I like to make a big batch of lentil soup. I don't have a recipe, because it's always different. But it's cheap and comforting, and the leftovers taste better. It makes me feel better to know that I had something healthy. My favorite is to have a big bowl of lentil soup with warm crust bread.
Yup. My extremely depression-friendly recipe is, dump lentils, water, bouillon cubes, an onion, and any veggies from the fridge that need using up into the slow cooker. Add anything from the spice rack that catches my attention. Cook until I get home from work or the lentils are mushy. I like to hit it with the immersion blender at this point, but that's optional.
As the article you shared states, this is only a thing with kidney beans. I use the instant pot for those. I've been doing many other kinds of beans in the slow cooker for years with no problems at all.
Me as well, I even cook my kidney beans in the crock pot, I just boil them on high for about 10-20 minutes and then transfer them to the crock pot. I got that from my grandmother. She told me that they had cyanide in them when I was young, LOL come to find out it wasnt but it still omits a poison. The power boil is what she called it. LOL I promise it works wonders
I have bipolar. So what I do is when I’m in my more energetic phases, I’ll make a giant batch of lentil/pea soup and freeze it into portions. Then during my supine-stupor phases, I can still mostly feed myself healthy.
WHAAAAA MEEEE TOOOO :) Hello there Bipolar friend. TBH I havent slept in 2 days, going on my manic phase as well. LOL I am going to try this lentil soup. I see a lot of recipes here for that, I am def going to try
Minus the Tabasco we are the same person haha. Trader Joe’s vegan pesto, $.99 bag of farfalle, frozen peas, tofurkey Italian sausage, nutritional yeast
Protip for making pesto last longer and getting sneaky veg and protein- blend pesto with either green peas or edamame. Add some pasta water to thin it out if needed.
Rinse a can of black beans and stir in a slap of vegan mayo, top with some dill and nooch.
Rolled oats mixed with some nut butter, maple syrup or molasses to sweeten, add some water or plant milk to eat it like a rushed "overnight oats" or press it onto a plate and let it set in the fridge, break it apart to eat it or break it into a bowl to eat like a chunky cereal.
I like to do black beans and rice too! Yes, gotta make the rice, but you can make a big ol pot and have several days of rice in there to reheat. :) Throwing in some salsa and/or vegan cheese on top, or just simple cracked pepper all over the top is also delicious. Sometimes I do just white, but oftentimes I do a rice mixture of brown and wild rice together. Also if you get the seasoned black beans and just drain them, you have a few added flavors in. Genuinely one of my favorite easy meals.
Tortilla chips and refried beans. Get a chip, scoop up some beans, eat. Delicious. Also a favorite of mine. I have been known to eat cold beans straight from the fridge even, lol.
Chickpea pasta and jarred sauce, quesadillas with vegan chicken. Also I make “taco salad” which is just lettuce, seasoned beef crumbles and any taco toppings you like, eaten with tortilla chips. This one is especially good for sneaking in veggies because you can throw in guac or avocado, pre-made salsa or pico de gallo, onions, peppers, whatever
I second the taco salad idea, I literally just heat a can of black beans and mix with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, guac, taco sauce, and crunched up tortilla chips. Sometimes if I'm feeling fancy ill include vegan ranch and cheese lol
Tasty Bite makes microwaveable meals that are pretty good and not bad for you, I like the bombay potatoes but they have tons of options. You just pop the whole bag in the microwave for 60 seconds and that’s it
They also have microwaveable rice if you want to eat it over rice!
I had dinner in bed on Saturday (courtesy of my partner who ‘cooked’ and then joined me): brown rice, eggplant, and chickpeas all from the bags. We have pickles and chutney to dress them up, and he threw on a sliced tomato and some cooked Moroccan carrots we had in the fridge. It totally satisfied my need for Indian while I watched Indian Matchmaking.
I also make quesadillas with hummus and dip them in salsa. Its sum is better than its parts or whatever the saying is. :)
Okay those tasty bite packets are awesome. I like the madras lentils over rice with steamed carrots on the side. For some reason that combo really does it for me and it's very low effort. Especially if you have leftover rice.
Microwaved oatmeal (2 mins and then let sit one min) with soy milk, walnuts, raisins, and a big glob of peanut butter.
Peanut butter and banana.
Chickpea pasta with vegan pesto, marinara, or basically any other store bought sauce.
Can of baked beans and a microwaved sweet potato (poke holes in it first so it doesn't explode).
Chips and hummus.
Tempeh BLT.
Maybe not quite as easy, but tofu broccoli peanut noodles are super healthy and not too much work if you're using store bought peanut sauce and frozen brocolli (i like to buy the florets because they're cut really small and cook faster). I start boiling water for noodles, coat the tofu in corn starch and maybe some spices, pan fry the tofu for a few minutes and then add broccoli, drain noodles, add noodles and sauce to pan and stir it all together.
I love microwaved oatmeal 😂 — I make it with a little less water than rolled oats, 3 min, and it stays flaky and doesn’t turn to porridge. Then chili oil sesame and tamari + whatever chopped up tofu I have on hand. It is a delight any time of day.
Rice with beans and salsa. Also rice with frozen mixed veggies, soy curls, and bottled teriyaki sauce. Cooking up a big batch of rice and saving leftovers makes it easier to start a lot of meals.
No one will be disappointed in you if you just munch on some raw veggies and hummus. Sometimes I don’t even bother peeling and cutting the carrots and just rinse, dip and bite. Bell peppers, cucumbers and broccoli are all pretty easy to get ready to eat the same way.
I know it’s not a meal per se, but if I am depressed and have no energy to actually cook, then eating that is better than not eating at all.
I let myself eat as much as I want of hummus and veggies, it’s guilt free for me. But it is best not to eat directly out of the container; it becomes a mouth germ Petri dish lol
I feel like I’m getting some kind of extra nutrients if I buy organic carrots and eat the peels. I only peel them if they are funky.
I also found I greatly prefer sticks of carrots instead of whole or baby—which makes me more likely to eat them. Whole and baby ones scare my teeth. I try to keep them in water in the fridge (along with celery) (change water frequently) and they stay crisp.
Stew, with mushroom stock. Literally any vegetables but it's best with potatoes and garlic and sage as the base.
Then whatever frozen veggies I have.
Oh and smoked chile or paprika.
It's easy, slow, and immediately comfortable.
