Mood-boosting meals: 5 uplifting dinner ideas

If you’re suffering from a case of the January blues, listen up. There are many reasons why you could be feeling in a bit of a slump, but a growing body of evidence suggests that it could often be down to the food that we eat.

We might not be scientists, but we do know the value of delicious, nutritional meals in lifting spirits and putting a smile on your face. So, here are 5 of our favourite mood-boosting meals for you to try… 

Superfood Salad With Lemon Chia Dressing

This salad not only looks good and tastes great, but is packed with nutritional value that means it’s a surefire winner of our mood boosting list. It’s worth noting that both sunflower and pumpkin seeds are great sources of tryptophan – an amino acid that is used by our brain to produce serotonin (the key hormone that stabilises our mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness!)

For the full superfood salad recipe, click here.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quesadillas with Avo Lime Crema

We don’t typically need an excuse to enjoy this Mexican-inspired recipe. However, sweet potatoes contain Vitamin B6, which is another great trigger of serotonin in the brain. So, if you’re feeling a little blue, this dinner may be for you!

For the full quesadillas recipe, click here.

Creamy Mushroom Carbonara with Green Salad

Regardless of health benefits, nothing can boost our mood quite like a comforting, carby bowl of creamy pasta. Nevertheless, we’ve incorporated mushrooms into this veggie twist, which are rich in vitamin D and contain immune-boosting properties. So, this means carbonara is basically healthy, right?!

For the full mushroom carbonara recipe, click here.

Smoked Salmon and Cod Fish Pie with Cauliflower Mash

Omega-3 fatty acids are the name of the game when striving for a healthy body and healthy mind. Research suggests that those who consume fatty fish are less likely to suffer from depression. But, medical advice aside, one thing we can guarantee is this low-carb, creamy fish pie will make you smile in no time.

For the full salmon and cod fish pie recipe, click here.

Mexican Coriander Chicken Bowl with Brown Rice

This Mexican rice bowl is not only low in calories, but it’s utterly delicious. Did you know? Whole grains, such as brown rice, are rich in B vitamins and are great for boosting energy levels and maintaining good overall health and wellbeing.

For the full coriander chicken bowl recipe, click here.

If you enjoyed this post, you may be interested in reading about our round-up of healthy comfort dishes to try this January.