Growing up, the way I (and many other people)were taught about food was not the best, and I've only realized that recently. Instead of viewing food as a nutritional source, we were taught that certain foods were bad and certain were good and that any sort of treats had to be deserved. And although that notion seems like the norm for many, it can bring on unhealthy habits with how we eat and view our body. In my journey of practicing intuitive eating, I've been following along with certain chefs on TikTok for their creative recipes that motivate me to actually enjoy food and give myself what my body needs (because isn't that what our relationship with eating should truly be?).
Normally, "feel-good"foods are marketed to have fewer calories and fewer carbs, but that's derived from diet culture and doesn't accurately represent what nutritious foods are. They're supposed to fuel your body, and make you feel good, period. After stalking and saving many recipes from the food creators below, I decided to reach out and ask them what their go-to feel-good recipe is. From a vegan pasta sauce to broccoli burrata toast, my mouth is already watering.
1.Broccoli Burrata Toast
(Image credit: @justine_snacks)
"I used to think cheese and bread were just automatic 'no's' because of the messaging diet culture projected around them. But this recipe made me realize how fulfilling, satiating, and satisfying a loaded toast recipe can be, and how it can be a great staple in a balanced diet. I guess I'm also trying to remove the demonization of cheese—because it's just so good! And what's great about this recipe is you can pack it with as many veggies as you want, which truly are the best feel-good food." —JustineDoiron
@justine_snacks Reply to @ktbeh this one is for the women of cheese #burrata #broccoli #mealprep #sundriedtomatoes #avotoast #foodontiktok
♬ Caution - Kaytranada
2. Creamy Vegan Tomato Pasta
(Image credit: @gatherednutrition)
"I love this recipe because it's simple to make, so comforting, and it's packed with extra nutrients that I know are supporting my overall health. It's a healthy comfort food recipe, which is the type of recipe I always gravitatetowards. It reminds me that you can truly enjoy the foods you love, while still nourishing your body and getting a good variety on your plate."— Mia Zariengo
@gatherednutrition i make this at least once a week 😌🍝 Reply to @ritaachammas #recipes #healthyfood #dietitian #fyp
♬ Lofi - Domknowz
3. Zucchini Enchiladas
(Image credit: @feelgoodfoodie)
"Instead of thinking of this enchilada recipe as onewithouttortillas, I love to think of it as onewith added vegetables. Zucchinis have such a mild flavor so they don't lend any prominent taste to the final recipe. Instead, they allow the chicken enchiladas to shine throughleaving you feeling so satisfied and so good. There's also something about the presentation of the cute rolls of shaved zucchini that makes this dish feel fun and special. It's one of my go-to feel-good recipes!" —Yumna Jawad
@feelgoodfoodie Eat more veggies with this zucchini enchiladas recipe. So fun and so good! Full recipe on blog #tiktokpartner #LearnOnTikTok #enchiladas
♬ original sound - Feel Good Foodie
4. Yuca Fries
(Image credit: @zaynab_issa)
"I grew up with my mother making me for these every Sunday morning, and it's an easy recipe I always pull out when I need comfort or to feel good. To me, feel-good foods invoke a positive emotion, so whenever I'm eating this I'm instantly transported back to childhood." —Zaynab Issa
@zaynab_issa My first recipe for Bon Appetit! ##yuca ##fries ##bonappetit ##eastafrican ##eastafrica ##cassava ##crunchy ##asmr ##homemade ##inlove ##easyrecipes ##foodtiktok
♬ Sorry, I Like You - Burbank
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Zaynab Issa
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5. Spicy Cranberry Glazed Hot Chicken
(Image credit: @reeniekarim)
"This fried chicken recipe makes them feel proud of themselves. I love developing simple techniques in my recipesthat make people feel that time and effort spent cookingcan indeedtaste worth it! By showing my audience how to create a chicken brine spiked with sambal—a must-have chili garlic sauce—I know I'm imparting them with knowledge (and a dish) that makes them feel confident when stepping in the kitchen and trying something new. That's my ultimate definition of "feel-good." This Hot Chicken recipe is suitable for any time of the year but I dropped it around Thanksgiving with a spicy cranberry glaze tutorial to show that you're allowed to cook whatever you're craving when you're craving it—even on pre-ordained food day like Turkey Day." —Mehreen
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Check Out More of Their Recipes
(Image credit: Justine Snacks)
Sometimes, you just need a single serving cookie recipe and Justine provides exactly that. Clickhere for the recipe for chewy goodness.
(Image credit: I Maked This)
There's something about a bowl full of steaming ramen that just provides immense comfort. Click here for Mehreen's recipe.
(Image credit: Feel Good Foodie)
We've all seen the baked feta pasta recipe, but Yumna decided to turn it into a dip, and it honestly sounds so much better. Click here for her recipe.
(Image credit: Gathered Nutrition)
Mia is always making it clear that carbs are not an enemy with recipes like this one. Excluding yeast, this is an easy bagel recipe to try for your next Sunday brunch. Clickhere to check out her recipe.
Next,7 Top Nutritionists Share Which Supplements They Actually Take in a Day—and Why
Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions.
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