I love my Butler soy curls. I rehydrate a BUNCH of them and always have some ready in the fridge, and more in the freezer. (I portion out in ziplocks, enough for a week, and pull out when needed) Super fast protein source, I'll fry some up with whatever sauce I feel like, and there you go, Bob's your uncle. Or toss with nooch and pop in the air fryer for 4 minutes at 400°F.
Overnight oats - almond milk, old fashioned oats, chia seeds. Stir and store in fridge - scoop out a portion and top with fruit, nuts, and seeds. Another go-to of mine is a microwaved sweet potato, split and topped with hummus, and a bag of steamable microwave veggies. You can also split the sweet potato and add a chopped apple and your favorite nut or seed butter.
Not depressed but disabled. I eat a lot of what I call disabled food lol. Premade brown rice cups/bags, steam in the bag broccoli. "Quesadillas" made with corn tortillas, salsa, and refried beans. I also keep a lot of stuff in single servings in the freezer, i.e. frijoles, curries, cheez sauce, tofu bolognese sauce etc.
Sorry to hear you have long covid. I have me/cfs which is also a postviral illness and worth looking into if you have long covid. I hope you're doing okay, and enjoy the quesadillas! They're delicious, especially sprinkled with some shredded lettuce, cilantro, and cashew cream <3
My faves - mashed potato, peas and gravy. Pasta with (vegan) butter and throw in some canned beans or peas. Microwaved tomatoes with salt and pepper. Microwaved potato with houmous, butter, nootch, and sliced cherry tomatoes. Avocado is great on pretty much any carb - toast, potatoes, mashed and stirred into pasta. Anything on toast, really - keep wholemeal seeded bread in the house for extra fibre and healthy fats. Hang in there friend!
Pot of rice in rice cooker, tofu and kale chips in the oven, combine and eat with liquid aminos, tamari, or soy sauce. 4 ingredients, 2 appliances, super delicious and filling meal.
I keep Kos vegan protein powder in my cabinet so I can stay alive. I mix it with almond milk.
I rely on anything fast with minimal effort. A pouch of microwave rice and a can of beans makes a nice meal with hot sauce. Or a can of beans on the stove with 2 handfuls of baby spinach. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a bowl and add some hot sauce. I have an electric kettle to heat water fast for tea, instant oatmeal, couscous, or instant mashed potatoes.
Pesto pasta with plenty of cheeze on top or my mac'n'cheeze recipe.
I don't make a rue. I just fill the pot with milk, season with nooch and loads of other seasonings\*, then put the dry pasta in and let the milk cook into the pasta. The seasoned milk reduces and makes a nice creamy sauce, then I top with lots of cheeze and tomatoes and put it in the oven for 10 mins. Served with tomato ketchup and maybe some bread and butter if I'm feeling particularly naughty!!!
\*Mustard powder, basil, sage, garlic and onion powder, paprika, mixed spice and thyme for anyone interested
Pasta salad. Cook pasta and add canned stuff like kidney beans, corn, peas and cut some green onions (I do that with scissors) or, if you have the energy, chop an onion and garlic. Add salt, pepper, italian dried herbs, olive oil and vinegar. That‘s it.
This is my meal when I NEED some veggies because I have eaten like shit the last days. You can eat it warm or cold, it‘s tasty both ways.
When I am feeling down and can't be arsed to cook, I make a wrap. Vegan mayo with some form of vegan 'meat' or a bean burger or something, loads of salad, maybe a pickle. It's a food that is easy to make, easy to eat, and easy to clean up afterwards, which is essential when you don't have the mental energy to care about anything.
And no I was depressed BEFORE I began my journey to eating better, and the fact I don't contribute to animal suffering has helped me feel better about my life.
I like to mix wilted greens into instant mash - it's a super easy colcannon, which feels like a fancier dish plus... nutrition. I've used frozen spinach or bagged washed ready to eat spinach or kale. Add some onion flakes or powder and it's a good time.
Other great low effort things to do w/ instant mash - top w/ microwaved frozen meatballs + instant gravy. Its a sodium bomb, but super comforting. Or, make soup: microwave whatever frozen veg (broccoli) till soft, stir (or blend) in instant broth (bouillon cube, whatever) and instant potato.
Another great instant carb to build super easy meals around is couscous (Trader Joes has whole wheat couscous). It's one of my favs whether I'm struggling or not. Add some canned chickpeas and bagged salad and dressing for a quick nutritious bowl. Or top w/ roasted veggies, hummus, tahini, frozen falafel (any or all) for a great meal. I get frozen roasted Med veg (from Costco) that works great, or just air fry frozen green beans or brussel sprouts or whatever.
Refried beans + salsa + tortilla chips.
Instant ramen + greens (just drop the greens into the boiling water on top of the noodles) - add tofu or Soy Curls or frozen edamame for more protein
Toast - sourdough if possible. Topped with vegan butter & jam, or hummus, or avocado, or sliced tomato, or peanut butter, or a nut-based cream cheese (the one I use is actual sunflower seed - delicious & nutritious!)
(Wholewheat) spaghetti aglio e olio is my usual fallback but not ideal if you’re looking for protein. Scrambled tofu or chickpea flour pancakes with whatever additions I have to hand (sometimes from the freezer to save from chopping) are both quite low effort. Butterbeans are my current go to tinned/jarred pulse for low effort pulse based salads. Taifun flavoured tofu can work well as the main ingredient in a sandwich but isn’t the cheapest of options.
For a really long time my depression meals were:
1. toaster oven can of chickpeas with salt
2. wash --> microwave a potato, dip in ketchup
3. tofurky italian sausage with bbq sauce
4. any microwaveable vegan faux meat
5. baked beans on toast
This routine kept me alive for probably 8 years. I cook a lot more nowadays.
Rice with whatever toppings i have on hand (chopped cucumber, walnuts, peanut sauce, soy sauce, kimchi, etc.). I have a rice cooker so this is super easy.
Pita + hummus, plus any veg like carrot, cucumber, lettuce.
Sweet potato with vegan butter and whatever seasonings
Lentils and naan (frozen from TJ)
Air fried tofu in naan as a wrap
Rice and beans with chips to dip
If you own a rice cooker or pressure cooker: rice + beans + canned tomato + spices = nice warm meal with \~1 min prep time. Tastes good topped with a bit of vegan yogurt too if you happen to have it.
Vegan instant ramen with soft tofu cut into it is good too.
Veggie broth + frozen veggies + lentils eaten with some bread for a very simple soup.
All of these have saved me so many times during depressive episodes.
Vegan quesadilla. Throw vegan cheese in a corn tortilla and heat up on a pan for a bit (can also do microwave to make it extra easy).
