Stress can take a toll on our mental and physical well-being, and when it strikes, cooking might feel like the last thing on your mind. But did you know that cooking can also help relieve stress? Beyond the therapeutic aspect of preparing a meal, certain ingredients in food can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
These stress-relieving recipes are packed with nutrients that are scientifically proven to help combat stress while being simple and satisfying to make. Let’s dive into some delicious, stress-busting meals that will help you unwind and feel better.
1. Sweet Potato Soup: Comfort in a Bowl
Sweet potato soup offers a two-fold approach to reducing stress. First, warm foods, in general, have been linked to feelings of comfort and relaxation. Second, sweet potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, which are known to boost serotonin, the brain chemical responsible for mood regulation.
This soup, with its subtle sweetness and gingery warmth, is perfect for sipping on a cold day or when you’re feeling mentally drained. Ginger adds an extra boost by aiding digestion and boosting circulation, while garlic strengthens the immune system.
Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 50g cow butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 60g ginger, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1.5 liters vegetable stock
- 300ml full cream
- 50ml white wine
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
- Optional: yogurt for topping
Method:
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add butter with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and ginger, sautéing for 2-3 minutes.
- Add garlic and continue to sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sweet potato pieces, stirring gently for 4 more minutes. Pour in the white wine and allow the alcohol to evaporate.
- Once evaporated, add the vegetable stock and simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Remove from heat and use a hand blender to puree the soup to a smooth consistency.
- Stir in the cream, add salt and pepper, and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Serve warm, optionally topping with yogurt and pepper for an extra kick.
The warmth and richness of this soup not only comfort your senses but also elevate your mood by boosting serotonin levels.
2. Honey-Glazed Salmon: A Brain-Boosting Powerhouse
Salmon is a nutritional powerhouse, particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to improve brain function, reduce inflammation, and lower anxiety levels. Studies have shown that omega-3s can have a significant impact on mood regulation, and consuming wild salmon is an easy and delicious way to get these essential nutrients.
Add honey to the mix, which provides a natural sweet touch and additional brain benefits due to its antioxidant properties, and you have a stress-busting meal that’s as delicious as it is nutritious.
Honey-Glazed Salmon Recipe
Ingredients:
- 300g wild salmon (2 fillets of 150g each)
- 20g Dijon mustard
- 20g honey
- Grated lemon zest
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a small bowl, mix the Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon zest.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Pour the mustard-honey mixture over the salmon fillets, coating them on all sides.
- Place the fillets on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, pouring any remaining marinade on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve with a simple green salad and a drizzle of honey-mustard dressing.
This salmon dish is not only quick and easy to prepare but offers a wealth of brain-boosting benefits. It’s the perfect meal to help you relax and rejuvenate.
3. Oat Bars with Pistachio: Nutritious and Stress-Free Snacking
Oats are another complex carbohydrate that helps your brain produce serotonin, promoting calmness and reducing stress. Combine oats with pistachios, which are rich in magnesium and vitamin B6, known for reducing anxiety and improving mood, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate stress-relief snack. These oat bars are sweetened with maple syrup and keep well for a week, making them perfect for a grab-and-go snack when life gets hectic.
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Oat Bars with Pistachio Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw, shelled peanuts
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ cup maple syrup (plus extra for drizzling)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ⅓ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- ⅔ cup chopped pistachios for topping
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, blend the peanuts, oats, and sea salt for about 30 seconds until the mixture becomes a coarse flour.
- While the food processor is running, add the maple syrup and olive oil until the dough begins to come together and becomes slightly crumbly but moist.
- Press the dough evenly into the lined pan, then sprinkle with the coconut flakes and chopped pistachios.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the coconut flakes are golden brown and the dough is cooked through. Be careful not to overbake.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before lifting them out of the pan. Slice into squares and drizzle with a bit more maple syrup before serving.
These oat bars are a tasty, nutrient-dense snack that you can enjoy any time of the day. They’re packed with ingredients that help calm the mind and body.
4. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Peppers: A Plant-Based Delight
Leafy greens like spinach are rich in folate, which helps your body produce dopamine, a feel-good chemical. Spinach is also full of magnesium, a mineral that helps regulate cortisol, the stress hormone. Combined with feta cheese, these stuffed peppers offer a great way to destress while enjoying a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers, halved and deseeded
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 100g feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix the cooked quinoa, sautéed spinach, feta cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each bell pepper half with the quinoa mixture and place them in a baking dish.
- Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
These stuffed peppers are light yet packed with nutrients that help reduce stress and promote a healthy, balanced mood.
5. Avocado and Banana Smoothie: A Nutrient-Rich Pick-Me-Up
When you’re short on time but need a quick pick-me-up, an avocado and banana smoothie is an excellent choice. Avocados are rich in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, while bananas are high in magnesium and vitamin B6, known for boosting serotonin production. The creamy texture and natural sweetness of this smoothie make it a comforting treat that’s perfect for when you’re feeling frazzled.
Avocado and Banana Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 banana
- 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
- Ice cubes for serving
Method:
- Scoop the avocado and banana into a blender.
- Add the almond milk, honey, and chia seeds (if using).
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a glass, add ice cubes, and enjoy.
This creamy and nutrient-rich smoothie is not only satisfying but packed with ingredients that reduce stress and support brain health.
Conclusion
When life gets stressful, turning to the kitchen can be a powerful way to cope. Whether you need a soothing bowl of soup, a brain-boosting salmon dinner, or a quick and nutritious snack, these recipes are designed to nourish your body and calm your mind. Take time to unwind with these delicious, stress-relieving meals, and you’ll feel better equipped to handle whatever challenges come your way.
