Photo credit: www.bonappetit.com
The meaning of “feel-good food” varies from person to person, which is why each month we present our Feel-Good Food Plan featuring delightful recipes curated by a different contributor. This month, writer and editor Karen Yuan shares her experiences of battling winter’s gloom with nourishing breakfasts, simplified unwinding techniques, and more.
As winter lingers with its cold temperatures and early sunsets, I often find myself grappling with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This time of year can severely dampen my spirits and energy levels. I find myself more frequently settled on the couch than socializing, gradually morphing into a cozy hermit who only emerges to raid the refrigerator or browse online stores.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, millions in the United States suffer from SAD during the colder months. While there are numerous solutions claimed to alleviate its symptoms, I have personally experimented with many approaches to enhance my mood: antidepressants, light therapy, yoga, long walks, vitamin D supplements, CBD-infused snacks, meditation—the list goes on. Each has its own efficacy in shaking off the shadows of winter. However, I’ve come to realize that one of the most effective remedies for lifting my spirits is often a comforting meal.
It’s important to note that nourishing food is not a substitute for medical treatment; rather, it serves as a comforting companion. Recently, I’ve turned to seasonal, vibrant fruits like citrus and pomegranate, as their tart-sweetness brings a refreshing lift, especially during those early mornings when daylight is scarce. Plus, the vitamin C boost helps ward off any colds lurking around.
Feel-Good Recipes for February
As this month feels interminable, I’m embracing recipes bursting with cheer and brightness—much like the impending arrival of warmer days! While we await spring’s embrace, these invigorating dishes are designed to energize and uplift, steering clear of any tendency toward bedrotting.
A Super Citrusy Oatmeal
This oatmeal concoction has become my personal antidote to the winter blues. Utilizing steel-cut oats provides a substantial base enhanced with the zest and juice of oranges, along with cinnamon and ground ginger. I finish it off with slices of orange and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds. A drizzle of ginger syrup adds an invigorating kick, but alternatives like maple syrup or honey work just as well. This dish is perfect for breakfast, and I encourage you to enjoy it whenever you need a mood boost.
Warming Fried Rice to Soothe Your Stomach
From my experience, consuming fried rice has a remarkable way of lifting my spirits, and this ginger fried rice is like sunshine in a pan. The vibrant ginger not only awakens my taste buds but also aids in digestion. As noted by recipe creator Hetty Lui McKinnon, this dish is ideal for those days when I’m feeling under the weather. I adore it for its simplicity and health benefits, especially on days when I seek comfort or a quick meal. A tip for optimal texture is to use leftover rice, which crisps beautifully in the pan.
A Citrus Dessert with a Cheerful Appearance
While citrus fruits brighten my breakfasts, these crostatas bring the zing to dessert. Created by Che Fico in San Francisco, these tarts transform winter fruits into a delightful treat. The semolina frangipane forms a light base that cradles juicy grapefruit and orange slices. As they bake, the semolina absorbs the fruit’s juices, resulting in a subtly sweet dessert—perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy night in. The pink and gold hues reflect the joyous spirit of the season.
A Spicy Tea to Combat a Cold
This tea is undoubtedly the most invigorating offering. Packed with fresh ginger, hot chiles, honey, lemon, and turmeric, it’s like a culinary wake-up call for sluggish days, mid-afternoon slumps, and stubborn colds. Though potent, it’s a dynamic remedy for tackling the winter blues and clearing sinuses with its warming heat. Drink it anytime you need a revitalizing boost amid the greyest winter days.
Additional Feel-Good Finds for February
My Favorite At-Home Yoga Routine
During the pandemic, I became an avid follower of Yoga With Adriene, and her videos remain my go-to for at-home practice. Adriene Mishler’s routines are concise, free, and gentle on the body, often featuring her canine companion, Benji, who has garnered his own online fame. When the thought of venturing outside for a class is less appealing, I find immense satisfaction in following one of her videos to stretch and invigorate my body, whether for an energetic start to the day or a calming end to a long evening.
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www.bonappetit.com