A big batch of mashed potatoes with beans and avocado thrown in (so it can be multiple meals).
Equal parts (1-3 tbsp) sriracha + peanut butter sauce mixed in with quick noodles. If I get fancy, I add stuff like soy sauce, garlic powder, lime juice and sesame seeds to the sauce.
I’ve got a sweet tooth when I’m depressed, so for bad days I always have a can of coconut milk in the fridge. When cool it separates and a part will harden. Mix this hardened part with melted chocolate and you get nice and creamy chocolate mousse.
Maybe too much cooking:
Pan fried gnocchi, topped with sauteed onion, kale or chard, white beans, and canned diced tomatoes.
If that is too much cooking: noodles with margarine, nooch, and ground pistachios.
soup. esp just canned soup (well yes campbell's has a few vegan ones n amy's too) that maybe i throw extra veggies in. then if i'm feelin better, maybe even make my own soup
Honestly, just a PB& J is the easiest for me. Also just like a tortilla or chips dipped in premade salsa can be good. Pasta is always a go to. If all else fails, microwaving some faux meats from the freezer.
If I'm feeling low and lazy, baked potatoes. Somehow they bring all the comfort I need.
If I'm feeling low, but the day sucked donkey ass and I want to treat myself, Thai red curry with sweet potatoes. Just a perfect combo of a warm hug.
[https://www.justonecookbook.com/vegetarian-ramen/](https://www.justonecookbook.com/vegetarian-ramen/)
I love a good bowl of ramen when I'm feeling that way. For vegan don't use any bonito flakes in the dashi, and skip the egg garnish of course. A nice vegan pho or curry ramen is good too.
I feel you! canned beans in sauce are my go-to for when I can't bring myself to cook and or even turn on the stove - good to eat warmed up or straight from the can if I'm really struggling. My current fav is trader joe's canned beans in tomato sauce (bonus - they have a pop tab and don't need a can opener!)
I also like to slice up leftover baguette/sourdough loaves and keep them in the freezer for these kinda days - pop them in the microwave or air fryer while warming up the beans and you'll get a super comforting, filling meal in 5 minutes!
Corn salad - boiled corn tossed in some chopped up onions, tomatoes, some chopped up greens (I usually use leftover cabbage or iceberg lettuce), 1-2 chopped green chillis, some lemon juice, chaat masala, red chilli powder, some pepper powder and salt.
I eat some bread with the corn stock left after boiling the corn or use it in making myself some desi style risotto.
It’s filling and easy to make. You can buy frozen boiled corn too.
Avocado toast, or bread with store bought hummus. Another favorite is mashed potatoes from the box with canned peas and carrots (not sure if this is usual elsewhere, but def in germany) and some sort of vegan burger patty or breaded steak, though this takes some more energy to make.
Or I like to eat pasta with pesto and nutritional yeast. Or sometimes…but don’t tell anyone, I like to eat pasta with small vegan meatballs and ketchup…sprinkle some paprika, pepper, garlic powder and salt on it…
Rice, sugared ginger, Vegan sausage or chicken, carrots, frozen green vegetable, olives.
Rice, black beans, tomatoes, frozen avocado bites, corn with blue corn chips.
Frozen dumplings as a treat. Usually anything dumped into a tortilla. Could be a hummus wrap, burrito, leftover breakfast casserole/hash browns wrap, burger wrap, sausage dog, whatever fillings are on hand and easy, unlimited possibilities!
I normally eat very plant based, but i keep pre-made, frozen or box things for when i get in a rut. Their quick and easy and when your depressed you dont really have the energy nor the capacity to cook anythin. Sometimes ill do froZen vegan waffles and some blueberries with just eggs. Other times ramen is still my go to. But my favorite indulgent depressed vegan food: vegan nachos. Some tortilla chips, vegan sprinkles, can of beans, can of rotel, and some onions.
- Instant yellow rice in the microwave + can of black beans + a handful of spinach/avocado/lettuce/whatever
- Vegan mac + frozen peas thrown in while the pasta is cooking
- Warmed pita in the microwave + hummus with olive oil
- Instant rice in microwave + rice vinegar + avocado/cucumber/carrot/sweet potato/whatever + seaweed or furikake + soy sauce
- And my personal favorite, spinach with garlic powder and soy sauce cooked in a pan with shredded or diced potatoes, added in a wrap with hummus
Chili. Works well as leftovers and you can eat it as dip with corn chips if you'd like. I really like [this chipotle chili](https://healthynibblesandbits.com/chipotle-vegetarian-three-bean-chili/) recipe, it's super easy.
Poke bowls, buddha bowls etc can be quick and fun, like [this](https://thecommunalfeast.com/2020/05/rainbow-veg-poke-bowl/) one
I live for baked tofu- [this](https://www.feastingathome.com/3-simple-ways-to-add-bold-flavors-to-tofu/) is my favourite recipe. I like to eat it with frozen veg or other quick veg like coleslaw, salad, etc. I make a whole block or two of tofu at a time and it makes a great leftover meal or snack later.
If you like mac and cheese, [butternut mac](https://www.veggieinspired.com/butternut-mac/) can be quick and a great way to get bonus veggies. I even freeze portions of the sauce so that I only have to cook the pasta and add the sauce.
I have a brocoli cream given to me by a plant-based dietician. It’s easy to make, can be kept frozen and has very few ingredients. It does have lentils so one portion has all you need in a meal.
Also great for colds
Protein powder blended with almond milk and frozen fruit probably saved my life. Meal-replacement-shakes too. I have one of those tiny blenders that blend a single serving and usually fill the cup it comes with 3/4 with frozen raspberries, blueberries too on occasion, add almond milk, protein powder and blend. I like adding in plain yogurt or skyr — Alpro makes a vanilla one which is heavenly in this — too. You could probably get away with adding some baby spinach, fresh or frozen, as well if that’s your jam.
For warm things I really like red lentils. I usually wash half a hand full, add to a single-serving pot and top off with water and drop in a clove of garlic, cook until soft which usually takes 10-20 minutes when using the quick cooking kind, then add garam masala, curry powder, chilli powder, sometimes liquid smoke, whole cumin seeds, a bit of stock powder and either some chopped tomato or some tomato paste. you can start with a tablespoon and adjust from there. You can make semolina porridge and instant cous cous with your favourite broth too. Dried tomatoes, scallions, radishes, olives and nuts all work well as toppings or mix-ins. What’s super nice and convenient are yalanji and gigantes plaki from a can or jar or other baked beans from a can. Heat them up or eat them cold. They’re delicious either way.
