Hello Delicious!

Breakfasts

1. Fortified whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk and blueberries (Fights depression)

The cereal’s fortified with vitamin B, which studies have linked to good mental health. Plus recent research suggests people who slurp down vitamin D in a serving of milk don’t just build strong bones — they’re also less likely to get depressed. And those berries may be blue, but they keep us from feeling that way. So get crunching tomorrow morning. Even a soggy bowl says smile!

2. Banana-almond-flax smoothie (Fights depression and stress)

Slurp some happiness on the go with a smoothie that does wonders for the mood and the taste buds. The potassium in bananas is a super stress-buster; plus nuts and flaxseed are great sourcesof omega-3s, which may help fight depression.

3. Buckwheat pancakes with sliced banana (Beats stress)

Whether they’re for breakfast or dinner, pancakes can almost always brighten up a bad day. And there’s science behind it, too: Buckwheat pancakes pack flavonoids that may help reduce stress(at least in mice). Top the stack with some sliced banana, filled with potassium, another stress-buster!

4. Full-fat Greek yogurt with honey and granola (Fights depression, boosts pleasure)

This positivity parfait packs a bunch of happy ingredients: protein from a creamy cupful of Greek yogurt increases levels of pleasure-boosting neurotransmitters, and the yogurt’s probiotics may be a tasty way to fight depression. Honey really is a spoonful of sweetness, with compounds that may fight depression by reducing inflammation in the brain. (Throw on some berries for extra healthy points!)

Salads

5. Salmon salad with vinaigrette (Fights depression)

When a bad mood hits, try a forkful of fish to feel better. Keep things cheery and green with this salmon salad, chock-full of omega-3-filled ingredients (like salmon and olive oil) that can help prevent symptoms of depression. Swap plain ol’ lettuce for spinach leaves for a bunch of mood-boosting B vitamins.

6. Warm quinoa, spinach, and shitake salad (Fights depression and anxiety)

Quinoa’s not only an awesome vegan protein source — it’s also a complex carbohydrate that can help prevent depression and anxiety by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. And beyond the B vitamins in spinach, mushrooms are a source of selenium, a compound that may help fight depression. This superfood-packed salad‘s got all the goods!

7. Beet, citrus, and avocado salad (Boosts energy)

This colorful concoction brightens up the mood and the dining table. A bowlful of beets helpsincrease happiness with tons of folate; the vitamin C in citrus fruit recharges the body; and the flavonoids in a squirt of lemon juice benefit the brain. Tell a bad day to beet it!

8. Wild seaweed salad (Fights depression and anxiety)

Vegetarians and carnivores alike can enjoy the positive feelings that come from a bowl of thissnazzy salad. Seaweed’s a source of iodine, which can help fight depression; brown rice is a complex carb that helps stabilize mood with serotonin; and the omega-3s in EVOO, flavonoids in lemon, and anthocyanins in honey may all boost mood.

Main Dishes

9. Poached eggs and asparagus (Fights depression and anxiety)

Eggs are a (perhaps surprisingly) good source of vitamin D, which may be important for fighting depression; they also provide mood-boosting vitamin B. And asparagus is filled with tryptophan, which increases levels of serotonin in the brain and helps prevent depression and anxiety.

10. Brown rice and black beans (Fights depression and anxiety)

Beans aren’t just good for the heart — they’re good for the mind, too, since the selenium in them can help reduce inflammation in the brain. Plus brown rice can boost mood by regulating serotonin levels. Try this great recipe for happiness.

11. Almond-crusted barramundi fish (Fights depression)

The name of this meal is fun to say, but that’s not all that’s great about it. Barramundi fish and almonds are excellent sources of omega-3s, which can help reduce depression and anxiety. Serve it with a side of spinach for a dose of B vitamins that also help create a positive mood. (Can’t find barramundi fish in the local grocery store? Try sea bass instead, although it doesn’t have quite as many omega-3s.)

12. Seared lamb chops with anchovies (Fights depression and beats stress)

Go classier — and happier — than chicken wings and use grass-fed meat in this dinner recipe. Lamb is packed with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a compound that reduces stress hormones, and anchovies provide depression-fighting omega-3s.

13. Turkey burger with sweet potato fries (Fights depression and anxiety)

Step up the traditional burger ’n fries with a meal that’s easier on the belly and the brain. Thetryptophan in turkey increases levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. Plussweet potatoes are filled with mood-boosting B vitamins. Fry them in olive oil for some extra omega-3 happiness power!

Pasta

14. Spaghetti with steamed mussels (Fights depression and anxiety)

Mussels — and most types of shellfish — are loaded with B vitamins, important for a good mood^[11] Try this recipe, which features whole-wheat pasta and EVOO. Certain food combinations have a lot to do with mood: A meal that includes carbs, protein, and fat (like this one) can stop a case of the Debby Downers in its tracks.

