Comfort food exists for a reason: to lift us up after a rainy day, and to make everything better. Sure, some of the most popular comfort food types aren’t necessarily healthy nor nutritious, but this is why you should eat them sparingly. So if you’re looking for new meals and snacks that you can eat when things get too much, here are some of the best comfort foods that will make you feel better.

Chocolate

Let’s start with the most obvious one. Chocolate is the ultimate comfort food, adored by the whole world. Whether it’s dark chocolate, milk chocolate or the one with filling, chances are that eating only some will boost your mental wellbeing. Chocolate is a known joy booster, mainly due to specific ingredients of the cacao, one of them being tryptophan. The body uses it to produce serotonin, which is also known as the hormone of happiness. Next time you feel a bit down, feel free to grab one of your fave chocolate bars!

Pizza

If there’s one dish that is always a good idea, then it’s pizza. Whether it’s vegetarian, deep-dish, New York-style or vegan, pizza will always lift your mood. Therefore, if you want a quick bite, feel free to order some pizza from your favourite pizza place. If you want to swap the regular pizza with a healthier version, then feel free to try cauliflower crust pizza, which you can combine with any other beloved pizza ingredients such as pepperoni or cheese. The great news is, pizza is delicious even when cold, so you can always have it for breakfast, too.

Pasta

Another gift that Italian culture gave to the world. Pasta is one of the easiest dishes to make, which is why it’s so popular all over the world. You can make your own pasta using pretty much basic ingredients, however, if you want to treat yourself to a real Italian pasta, with an Australian twist, then feel free to order boscaiola from Sydney. You’ll be amazed by the authentic taste while still enjoying locally made food. Pasta is a diverse dish so if ever feel like experimenting with cooking, it’s the easiest place to start.

Potato chips and other crispy snacks

This is the sure way to feel better in no time. Potato chips (and other similar snacks such as nachos) are also perfect for gatherings because everyone loves to take a quick bite. If you add your favourite dip or sauce, you can enjoy it even more. If you are worried about your health, then feel free to look for a healthier substitute made of beetroot, rice, carrot or yam. Vegetable chips aren’t the same as the regular ones made from potatoes, but they’ll surely satisfy your cravings for a bit, and they’re super popular in South Korea and India.

Chicken soup

If there’s a dish that’s both healthy and soothing, it’s definitely chicken soup. Those who struggle with frequent colds know the power of a well-made, warm chicken soup. There are pre-made soups that you can just reheat in the microwave, or you can do your best and make your own soup, using chicken meat and various vegetables. There are numerous recipes online, so find the best and simplest one that seems most appealing. You’ll surely feel better after a bowl of this warm, delicious liquid.

French fries made in air-fryer

Using an air-fryer might seem like a fad to some, but this cooking item is highly important if you want grease-free, healthy and quickly-made food. French fries or chips are another potato-derived favorite. They’re called comfort food for a reason: they’re delicious, and can be combined with different dips and sauces, the best-known one being ketchup, of course.

So you can forget artificial-tasting frozen fries, because this way, you’ll always have crispy, golden fries in no time!

Comfort food doesn’t have to be healthy to do its magic. These tasty foods will definitely make you feel better by reducing your stress levels. However, if you’re worried about your own well-being, then you’ll have to find healthier alternatives that are equally delicious. You can always treat yourself to your fave takeout, whether it’s pasta or pizza. Comfort food will always be there to welcome you and make your day better.