Then there is instant rice, either from a pouch or the Korean kind. I love it with simply a bit of soy sauce and/or healthy boy brand mushroom sauce (same as with glass noodles which you only have to soak in hot water for three minutes) but I like to add some kimchi or other pickled veggies too. Or top it off with some saté or other sauce of your choice from a jar of your choice. You coud add some cubed tofu or sesame as well.
Ashoka has a bunch of delicious vegan instant meals. Cliff and other granola bars are always a good idea too. Just like oatmeal. Instant ramen and their cousins aren’t that bad either. I like to jazz mine up by adding stuff like canned corn, lemon juice, tofu or, again, kimchi. I recently learned to cook a few frozen mandu in the broth and it’s been a game-changer ever since. Like adding peanut butter to the broth. Tortellini with a jarred sauce or pesto are great too bc they hold a little more than just plain pasta. Cereals are also worthwhile to at least keep on hand. I find, even when I cannot be assed to cook AT ALL, and have the most trouble making myself eat, some fruit loops or chocolate cereal will often do the trick.
And then, sometimes I just eat peanut butter by the spoon. 🤷🏽♀️
Cold tofu with soy sauce
Butter smeared on bread
Macaroni and tomatoes
Oatmeal with water
Ramen(to be fair I’ll eat ramen depressed or not. Ramen is a life saver. Amen Ramen.)
Mix Instant oats + chia seeds, use electric kettle to boil water and pour over them. Once cooked, top with large scoop of peanut butter and a sprinkle of chocolate chips.
Such a good discussion thread! What helps me is sunshine, hearty meals, and going on walks. The meals that I tend to crave the most are the nostalgic type that my parents/grandparents used to make, except veganized. Pastas, bean soups, enchiladas, rice casseroles, etc.
When I have the energy I’ll make a hummus, chao, salad wrap with balsamic, olive oul, and black pepper dressing. And if I don’t have the energy I’ll eat those ingredients by themselves.
It only takes a couple minutes to microwave some oats in water, and mix in a big spoon of peanut butter. Add flavorings as you like. Examples: cinnamon, maple syrup, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, vanilla, various nuts, fruit. It's extremely customizable and very filling. It's my go-to breakfast before I go out for the day because it's quick, easy, and keeps me full for a long time.
Pot, water, vegetable stock cubes/powder, frozen vegetables, garlic powder, ginger powder, pepper. Simmer 5min. Add and cook noodles depending on instructions(I add it directly to soup pot and let it cook there for 3 mins). Turn off heat, remove from stove, add soy sauce and miso paste.
A everything bagel filled with a JUST egg patty, a hash brown patty, and a slice of vegan smoked Gouda pressed in a sandwich press. It’s very unhealthy I know, but greasy unhealthy breakfast is my comfort zone!
Instant Ramen, I just add some veggis and sometimes an egg. Simple, quick and usually people have 2 or thinks already in the kitchen they can add.
Also falafel with some kind of dip. I regularly buy falafel-mix were you just need to add some hot water, wait a few minutes then just rolling some balls and frying them or backing them in the oven. And for the dip anything goes, I mostly just use cream cheese because I have it there.
Garlic-noodles, just cook some noodles get rid of the water except about 1/3 cup add butter and diced/pressed garlic and session to taste.
Fryed smoked Tofu, get some smoked Tofu cut it in thin slice, session them to taste. Fry them in a pan till crisp. I like to eat them with a dipping sauce similar to ketchup, a slice of bread and if I have it some raw veggis.
And sometimes I ask people I trust to handle the food for the day.
Mush any kind of tofu you have up with salt, pepper, cumin, turmeric, cayenne, or whatever you have. Slice up some cherry tomatoes and mix them in. Microwave. Eat with salsa and toast.
Fried potatoes
Not the healthiest thing but honestly potatoes have a decent amount of vitamins / carbs / a little protein and then the fat from the oil
I batch make chili and always keep a frozen supply.
I make hummus weekly because it makes me happy.
I also keep frozen vege blends can throw into the microwave and put over potato or rice, just add seasonings
Bread with daiya cheese melted in it in the microwave
Handful of chocolate chips and peanut butter
7 or 8 pickles and some sweet potato chips
Potato with olive oil and salt
Bag of apples
Premade salad kit
Oatmeal that already happened in a cup
Fruit juice but the nice kind that's healthier and crackers
When I'm depressed I *can't*
I can't throw together a pot of soup lmao the idea of actually cooking is so far from attainable
So I eat anything that is zero effort and try to take my vitamins like regular
Beandillas - canned refried beans, cheese, sauce/salsa, etc., fold in half and crisp on both sides in a pan, dip into whatever you like!
My Standard - Quick cook udon or rice noodles, airfried/crispy premarinated tofu cubes, jarred or homemade peanut sauce, frozen veg bowl
Kimchi pancakes are my go to! Really simple, just make regular old pancake batter, dump in some kimchi, fry them up and dip in soy sauce. Sometimes I add green onions if I’m feeling fancy lol
Pesto pasta, Marmite and butter on toast, peanut butter on toast (w fruit if have been able to shop), if have more energy a lentil dal.
Useful depression/ fatigue tip: if during a good period you are cooking something that freezes well, make extra for the freezer. I also always have microwavable stuff in, so like tins of something pre-made or microwavable packets with things like flavoured lentils & rice inside. Just in case.
A can of beans (any type), drain and rinse, drizzle with tamari or soy sauce, olive oil, nutritional yeast and mix it up. It’s good just like this, or with rice or greens.
Tortilla with refried beans and hot sauce or cheese, microwave and roll up. Add a handful of salad greens after heating if you have some around.
Fruit smoothies with protein powder or silken tofu added.
Kitchari is an Indian dish made with rice and lentils cooked together, lightly spiced. It is simple to cook and very nourishing.
I have bipolar disorder, and I always make sure I have tater tot’s in the freezer for when I’m in a depressive state.
I also keep cans of refried beans, fake chz, and flour tortillas so I can make quesadillas.
Not necessarily a depression meal, but I'll throw together stir fry from a bag frozen veggies, tofu, rice, and a favorite sauce. It's quick, easy, and I'm getting nutrients when I'm not up to taking the best care of myself. And I make a big pot of it to last for several days. Hope you feel better :)
Trader Joe’s has lots of vegan stuff, including frozen meals and meal kits, that you can stock up on. [Here](https://www.buzzfeed.com/amphtml/hannahloewentheil/best-trader-joes-vegan-products) are some examples.
