Discover the Balance in "Feel-Good Food"

December's Feel-Good Recipes

Given that I spend my workdays surrounded by baked goods, I don't have a craving for dinners centered around sweet flavors or anything too heavy or bread-like. It's not that I have an issue with bread! In fact, I need carbs to fuel my early-morning workouts. But what my body truly desires are proteins and vegetables. After a day of baking, I'll whip up a super simple meal that highlights proteins like fish or chicken along with whatever fresh produce catches my eye at the market. Even in the morning, I follow this mindset and cook up egg dishes on both weekdays and weekends.

For instance, green eggs with feta. Every morning, I attend a HIIT class and then become extremely hungry. So, I've started to prepare heartier breakfasts. On the busiest mornings, it can be as simple as folding smoked salmon into scrambled eggs. On more relaxed days, I turn to these spanakopita-inspired eggs. What I adore about this recipe, which also makes for a great dinner, is that it is undeniably savory, relying on a fuss-free protein and being loaded with spinach. Yet, it also provides a sense of comfort as it contains a lot of cream and cheese (as I mentioned, I'm quite hungry!). It's a vibrant skillet dish that comes together in less than an hour.

Spanakopita Baked Eggs

Chock-full of spinach, herbs, and feta, this nourishing skillet is perfect for any meal. It truly shines with its rich flavors and satisfying combination of ingredients.

The spinach gives it a healthy boost, while the feta adds a delicious tang. It's a dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, providing both sustenance and pleasure.

Lemon-tomato chicken breasts

I have a soft spot for chicken breasts, but I realize they need a little extra attention to shine. This recipe cooks them in a bold tomato sauce enhanced with preserved lemon. I especially love making this recipe during the colder fall and winter months when tomatoes are at their least vibrant. The addition of chopped preserved lemon gives off-season cherry tomatoes a much-needed lift, adding a burst of flavor to the lean chicken.

As a bonus, the recipe cooks the meat directly in the sauce, making it a convenient weeknight staple for me. It's a simple yet delicious dish that never fails to satisfy.

Speedy spiced salmon

If given the choice of any protein for dinner, salmon is my eternal favorite. There's something so luxurious about cooking it on a weeknight, yet it's incredibly easy and quick to prepare. This recipe has become a go-to for me thanks to a well-balanced blend of spices that crusts the fillets in a flavorful bark reminiscent of pastrami. Served alongside a crunchy fennel slaw, it's an ideal dinner after a long day of work, especially if that work involves baking.

The combination of the spiced salmon and the crunchy fennel slaw creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It's a dish that is both comforting and indulgent.

Falling in love with tempeh

I've never been a fan of tempeh due to its fermented and slightly bitter flavor and crumbly texture. But this recipe completely changed my perspective. Paired with shredded coconut and infused with the bold flavors of fish sauce, garlic, ginger, and plenty of lime, this plant protein has become a new staple for me. (Thank you, fellow test kitchen editor, Kendra!) I enjoy eating it over cooked rice, mixing it all together to create a comforting amalgamation. But serving it with lettuce or noodles would also be equally delicious.

The combination of these flavors and textures makes tempeh a versatile and enjoyable ingredient that can be incorporated into various meals.

More Feel-Good Finds for the Month

Recently, my toes started hurting after exercising. (Yes, just my toes. It's quite strange, I know.) After some online research, I discovered that I was wearing the wrong type of shoe for the workout I was doing. Instead of wearing flexible, lightweight, and curved running shoes, I needed to switch to a pair specifically designed for cross-training: flatter and more rigid. I decided to invest in a pair of cross trainers that were recommended by several people. As soon as I started using them, my toe pain disappeared, and my squats became more balanced.

Finding the right shoes can make a significant difference in our daily activities and overall well-being. It's amazing how a simple change in footwear can have such a positive impact.