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)

Vanilla Cherry Chocolate Granola Bars

Ingredients:

¾ cup un-sweetened organic apple sauce
2 Tbsp. agave nectar
½ cup almond butter
1 whole vanilla bean
1 cup old fashioned oats
1 cup brown rice cereal
½ cup millet
½ cup slivered almonds
¼ cup flax seeds
¼ cup unsalted sunflower seeds
½ cup dried cherries
½ cup grain sweetened vegan chocolate chips
¼ Tsp. salt

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350

Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing it to hang off the side. Spray with cooking oil. Set aside.

Slice vanilla bean down the center and using a spoon scrape out the inside. Place the scrapings in a medium bowl, discard bean. Add apple sauce, agave nectar, and almond butter stirring well to combine. Set aside.

In a large bowl combine, oats, rice cereal, millet, almonds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, dried cherries, chocolate chips and salt.

Add reserved apple sauce mixture to oat mixture and stir to combine.

Pour mixture into reserved baking dish and press so it is even and flat.

Bake for 20 – 25 minutes, until lightly browned. Allow to cool for 10 minutes.

Lift sides of parchment paper to release from pan and place on a cooling rack for an additional 10 minutes. On a cutting board cut into granola bars.

Can be stored in the freezer or fridge. 

Strawberry, Mango and Hibiscus Fruit Leather

Ingredients:

8 cups strawberries, chopped
2 cups mango, chopped
2 Tsp agave nectar
1/4 cup hibiscus flowers

Directions:
In a large pot combine strawberries and mango; place over medium heat. Mash fruit until a liquid starts to form. Stir in Agave nectar. 

Place hibiscus flowers in a cheese cloth and tie to secure them. Place hibiscus pouch in the centre of the pot and cover with fruit. Lower heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.

Remove and discard hibiscus pouch and pour fruit into a food processor; pulse until smooth. Pour and spread fruit puree over two parchment lined baking sheets.

Bake at 150 for 8-10 hours until leather peels away from parchment paper

Cut fruit leather into strips and roll up between pieces of wax paper. Store in an air tight container in a dark place for up to two weeks or freeze.

Baked Honey Oatmeal with Raspberries and Pistachios

Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
2 Tbsp. creamed wildflower honey or maple syrup
½ cup applesauce
½ cup fat free milk, Almond or Soy milk
½ cup fresh raspberries
½ Tsp. vanilla extract
¼ cup pistachios

Direcetions:
Preheat oven to 375

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl.

Spray a muffin tin with cooking oil. Fill the tin to the top with oats. It should make about six oatmeal cakes. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. For a light crust, broil for an additional 3-5 minutes until lightly browned.

Serve on it’s own or with fresh fruit or yogurt.

To make Vegan, simply switch the Honey with Maple Syrup and use Almond or Soy Milk in place of real milk.

Serves 3

Pomegranate Spiced Poached Pears

Ingredients:
2 firm pears, Anjou or Bosc, peeled, halved, cored
2 cups pomegranate juice
2 cups apple cider
One 3” cinnamon stick
peel from one clementine
2 whole cloves
2 star anise
3 black cardamon pods
One 1” piece fresh ginger, peeled, cut into thin slivers

Directions:
Place pomegranate juice, apple cider, cinnamon stick, clementine peel, cloves, star anise, cardamon pods and ginger in rice cooker. Place pear halves in poaching liquid.

Close rice cooker and cook on “white rice” setting for 50 minutes, or until tender (a toothpick should go through easily).

Open cover and turn pears over. Let sit for 1 hour. Turn pears over again and let sit for another hour. You can also refrigerate these overnight for a more intense flavor and color.

(Source: findvegan)

Vegan Pumpkin Pie Breakfast Pockets

Ingredients:

crust
1/4 cup vegan butter, melted
1/4 cup vegan butter, diced
1 cup wheat flour
2/3 cup white flour
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
flour for rolling dough

Filling
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup vegan butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp maple syrup
1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp lemon juice

Glaze
1/3 cup soy creamer or coconut milk
1 cup powdered sugar
optional: pinch vanilla bean specks

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Whip up your glaze with a beater and place in fridge so will be chilled by the time you serve.

Add flour for pie crust to large mixing bowl. Stir in the salt, chopped butter and melted butter. Then slowly add in the cold water. Fold with spoon until thick – then add in a few sprinkles of flour and start kneading by hand in bowl until you get a nice fluffy rough. Add more water or flour if needed. Place dough in the freezer for about ten minutes while you do the pumpkin butter. My trick for fast chilling of dough is to have a sturdy steel or freezer-friendly glass platter or bowl already in the freezer so it chills quickly – add dough to that bowl.

Add all the pumpkin butter ingredients to a small bowl. Microwave for 1 minute. Stir well. Set aside.

Grab your dough from the freezer – it should be slightly chilled now. Roll out on a floured surface as thin as possible.

Grease a baking sheet. Cut our cookie cutters of your tarts. Place them floured side surface on the outside (up or down). Add about 1 -2 tsp of filling to each tart. Add a top layer tart cut out (roll out slightly for easier crimping. Then crimp the edges with a fork and poke a hole in center for venting. Continue until all dough is used. You may have leftover filling (or not). Optional: sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar on top – I sprayed a spritz of canola oil to allow sugar to stick to top.

Place in oven. Bake at 400 degrees for 5 minutes, then reduce to 350 and bake for an additional 12 minutes. Times may vary based on the thickness of your rolled out dough and size of your tarts. You can the edges to begin to brown while the center stays light and fluffy.

Remove from oven. Cool on cooling rack. Pull glaze from fridge and swirl over top tarts. Serve warm.