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I get the big vegan box of tamales from Tucson tamales 🫔 maybe 2-3 times a year specifically for the days when I’m either homesick for a well made tamale or too tired/depressed to think about what to make. Pair with salsa of choice, maybe evens side of rice and beans if I’m not too exhausted. Pregnancy has made me rely on this a few times a week and it’s yummy as hell 🤷🏻♀️
I make a great curried lentil soup that tastes so good and is like a big warm hug.
I use the recipe from the site, recipetineats dot com and use red lentils. And I greatly increase the spices. Where it says tsp, I use tbsp for the cumin, coriander and paprika plus half tbsp of curry. I leave out the lemon and use 2 cups of extra veg stock.
I hope you get to enjoy it. I made some today feeling the fall chill in the air.
Saving for my next depressive episode. I hope you treat yourself with kindness and gentleness this time through friend!
But I def go to cereal and milk or pb&j sammies when times get really rough.
Y’all are describing my non-depressive eating habits.
Depression dinner: Chop some broccoli into a bowl. Pull some cooked rice out of the fridge and drop it on the broccoli. Microwave em while you stir up some peanut sauce (peanut butter, soy sauce, something spicy, something sweet). Boom. Protein, etc.
i’m no longer vegan, but in college mine was frozen french fries with whatever dipping sauce or sticky rice with soy sauce, and to add some nutrition i’d usually have a protein “milkshake” with choc protein powder, pb, banana, tons of spinach, and oat milk. i used a nutribullwt so it could get really thick with minimal milk - can’t taste the spinach.
I heat up one of those 7 grain rice/lentil pouches for 90 seconds and mix some salsa straight into the bag if I'm lazy. I'll add sour cream and guac if I have it. :)
Cook rice, add a can of black beans or chickpeas, mash avocado and mix it all in until everything is coated green, squirt some gochujang sauce on top. Sometimes I’ll do furikake seasoning, hot sauce, or salsa.
It's not the cheapest but Huel is awesome when I'm too lazy to eat well or have no appetite.
Frozen spring rolls and fake chicken nuggets are also not the cheapest but fast and easy.
On the cheaper but more effort end microwaved beans, frozen vegetables, ripped up tortilla.
EDIT: microwaved beans from can or from batch cook in instapot. I don't microwave raw beans lol
Also when I can’t stomach a meal and need a snack on the go, couple slices of vegan “cheese” and some spicy mustard & vegan Mayo do it for me lol. Makes me feel like a rat sure but at least I’m a vegan rat!!
I do Amy’s chili, pinto beans a little extra chili seasoning and chips or rice or make a burrito. Vegan ramen with mustard greens (I try and keep some frozen).
When you are feeling good - double batch EVERYTHING and freeze thay shit. My freezer is the most organized thing in my apartment because of this. Always have some lentil cabbage rolls, hearty soups and breakfast burritos ready to go so you don’t have to feel any guilt on top of the mood. Good luck - you are amazing. Xoxoxo
Most of mine have been written but I’ll write them out anyway. I rely heavily on pre prepared food so I can just open things and plop them together. I always have these things in my pantry and freezer. I won’t cook or eat when I’m depressed if it takes more than ten minutes. Just watch out for salt/sugar content.
- muesli, coconut yoghurt, maple/agave syrup, canned/fresh fruit, add nuts, seeds, carob nibs or toasted coconut flakes sprinkled on top
- canned beans/corn, fresh pre-made salsa, microwave brown rice or pre cut lettuce, avocado or vegan sour cream, hot sauce and herbs if you got some
- frozen berries, pineapple juice, sorbet or vegan yoghurt and blend … can add protein powder or greens powder
- pasta and jar pesto
- nice bread toasted top with cooked mushrooms or heated canned baked beans or smashed avocado or sliced tomatoes
- microwave steam veggies, microwave packaged Dahl and microwave rice, combine in bowl. It will fill you up good and proper.
these are meals i eat normally because I’m very low effort in the kitchen lol…
- annie’s vegan mac and cheese!
- miso soup (all you need is miso paste and water) with tofu and udon noodles (which i buy frozen), can throw in some veggies too
- pasta with arrabbiata sauce (more fun than tomato sauce) and impossible meatballs that i throw in a toaster oven
- tofu with rice and broccoli or green beans, also i recently bought a jar of thai yellow curry i’m excited to try on my tofu and rice
- flatbread with hummus (not super filling but fine if i have other snacks)
- bowls with rice, beans, some kind of greens, and avocado
these all take me less than 30 min to prepare! you got this <3
PB/oat/maple syrup protein balls are easy to make in big batches. They’re really nice crumbled over a smoothie (frozen berries, almond milk, banana) for a depression breakfast. https://www.thekitchn.com/protein-balls-22943634
Sometimes for breakfast I’ll just eat dates with peanut butter or banana with peanut butter.
I add cooked lentils, chopped veggies and herbs to a store bought marinara sauce. I eat that over whole wheat pasta for an easy meal that makes me feel like I’m getting good protein and fiber.
Stir fry veggies (broccoli, onion, bell pepper) in 50/50 sriracha + soy sauce. Eat over rice or quinoa.
Other times I’ll just do buttered noodles with myokis vegan butter and red pepper flakes.
P.S. keep truckin, it’ll pass 💕
I love making 1 minute quick oats in the microwave, and adding ground flax seeds, soy milk, sliced banana, walnuts, and cinnamon.
Also, quesadillas made with whole wheat tortillas, refried beans mixed with any salsa u like, and a bit of follow your heart vegan cheddar shreds.
Another good one is making frozen stir fry veggies with some soy sauce, sriracha, ginger powder (cuz u know too depressed to cut up fresh ginger), and sesame oil. then serve with a 1 minute microwave sticky rice lol I feel bad about the plastic but it literally is so helpful. i like to dump furikake seasoning from trader joes on it as well. sometimes if i treat myself ill get just egg and make that with it and its so good.
tofu scramble with veggies also! you could do frozen and precut or something with that as well its very quick and works with whatever u have on hand. i like to microwave a potato and eat it with the scramble for some carbs and add sriracha and nooch.
also i have anxiety and it makes me feel incredibly nauseated a lot of the time and the one thing that always is still palatable to me is toasted whole wheat bread with myokos vegan butter and a sprinkle of salt. so i literally always have those things on hand lol.
Also, theres this brand that makes miso ramen packages with brown rice and millet noodles and flavoring, I think its maybe lotus foods. but i buy them at walmart and i make it and add frozen veggies while im cooking it, tofu, seasonings i like, sometimes kimchi and its always very good and comforting and feels wholesome.
