Even More of the Best Mental Health Meals & Snacks
As much as I enjoy being creative in the kitchen, making up new dishes and impressive meals, sometimes the energy just does not find me.
Those who struggle with mental health, like myself, may often have trouble getting the nutrition they need.
The good news is that many low-effort meal options exist, and today I’m going to share even more of them with you.
I’ve already made two posts about this subject here and here, so feel free to check those out as well. I hope this post helps you!
On we go to the mental health meal ideas:
1. Pizza Eggs
This is not my idea originally, but it’s one that I fell in love with. And it’s so simple!
All you have to do is cut a leftover slice of pizza into 1/2 inch-1 inch squares, sauté it in a pan with a touch of oil until it gets a little crispy, and then add enough Just Egg for one serving (however much you’re feeling). Stir semi-often, like scrambled eggs, and voila! A delicious and simple breakfast with all the cheese and toppings built-in.
2. Cheese Crouton Bowl
This is a nice little snack that takes all of about five minutes to prepare. All you need to do is add diced up vegan cheese slices, croutons, and your desired salad dressing to a bowl (I like Italian). Add your desired amount of drained chickpeas as well, as this gives you a punch of protein.
3. Microwaveable Mac & Cheese
There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of mac & cheese, and here’s the good news: options exist that can be prepared right in the microwave!
While Annie’s mac & cheese cups have sadly been discontinued, other options exist such as Target’s Non-Dairy Vegan Mac & Cheese and Amy’s Vegan Rice Mac & Cheeze.
4. Gardien Chick’n Sliders
These sliders are a longtime favorite of mine! They’re so delicious, and can be prepared right in the microwave.
What’s great about these sliders is that they’re pretty much a blank slate for whatever sauce you want. You could do ketchup and mayo, barbecue sauce, or anything else you enjoy. Sometimes I even like to coat the patty in buffalo sauce, then put vegan blue cheese on the bun; like a buffalo chick’n slider!
5. Bottled Juice
This is going to be one of the easiest options on this list. Brands like Naked and Bolthouse Farms have a number of vegan juice flavors that are packed with nutrients. Just be sure to read the label before you buy!
6. Peanut Butter Banana Wrap
Another snack time classic that’s a cinch to whip up! All you need to do is spread peanut butter on a flour tortilla (or another, gluten-free option if that suits you better), layer sliced banana on top of it, and roll it up. Slice in half like a wrap, or in smaller sections and eat it like pinwheels. Delicious!
7. Mediterranean Snack Plate
If you’re less in the mood for a cohesive meal and feeling more snackish, this is a great option for you. Just grab some hummus, olives, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber and your favorite crackers and put them in sections on your favorite plate. Dip and enjoy!
Note: you can find pre-sliced veggies and store-bought hummus at your local grocery store, which greatly simplifies this option.
8. Microwave Pasta Packets
This is one of my favorite things on the planet. Perfect for the last minute “I’m hungry now and I don’t know what to do” times. Just tear a slit in the pouch, throw it in the microwave for 60 seconds (or however long the package says), and bam! Ready-to-eat pasta.
Barilla has several varieties of this product, including penne and rotini. Some store brands exist as well, such as Weis brand. Stir the cooked pasta with your favorite sauce, and you’ll have a perfectly legitimate meal.
9. Just Egg Frozen Patties
Another great product is Just Egg’s frozen eggless patties. While I would much prefer them prepared on the stove, there are microwave prep directions as well. Just cook up a patty and enjoy it on toast or in a tortilla, and you’ll have a super simple and delicious breakfast!
10. Peanut Butter Brownie Muglet
Many of these recipes are for breakfasts/lunches/dinners, but I also think it’s fitting to have some dessert when we’re feeling down or low-energy.
In comes my recipe for a Peanut Butter Brownie Muglet! Since it uses brownie mix, there’s not a whole lot of ingredients or measuring going on. And it cooks right in a mug in the microwave, so it’s comfort food that’ll be ready in no time flat.
I truly hope this post has given you some ideas on what to eat when you’re feeling down or low-energy.
Facing mental or physical health concerns is not an easy thing, but just know that I’m rooting for you and I hope you have lots of better days ahead ❤️
Be well friend, and remember to reach out for help if/when you need it. Until next time, peace 🙂