15. Whole-wheat pasta with cauliflower and collards (Fights depression)

This vegetarian pasta dish has complex carbs, which help regulate mood, plus a serving of healthy veggies. Pack an extra punch with purple cauliflower — it not only looks cool, it also prevents depression with a hefty dose of B vitamins.

16. Walnut-miso noodles (Fights depression, anxiety, and stress)

Everything about this dish screams healthy, happy, and delicious. Whole-wheat pasta is a complex carb that increases serotonin levels, and walnuts pack omega-3s that fight depression and anxiety. And chop up some chard for a tasty topping that’s a great source of magnesium, which can improve snooze time and reduce stress levels, especially for ladies.

Soups and Stews

17. Chicken soup with vegetables (Boosts alertness)

Try a bowlful of the good stuff for the soul and for a smile. Chicken packs the protein that helps us stay alert and ready to tackle the day. And orange you glad vegetables like carrots and squash also improve mood. Loud slurping required.

18. Lentil and vegetable stew with kale (Fights depression)

Curl up with a cup of lentil stew on a rainy day to keep things sunny inside. Kale and the little legumes are great sources of folate, important for a good mood.

Side Dishes

19. Braised collards with tomatoes (Fights depression)

This picture-perfect side dish features B vitamins and lycopene, which may fight depression by reducing inflammation in the brain. Substitute cherry tomatoes for the whole tomatoes in this recipe, since it’s easier to eat more of the lycopene-packed skin that way.

20. Fresh corn and blue potato hash (Fights depression)

Don’t worry, these potatoes aren’t moldy, but they are delicious ways to get happy. Blue potatoes (and their skins) are loaded with anthocyanins and iodine, nutrients that reduce inflammation in the brain and help regulate mood. This creative recipe adds an extra bonus with the mood-boosting B vitamins in spinach.

Snacks and Desserts

21. Trail mix with nuts and dark chocolate (Boosts alertness and beats stress)

This crunchy combo is filled with monounsaturated fats that help prevent blood sugar crashes, a major cause of grouchiness. Plus they can increase levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood (and digestion). And a smidge of dark chocolate can prevent sluggishness with high levels of theobromine, a stimulant similar to caffeine. Plus even a few bites of the sweet stuff can reduce levels of sneaky stress hormones.

22. Granola bars with chocolate (Fights depression and anxiety)

These homemade treats may look like cookies, but they’re actually nutritious ways to perk up. They’re filled with ingredients that fight depression and anxiety, like the omega-3s in flaxseed and anthocyanins in honey. Even better, dark chocolate’s a stress-buster and oats are a source of soluble fiber that helps prevent mood swings.

23. Chocolate chia seed pudding (Fights depression and anxiety)

Ch-ch-ch-chia! And chocolate! A more nutritious alternative to the standard pudding cup, this recipe’s a double whammy for a good mood. Chia seeds are a source of those depression-and-anxiety-reducing Omega-3s, and dark cocoa powder helps keep bad moods in check.

Beverages

24. Coffee with cinnamon (Boosts energy)

There’s no Red Bull required to make it through a long afternoon. Coffee’s a natural stimulant, brightening a dismal day by boosting energy and metabolism.. A cup o’ Joe may also create feel-good feelings (in humans and in rats) by increasing levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. And a sprinkle of cinnamon’s all it takes to put some more pep in that step.

25. Green tea and honey (Relieves anger and anxiety)

Sip a cup of the green stuff at breakfast, before bedtime, or during a relaxing afternoon break. Green tea’s a great source of theanine, which helps reduce anger and improve concentration. Add a spoonful of honey to reap the benefits of anxiety-reducing anthocyanins.

(via thelast35)

Tofu with Sweet Golden Curry Sauce
A Hello-Delicious Original

Ingredients:
1 Package Extra Firm Tofu, Drained
1 small can of pineapple slices
Fresh Spinnach
Brown Rice
1 Tbsp Organic Honey
1 Tbsp Light Brown Sugar
1 cube Golden Curry

Directions:
Begin to prepare your desired amount of brown rice according to directions on package. 

Open pineapple and poor into a storage container. Measure out about 1/4 cup of the juice into a small frying pan over medium heat. Allow to heat and add 1 small cube of the Golden Curry. Stir until dissolved and then add the honey and light brown sugar.

When sauce is completely mixed, reduce heat to low and allow to simmer. Open and drain the Tofu and cut off two 1/2 inch thick slices and store the rest. Cube the amount you cut off and add to the sauce. Cube 2 slices of the pineapple and add as well.

Allow to simmer on medium to low heat for a few minutes, stirring to coat. When the tofu and pineapple is warm, add spinach as desired. Cook until spinach is wilted, remove from heat and serve over prepared rice.