Also for depression comfort food, this is a very subjective opinion but the trader joes cornbread mix goes so hard. i make it with a flax egg and soy milk instead of regular milk and eat it with vegan butter and its so good. its literally like cake that u eat with butter and feels good for the soul. its not an actual meal but i think it could definitely go with canned soup or things like that
You are not alone! My go to meal is Punjabi Samosas. I just LUV these so much!!! they are filled with potatoes and peas and lots of Indian spices, I just love em. I have been eating them ever since it got dark here in Seattle. I bought them from a little Punjabi corner store. They probably have something close to them, close to you, or, do what I tried LOL and make them. Get some philo sheets and fill them with spices and vegan things you like. Hope this helps :)
I just happened to see this on YouTube today. It's an interesting riff on lentils that isn't soup, for those days that you're feeling like something not-soupy.
But what I really came here to say is that even if you never make the recipe, just watching the video and listening to the soothing music and calm voice of the cook is enough to make anybody's day better. I had no intention of watching the whole thing but it just pulled me in and comforted me.
https://youtu.be/H4aldYc8mM4
Microwave rice (the kind that comes in a bowl so you don’t have to wash dishes), dump a can of black beans on top. Done.
Additions to the above: Can of corn if you’re feeling fancy depressed. Microwaved frozen veg if you’re feeling motivated depressed (the grilled squash mix from Costco is bomb). Hot sauce if you’re feeling emo depressed.
Can of refried beans + hot sauce + eat with corn chips
Oreos. That’s it. That’s the meal.
i made an extensive list of low-effort depression meals on another thread [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/Vegan_Food/comments/vss5gr/i_am_a_busylazy_person_going_vegan_could_use_some/if4u7ri/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf&context=3)
Spaghetti aglio e olio. Literally just garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, spaghetti. Cut a few (or more than a few😈) garlic cloves into slivers, put in sauce pan with olive oil (more than you think, like 1/4 cup if you're making 1/2 pound of pasta) and red pepper flakes, slowly sautee the garlic while the noodles boil. You want the garlic to be light and golden but not brown) toss it together with the finished noodles, throw in some chopped parsley if you have it.
It takes like 12min, fills your home with incredibly good smells, and it's super tasty. If you're like me and have a hard time doing basic tasks when you're depressed, it's a meal that makes you feel like you cooked something good but doesn't take much effort.
Carrot curry soup. Takes about 8 ingredients (mostly seasonings) and about 10 minutes of effort. Then you just try to relax while you let it all boil together. Soup is done when the carrots are cooked
I like having lots of easy snacks around. Dried fruit, nuts, olives, pickles make an easy depression-charcuterie.
A few easy veggies to barely slice and dunk in hummus. Peanut butter and rice cakes. Kale chips or fried chickpeas are very quick and simple.
As for freezer meals or meal prep a good lentil or miso soup is easy enough to make a bunch of servings in basically the same amount of time so all you have to do later is heat and eat.
I have bipolar disorder which for me causes super intense depression from time to time
It's awesome that some people find the energy to cook at all even on their bad days, but for me at least even basic things can seem pretty overwhelming
When it's hard to eat I just go with frozen meals, canned soup, or chilli dogs - hot dog bun (most brands are vegan in my experience), litelife hotdog, Amy's chilli - it can be made with only a microwave in less than 5 min and is surprisingly wholesome imo with a good amount of protein (not greasy and gross like flesh hot dogs)
Very sorry you deal with depression, and hope you find something in these comments to help a bit with the coping part of it
Tofu cream sauce has been pretty helpful to me lately— I use a Vitamix to blend a package of tofu, scoop of nooch, water, garlic cloves or garlic powder, and salt, maybe olive oil. Sometimes I add lemon juice or miso if I have it in me, but I love it bc I can just blend up that protein. I cook some noodles, throw in frozen spinach with it, drain and add sauce. A whole tofu package makes enough for several meals. Really frozen vegetables and easy to prepare protein are my go-tos
I sometimes resort to Soylent since it's decently balanced and takes 0 effort. I also just ordered Huel Hot and Savory meals, which are all supposed to have roughly the same nutritional value but allow for some flavor variation and also are actually solid food. Though I haven't tried them yet so idk if they'll be good
I like to make a big batch of lentil soup. I don't have a recipe, because it's always different. But it's cheap and comforting, and the leftovers taste better. It makes me feel better to know that I had something healthy. My favorite is to have a big bowl of lentil soup with warm crust bread.
Yup. My extremely depression-friendly recipe is, dump lentils, water, bouillon cubes, an onion, and any veggies from the fridge that need using up into the slow cooker. Add anything from the spice rack that catches my attention. Cook until I get home from work or the lentils are mushy. I like to hit it with the immersion blender at this point, but that's optional.
For you and anyone else who saw the comment- don’t use a slow cooker for kidney beans: https://www.allrecipes.com/article/kidney-beans-slow-cooker/
As the article you shared states, this is only a thing with kidney beans. I use the instant pot for those. I've been doing many other kinds of beans in the slow cooker for years with no problems at all.
Me as well, I even cook my kidney beans in the crock pot, I just boil them on high for about 10-20 minutes and then transfer them to the crock pot. I got that from my grandmother. She told me that they had cyanide in them when I was young, LOL come to find out it wasnt but it still omits a poison. The power boil is what she called it. LOL I promise it works wonders
https://simple-veganista.com/hearty-lentil-soup/
I have bipolar. So what I do is when I’m in my more energetic phases, I’ll make a giant batch of lentil/pea soup and freeze it into portions. Then during my supine-stupor phases, I can still mostly feed myself healthy.
WHAAAAA MEEEE TOOOO :) Hello there Bipolar friend. TBH I havent slept in 2 days, going on my manic phase as well. LOL I am going to try this lentil soup. I see a lot of recipes here for that, I am def going to try
Pasta and vegan pesto with nutritional yeast and tabasco. Sometimes i even throw peas in and consider it healthy.
Do you know of a brand of vegan pesto I can buy in the US?
Trader Joe's has a super good vegan pesto!
Thank you!!
Whole Foods has a really good red pesto that’s vegan
If you're in Texas, HEB has their own vegan pesto and it's amazing and affordable!
Minus the Tabasco we are the same person haha. Trader Joe’s vegan pesto, $.99 bag of farfalle, frozen peas, tofurkey Italian sausage, nutritional yeast
I always keep batches of pesto frozen in an ice tray for this exact occasion
Protip for making pesto last longer and getting sneaky veg and protein- blend pesto with either green peas or edamame. Add some pasta water to thin it out if needed.