Makes 7-10 pockets

(via foodertoire)

Apple Rings

Ingredients:
1 large egg white
1 cup water
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 large apples, peeled
Canola oil for frying
Cinnamon and sugar
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons milk
1 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Directions:
Whisk egg white until foamy. Whisk in the water and vanilla. Next, whisk in the flour and salt.

Slice the apples into 1/2-inch thick slices. Using varying sized cutters, cut “rings” out of apple slices, discarding smallest circle containing core. 

Heat oil to 375 degrees. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Dip apple rings into batter and then place into the oil. Allow the apples to fry in small batches and turn frequently. Remove from the oil when golden brown and place on a paper towel. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.

Transfer rings to a wire rack and place the wire rack on a baking sheet. Place in the oven for 5-10 minutes or until the rings turn crispy.

While rings are baking combine the powdered sugar, butter, milk and the remainder of sugar and cinnamon. Whisk until well combined and the glaze is formed *.

Remove the apple rings from the oven, drizzle the icing over the rings and serve warm.

*The Icing is Optional

(Source: gossipchef)

Spiced and Sugared Cranberries

Ingredients:
3 cups sugar
3 cups water
2 cinnamon sticks
6 whole cloves
4 cardamom pods, bruised
2 pieces of whole star anise
3 cups fresh cranberries, rinsed
1 cup superfine sugar, or regular sugar pulsed in a small food processor

Directions:
Combine the sugar, water and spices in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir until the sugar is totally dissolved. Allow the mixture to come to a full boil, then pour into a separate bowl and immediately add in the fresh cranberries. Cover and place into the refrigerator to soak for about 8 hours.

Drain the cranberries. Line a cookie sheet with paper towels and place the cranberries on them to soak up any excess liquid. Place the remaining cup of sugar in a large bowl and add in the cranberries. Toss gently until well coated. Reline the cookie sheet with fresh paper towels and place the cranberries back on them to dry for about two hours. They may remain drying on the cookie sheet for up to two days.

(Source: greyandgray)

Mini Smore Hand Pies

Ingredients:
1 box Pillsbury® refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (8 graham cracker squares, finely crushed)
1/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup marshmallow creme
2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened (1 oz)
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Directions:
Heat oven to 425°F. Line cookie sheet with cooking parchment paper.

Unroll pie crusts. With 3-inch round cutter, cut 10 rounds from each crust. In small shallow bowl, mix cracker crumbs and 1/4 cup sugar. Brush both sides of pie crust rounds with butter; dip into crumb mixture to coat.

Place 10 coated pie crust rounds on cookie sheet. Stir together filling ingredients. Spoon about 1 heaping tablespoon filling in center of each of the 10 rounds. Place remaining pie crust rounds on top of the filling on each. Pinch edges to seal.

Bake 9 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm or at room temperature. Store covered in refrigerator.

(Source: nearlyocd)

Coconut Almond Date Truffles

Ingredients:
24 dates, pitted – check them for pits before adding to the food processor!
1/4 cup slivered almonds
2 tbsp sesame seeds
2 tbsp cocoa powder
3 tbsp unsweetened coconut, plus more for rolling
2 tbsp ground flaxseed
2 tbsp water

Directions:
Add dates to food processor bowl. Pulse until finely minced. Add remaining ingredients and process until a smooth paste forms.

To make a truffle, place about 2 tbsp coconut in a small bowl. With a measuring tablespoon, scoop up about a tablespoon of date mixture and shape into a small ball. Roll in coconut. Repeat until all mixture is rolled into balls.

Makes about 12-14 truffles

(Source: fuckyeavegans)

gluten free apricot berry crumble

Ingredients:
2 lbs firm apricots, halved & pitted
8 whole almonds
2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
1 1/2 cups raspberries
3/4 cup blackberry
3/4 cup blueberries
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 cup of GF flour (I like the GF pantry French bread and pizza mix.)
1/2 cup of white sugar
1/2 cup of brown sugar
3/4 cup rolled oat (not instant!)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
10 tablespoons light margarine

Directions:
Adjust oven rack to lowest third of oven and preheat to 375°F.

Place apricots in shallow 2 qt baking dish. Place almonds in food processor and add 1/4 c brown sugar. Grind until fine. Add lemon zest and grind 5-10 seconds more. Sprinkle sugar/almond mixture over apricots & toss to coat. Add berries to top of apricots and drizzle with lemon juice.

Place “flour”, oats, cinnamon, salt, and 3/4 c brown sugar in food processor. Process 10-20 seconds. Add margarine and process until crumbly. Sprinkle over fruit.

Bake 55 minutes until top is golden brown and filling bubbles.

(via xosweeties)

Low Cal Miniature Pumpkin Cheese Cakes

Ingredients:
1 cup ground walnuts
4 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon butter melted*
2 pkgs (8 oz each) low fat cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup canned solid-pack pumpkin
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar substitute
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Dash ground cloves
Dash ground nutmeg
2 eggs
Whipped Topping
Ground cinnamon, optional

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325°F (or to 300°F if using dark nonstick pan). Place paper liners in 36 miniature muffin cups.

Mix walnuts, 4 teaspoons sugar and the butter in medium bowl until well blended. Press about 1 teaspoon of the walnut mixture firmly onto bottom of each prepared muffin cup. Bake 5 minutes. Cool.

Place cream cheese, pumpkin, 1/4 cup sugar, the sugar substitute, vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, the cloves and nutmeg in large bowl; beat with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Gradually add eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until blended. Spoon evenly over crusts.

Bake 15 minutes or until centers are almost set. Cool. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or until chilled. Top with the Reddi-wip just before serving. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon, if desired.

No-Sugar-Added Banana Pecan Granola

(Source: realfoodology)