out this article for more meal ideas.
Breakfast Anytime Meals
Eggs anytime, they are not just for breakfast, they are the anytime meal go to. Try keeping some boiled eggs in the fridge for a quick snack or to add to a meal.
I prefer soft fluffy scrambled eggs and the best way to get them is with real butter and whole milk. It takes only a few minutes to whisk together two eggs and about ¼ cup of milk before adding them to a skillet seasoned with melted butter (2 teaspoon) salt and pepper. Scramble on medium heat until done. Eat plan or stuff in pita bread with cheese or avocado slices. Spice it up with hot sauce.
Easy microwaveable oatmeal. Did you know you can microwave whole and quick oats. The directions are usually on the package. I use whole oats; cover oats with water then add walnuts, berries (frozen whole cranberries are great), and brown sugar; microwave for about 2 minutes. Add a little milk before eating. Delicious and comfy cozy meal great to eat while reading a good book.
My Favorite Easy Lunch and Dinner Meals
The last thing you need is added clean up so keep meals and the clean-up simple by using one pan. Add a tablespoon of oil (I use olive oil) to a pan and heat (don’t overheat olive oil). Add a piece salmon cook for about 3-4 minutes per side depending on the size and your desired doneness. I add a vegetable to the same pan. Once I flip the salmon I add spinach, asparagus, broccoli, or a mix of squash and zucchini with peppers to the pan. In about 10 minutes you have a great meal.
If you need more than a one serving meal, use the oven. Preheat the oven to 425 Fahrenheit, place the salmon on a baking sheet, drizzle or rub olive oil on the salmon and dust the top with a little salt, pepper, garlic, and ginger. Cook for about 20 minutes depending on the thickness of the salmon. Pop a bag of steamer vegetables in the microwave and you have a complete meal.
Try putting lemon on your Salmon it’s great and the smell of the lemon may boost your mood. Music is good for you, so put on your favorite tunes (click this link to hear a great song) and enjoy a relaxing dinner. Read more about the music of Curtis Mayfield here. And, for more one pot meal ideas check out the Food Network.
Comfort Food Meals
Tomato soup and grilled cheese, the perfect comfort food meal. I don’t often eat canned soup but when you are sick, tired or just feeling down comfort food is a must. Empty the continents of canned soup into a microwaveable bowl, heat and eat. Grilled cheese sandwiches dipped in tomato soup are fun to eat and delicious.
To fancy up your canned soup add a tablespoon of sour cream it tastes so good, a great simple meal. Top tomato soup with spinach, cheese, croutons, or green onion in place of spinach. And don’t forget to watch a great movie while enjoying your grilled cheese and tomato soup. Check out this one.
Crazy simple black bean soup. Add diced tomatoes, onion, bell pepper (or a can of diced tomatoes with chilies) to a pot and sauté on medium high heat for about two minutes. Add a can of black beans in a pot (I like to drain and rinse the beans first but it’s not necessary). Heat and eat. Top with sour cream, cheese, avocado, green onion or just eat as is. For more heartiness serve over steamed rice.
Bonus suggestion: Buy a rice cooker with a steamer basket. In twenty minutes, you can have a complete meal. I like to put fish and vegetables in the steamer basket. My favorites are mushrooms, carrots, squash, and broccoli, these turn out great when steamed over the rice. I use jasmine rice because the fragrance is awesome.
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