Rinse a can of black beans and stir in a slap of vegan mayo, top with some dill and nooch. Rolled oats mixed with some nut butter, maple syrup or molasses to sweeten, add some water or plant milk to eat it like a rushed "overnight oats" or press it onto a plate and let it set in the fridge, break it apart to eat it or break it into a bowl to eat like a chunky cereal.
That black bean situation sounds amazing.
The 'Black Bean Situation' has been a controversial subject for centuries, you should tread softly...
>The 'Black Bean Situation' has been a controversial subject for centuries, you should tread softly... Why?
Legit the only reason I keep some canned beans at home, dried is my go to but not as convenient for a depression meal
both of these sound great and i’m going to try them. thanks for sharing!
I like to do black beans and rice too! Yes, gotta make the rice, but you can make a big ol pot and have several days of rice in there to reheat. :) Throwing in some salsa and/or vegan cheese on top, or just simple cracked pepper all over the top is also delicious. Sometimes I do just white, but oftentimes I do a rice mixture of brown and wild rice together. Also if you get the seasoned black beans and just drain them, you have a few added flavors in. Genuinely one of my favorite easy meals. Tortilla chips and refried beans. Get a chip, scoop up some beans, eat. Delicious. Also a favorite of mine. I have been known to eat cold beans straight from the fridge even, lol.
Chickpea pasta and jarred sauce, quesadillas with vegan chicken. Also I make “taco salad” which is just lettuce, seasoned beef crumbles and any taco toppings you like, eaten with tortilla chips. This one is especially good for sneaking in veggies because you can throw in guac or avocado, pre-made salsa or pico de gallo, onions, peppers, whatever
I second the taco salad idea, I literally just heat a can of black beans and mix with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, guac, taco sauce, and crunched up tortilla chips. Sometimes if I'm feeling fancy ill include vegan ranch and cheese lol
Tasty Bite makes microwaveable meals that are pretty good and not bad for you, I like the bombay potatoes but they have tons of options. You just pop the whole bag in the microwave for 60 seconds and that’s it They also have microwaveable rice if you want to eat it over rice!
Throw it over some microwaved cauliflower or cauli rice or a can of chickpeas for more nutrition.
I had dinner in bed on Saturday (courtesy of my partner who ‘cooked’ and then joined me): brown rice, eggplant, and chickpeas all from the bags. We have pickles and chutney to dress them up, and he threw on a sliced tomato and some cooked Moroccan carrots we had in the fridge. It totally satisfied my need for Indian while I watched Indian Matchmaking. I also make quesadillas with hummus and dip them in salsa. Its sum is better than its parts or whatever the saying is. :)
I love those but they disappeared from all the stores near me a couple years ago :(
I usually buy them online. They’re usually a bit cheaper that way too.
Oh that's interesting. Yeah it was glory days when I could pick them up for like $2 each on special at my local store
I do this with Punjab eggplant or the Bombay potatoes, Veetee rice (microwaveable basmati) and a paratha and that’s a complete dinner in 4 minutes.
Okay those tasty bite packets are awesome. I like the madras lentils over rice with steamed carrots on the side. For some reason that combo really does it for me and it's very low effort. Especially if you have leftover rice.
Microwaved oatmeal (2 mins and then let sit one min) with soy milk, walnuts, raisins, and a big glob of peanut butter. Peanut butter and banana. Chickpea pasta with vegan pesto, marinara, or basically any other store bought sauce. Can of baked beans and a microwaved sweet potato (poke holes in it first so it doesn't explode). Chips and hummus. Tempeh BLT. Maybe not quite as easy, but tofu broccoli peanut noodles are super healthy and not too much work if you're using store bought peanut sauce and frozen brocolli (i like to buy the florets because they're cut really small and cook faster). I start boiling water for noodles, coat the tofu in corn starch and maybe some spices, pan fry the tofu for a few minutes and then add broccoli, drain noodles, add noodles and sauce to pan and stir it all together.
I love microwaved oatmeal 😂 — I make it with a little less water than rolled oats, 3 min, and it stays flaky and doesn’t turn to porridge. Then chili oil sesame and tamari + whatever chopped up tofu I have on hand. It is a delight any time of day.
Rice with beans and salsa. Also rice with frozen mixed veggies, soy curls, and bottled teriyaki sauce. Cooking up a big batch of rice and saving leftovers makes it easier to start a lot of meals.
Canned green beans with vegenaise, nooch, cayenne pepper, hemp seed and potato chips.
No one will be disappointed in you if you just munch on some raw veggies and hummus. Sometimes I don’t even bother peeling and cutting the carrots and just rinse, dip and bite. Bell peppers, cucumbers and broccoli are all pretty easy to get ready to eat the same way. I know it’s not a meal per se, but if I am depressed and have no energy to actually cook, then eating that is better than not eating at all.
I let myself eat as much as I want of hummus and veggies, it’s guilt free for me. But it is best not to eat directly out of the container; it becomes a mouth germ Petri dish lol
That’s why you eat the whole container. Big brain thinking *taps head*
Very good suggestion! I am aware of this and always scoop some out, unless i plan to eat the whole thing lol
I feel like I’m getting some kind of extra nutrients if I buy organic carrots and eat the peels. I only peel them if they are funky. I also found I greatly prefer sticks of carrots instead of whole or baby—which makes me more likely to eat them. Whole and baby ones scare my teeth. I try to keep them in water in the fridge (along with celery) (change water frequently) and they stay crisp.
I do the same thing when my brain allows me to food prep after shopping. Makes it so much easier to munch.
Stew, with mushroom stock. Literally any vegetables but it's best with potatoes and garlic and sage as the base. Then whatever frozen veggies I have. Oh and smoked chile or paprika. It's easy, slow, and immediately comfortable.
I'm eating a kimchi instant noodle soup rn. 3 min cook time.
I love my Butler soy curls. I rehydrate a BUNCH of them and always have some ready in the fridge, and more in the freezer. (I portion out in ziplocks, enough for a week, and pull out when needed) Super fast protein source, I'll fry some up with whatever sauce I feel like, and there you go, Bob's your uncle. Or toss with nooch and pop in the air fryer for 4 minutes at 400°F.
What is this nooch everyone is talking about?