Optional: Coat the Tofu in corn starch and fry in a bit of oil before hand. Then add after pineapple.

Makes 1 serving

Mashed potatoes with Olive Oil, Garlic, Chives and Romano Cheese

(via godofscrumprecipes)

Pineapple Brown Rice

Ingredients:
2 cups cooked brown rice
1 can black beans, drained
1/2 fresh pineapple, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
1/3 cup scallions, finely diced
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

Directions:
Stir the rice, black beans, pineapple, and red bell pepper together in a large skillet. Heat over medium heat until hot. Remove and stir in scallions and garlic salt.

Healthy Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients:
10 pitted Dates
1 table spoon Virgin Olive Oil
2 table spoons Agave
1 cup water
2 table spoons Cinnamon
4-6 sweet potatoes 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Blend the dates, Olive Oil, Agave, Water, and Cinnamon together until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl.

Peel and quarter sweet potatoes/yams. Place the quartered yams into the bowl with the date mixture and toss until coated.  

Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and bake for 45 minutes. Check and stir if necessary, then continue baking for 10 - 15 minutes, or until tender.

Spicy Mahi Mahi and Mango Tacos

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1 garlic clove, chopped
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 pound mahi mahi, rinsed and patted dry, cut into bite- size chunks
1 large ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and coarsely chopped (about 2 cups)
1 tablespoon chopped red onion, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1/2 teaspoon seeded, chopped fresh red chile
2 teaspoons virgin coconut oil
4 (8- inch) whole-wheat tortillas
1 ripe avocado, pitted, peeled, and coarsely chopped
Lime wedges, for serving

Directions:
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of the lime juice, 2 tablespoons of the orange juice, the garlic, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add the fish and gently stir to coat. Let stand for at least 10 minutes, or cover and place in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours.

In the meantime, in a medium bowl, combine the mango, onion, cilantro, chile, and remaining 1 tablespoon each lime and orange juice. Stir gently until well combined.

Set aside in the refrigerator if you are marinating the fish longer than a few minutes. Let stand at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before serving.

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the fish and its marinade and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, turning frequently, until the fish is opaque. While the fish cooks, wrap the tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave on high power for 30 seconds.

Gently fold the avocado into the mango mixture. Divide the fish evenly among the tortillas. Divide the mango mixture among the tacos, spooning it on top of the fish. Serve with lime wedges.

Serves 4

Cranberry Barbecue Meatballs

Ingredients:
2 lbs. hamburger*
1 1/2 cups quick oats
2 eggs (or egg replacer)
1/4 cup water
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 tsp. onion salt
1/2 tsp. garlic powder

Directions:
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Line 2 baking pans with foil. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Shape into 1 1/2 inch meatballs and place on foil-lined pans. Bake for 15 minutes or until cooked through. In a medium saucepan heat together 1 can whole berry cranberry sauce and 1 bottle (16oz) of your favorite barbecue sauce, stirring occasionally until mixture is heated through and well combined. Place meatballs in serving bowl and pour cranberry barbecue sauce (or for a healthier alternative, try making your own) over them. Stir to coat and serve over mashed potatoes or rice.

*Alternatively you can use lean meats like Bison, Venison, Turkey or Chicken if prefered. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

(Source: beckybakes.net, via imdelicious)

Harvest Scalloped Corn 

Corn has long since been a staple of food for any harvest feast and many activities celebrate the uniqueness of this vegetable. So bring the corn home with you from the maze this year and bake this odd dish that you’ll be surprised to find absolutely delicious. It’s a great appetizer for any Samhain meal and celebrates the 3rd and final harvest with all it’s vegetable goodness. with only a few simple tweaks, it can also be a delicious staple for any Vegetarian or Vegan diet!

Ingredients:
2 cups whole kernal corn, frozen 
2 cups potato chunks, peeled 
2 cups broccoli florets 
1/2 cup thinly sliced celery 
1 cup Italian bread crumbs 
1 1/2 cups sour cream 
2 eggs, beaten 
1/2 cup milk (use plain Soy for Vegan/Vegetarian)
1 teaspoon garlic powder 
1/4 cup shredded carrots 
sea salt to taste 

Directions:
Combine corn, potatoes, broccoli and celery.  Pour into greased rectangular baking pan.  Sprinkle bread crumbs over vegetables.  Beat eggs, sour cream, milk and garlic together.  Pour over vegetable mixture.  Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes, until set in the center.

Colcannon 

Colcannon (sometimes also spelled “colchannon”) is probably the single traditional Irish dish that is eaten by the largest number of modern Irish people. It’s the food that’s also an oracle for the year ahead, similar to the Birin Brac. Traditionally the Colcannon contained a plain gold ring, a sixpence, a thimble or button: finding the ring meant marriage within the year for the person who found it, the sixpence meant wealth, the thimble spinsterhood and the button bachelorhood.”

Ingredients:
3 pounds potatoes, scrubbed
2 sticks butter
1 1/4 cups hot milk
Freshly ground black pepper
1 head white (or other) cabbage, cored and finely shredded
1 (1-pound) piece ham or bacon, cooked the day before
4 scallions, finely chopped
Chopped parsley leaves, for garnish

Directions:
Steam the potatoes in their skins for 30 minutes. Peel them using a knife and fork. Chop with a knife before mashing. Mash thoroughly to remove all the lumps. Add 1 stick of butter in pieces. Gradually add hot milk, stirring all the time. Season with a few grinds of black pepper.

Boil the cabbage in unsalted water until it turns a darker color. Add 2 tablespoons butter to tenderize it. Cover with lid for 2 minutes. Drain thoroughly before returning it to the pan. Chop into small pieces.

Put the ham in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to the boil and simmer for 45 minutes until tender. Drain. Remove any fat and chop into small pieces.

Add cabbage, scallions, and ham to mashed potatoes, stirring them in gently.

Serve in individual soup plates. Make an indentation on the top by swirling a wooden spoon. Put 1 tablespoon of butter into each indentation. Sprinkle with parsley.

Acorn Squash with Apple nut Stuffing

Though this dish is not a traditional Samhain dish of any culture, it holds something very special for Samhain. Apples, pumpkins and squashes, nuts, corn, cranberries, ale, cider and herbal teas are all traditional staples of Samhain meals and customs, and this dish uses some of those traditional foods, making it a good addition to any Samhain meal that wishes to follow custom and tradition.

Ingredients:
2 acorn squash, halved and seeded
6 slices of white bread, cut into small cubes
1 tsp. dried sage
1/2 tsp. dried poultry seasoning
1/2 tsp. each rosemary and thyme
1 tsp. margerine
4 dried apple rings, chopped finely
2 tbsp. pine nuts
2 tbsp. slivered almonds
1/4 cup warmed milk (Use Plain Soy for Vegan/Vegetarian)
salt and pepper to taste
2 tsps. butter or margerine

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

Prepare squash, set aside. In a medium bowl, toss together bread and spices, set aside.

In a medium saute pan, heat 1 tsp. margerine until melted. Add chopped apple rings and nuts. Saute until apple is slightly softened and nuts are golden in colour. Add apple and nut mixture to bread mixture. Add warmed milk and salt and pepper to taste.

Dot squash halves with butter or margerine and scoop the stuffing into hollow squash halves. Put squash halves on a baking sheet, brush lightly with butter, cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.

Squash will be ready when soft and fragrant.

Cashew Carrot “meatballs” w/ Coconut Curry Sauce

Ingredients:
“Meat” balls:1 Tbsp coconut oil
3 cups shredded carrot
3 large shallots, chopped3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup toasted cashews
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
2 Tbsp flax seeds
1/4 cup tamari
1/4 cup white miso
1 Tbsp sea salt
1 Tbsp dried basil2 cups whole wheat panko

Sauce:
1 tsp coconut oil1 tsp fresh ginger, minced1 garlic clove, minced

a pinch of red pepper flakes
1 1/2 Tbsp mild curry powder
1 tsp tumeric
1 15 oz can full fat coconut milk
1 tsp agave nectar
sea salt to taste
2 Tbsp arrowroot dissolved in 2 Tbsp water
juice of one small lime
1 Tbsp chopped cilantro, optional
cooked rice for serving, optional

Directions:
To make meatballs, heat coconut oil in a large non-stick skillet, and add carrots, and shallots.  Saute until soft, about 5-7 minutes, then add garlic and saute another minute until fragrant.  Remove from heat. 

In a food processor, combine cashews, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, and process until very finely ground and almost turning into nut butter.  Add tamari, miso, sea salt, basil and carrot mixture and process until well combined.  Remove to a large bowl, and stir in panko. 

Line a baking sheet with foil, and spray with non-stick spray.  Form the carrot nut mixture into 12 balls, and place on the baking sheet.  Bake at 400 degrees until just starting to brown, about 15 minutes. 

Meanwhile, to make the sauce, heat coconut oil in a small saucepan, and add ginger, garlic, and pepper flakes.  Saute for a minute until fragrant, and add curry powder and tumeric and saute another 30 seconds, then add coconut milk and agave nectar and bring to a low simmer.  Add sea salt to taste, and let simmer about 5 minutes, then add arrowroot mixture, lime juice and cilantro and cook until slightly thickened. 

Remove from heat, and keep warm.  Serve meatballs with sauce and some rice if desired.
 

(Source: findvegan)