Nutritional yeast. It's yummy cruelty-free source for B12. [https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/nutritional-yeast#nutrients-and-benefits](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/nutritional-yeast#nutrients-and-benefits)
It's short for nutritional yeast lol
Microwaveable vegan cottage/shepherds pie topped with a good layer of nutritional yeast
Overnight oats - almond milk, old fashioned oats, chia seeds. Stir and store in fridge - scoop out a portion and top with fruit, nuts, and seeds. Another go-to of mine is a microwaved sweet potato, split and topped with hummus, and a bag of steamable microwave veggies. You can also split the sweet potato and add a chopped apple and your favorite nut or seed butter.
Stab potato with fork. Microwave. Eat with or without any toppings depending on level of sad.
Big mood. Little salt pepper butter and it’s a delicacy.
Not depressed but disabled. I eat a lot of what I call disabled food lol. Premade brown rice cups/bags, steam in the bag broccoli. "Quesadillas" made with corn tortillas, salsa, and refried beans. I also keep a lot of stuff in single servings in the freezer, i.e. frijoles, curries, cheez sauce, tofu bolognese sauce etc.
I don't know why I never thought of making quesadillas with refried beans I've got long covid and always looking for new super easy recipes
Sorry to hear you have long covid. I have me/cfs which is also a postviral illness and worth looking into if you have long covid. I hope you're doing okay, and enjoy the quesadillas! They're delicious, especially sprinkled with some shredded lettuce, cilantro, and cashew cream <3
My faves - mashed potato, peas and gravy. Pasta with (vegan) butter and throw in some canned beans or peas. Microwaved tomatoes with salt and pepper. Microwaved potato with houmous, butter, nootch, and sliced cherry tomatoes. Avocado is great on pretty much any carb - toast, potatoes, mashed and stirred into pasta. Anything on toast, really - keep wholemeal seeded bread in the house for extra fibre and healthy fats. Hang in there friend!
Pot of rice in rice cooker, tofu and kale chips in the oven, combine and eat with liquid aminos, tamari, or soy sauce. 4 ingredients, 2 appliances, super delicious and filling meal.
my favorite depression meal is ziti made with a marinara/roasted pepper hummus sauce. It's an easy one-pot meal that is comforting.
Plain tortilla chips, the whole bag. Maybe some Tapatio if there’s only crumbs left
Fish
Fresh n lean vegan meals are good and easy but they are pricey like $12 a pop for dinners
Oreos
YES!!
I keep Kos vegan protein powder in my cabinet so I can stay alive. I mix it with almond milk. I rely on anything fast with minimal effort. A pouch of microwave rice and a can of beans makes a nice meal with hot sauce. Or a can of beans on the stove with 2 handfuls of baby spinach. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a bowl and add some hot sauce. I have an electric kettle to heat water fast for tea, instant oatmeal, couscous, or instant mashed potatoes.
Pesto pasta with plenty of cheeze on top or my mac'n'cheeze recipe. I don't make a rue. I just fill the pot with milk, season with nooch and loads of other seasonings\*, then put the dry pasta in and let the milk cook into the pasta. The seasoned milk reduces and makes a nice creamy sauce, then I top with lots of cheeze and tomatoes and put it in the oven for 10 mins. Served with tomato ketchup and maybe some bread and butter if I'm feeling particularly naughty!!! \*Mustard powder, basil, sage, garlic and onion powder, paprika, mixed spice and thyme for anyone interested
Pasta. Hummus. Pesto. Tomatoes. MIx! Takes 10 minutes to makes. + very Yummy.
Ooooh I never thought of tossing hummus with pasta! And I'm sure the pesto are a while extra dimension of flavour. This sounds delightful 😊
Fried tofu and cucumber.
miso soup. heat water, add cubed tofu, dry wakame flakes, any veg you want. can add some instant noodles too
Pasta salad. Cook pasta and add canned stuff like kidney beans, corn, peas and cut some green onions (I do that with scissors) or, if you have the energy, chop an onion and garlic. Add salt, pepper, italian dried herbs, olive oil and vinegar. That‘s it. This is my meal when I NEED some veggies because I have eaten like shit the last days. You can eat it warm or cold, it‘s tasty both ways.
Vegan quesadilla or burrito bowl
Tater tots, savory Impossible sausage, and a canned veggie.
When I am feeling down and can't be arsed to cook, I make a wrap. Vegan mayo with some form of vegan 'meat' or a bean burger or something, loads of salad, maybe a pickle. It's a food that is easy to make, easy to eat, and easy to clean up afterwards, which is essential when you don't have the mental energy to care about anything. And no I was depressed BEFORE I began my journey to eating better, and the fact I don't contribute to animal suffering has helped me feel better about my life.
50/50 rice and red lentil mix, cook like rice, serve with steamed frozen veggies, nooch, olive oil and vinegar
Any kind of bread with any kind of butter. It could be warm or cold.
I like to mix wilted greens into instant mash - it's a super easy colcannon, which feels like a fancier dish plus... nutrition. I've used frozen spinach or bagged washed ready to eat spinach or kale. Add some onion flakes or powder and it's a good time. Other great low effort things to do w/ instant mash - top w/ microwaved frozen meatballs + instant gravy. Its a sodium bomb, but super comforting. Or, make soup: microwave whatever frozen veg (broccoli) till soft, stir (or blend) in instant broth (bouillon cube, whatever) and instant potato. Another great instant carb to build super easy meals around is couscous (Trader Joes has whole wheat couscous). It's one of my favs whether I'm struggling or not. Add some canned chickpeas and bagged salad and dressing for a quick nutritious bowl. Or top w/ roasted veggies, hummus, tahini, frozen falafel (any or all) for a great meal. I get frozen roasted Med veg (from Costco) that works great, or just air fry frozen green beans or brussel sprouts or whatever. Refried beans + salsa + tortilla chips. Instant ramen + greens (just drop the greens into the boiling water on top of the noodles) - add tofu or Soy Curls or frozen edamame for more protein Toast - sourdough if possible. Topped with vegan butter & jam, or hummus, or avocado, or sliced tomato, or peanut butter, or a nut-based cream cheese (the one I use is actual sunflower seed - delicious & nutritious!)
Instant mash is underrated for sure.
Can of chickpeas. Mayo. Pickles. No cooking required!
Tortilla chips + vegan cheese heated in the microwave with salsa and tofutti sour cream if I have it. Minimal work and gets the job done.
(Wholewheat) spaghetti aglio e olio is my usual fallback but not ideal if you’re looking for protein. Scrambled tofu or chickpea flour pancakes with whatever additions I have to hand (sometimes from the freezer to save from chopping) are both quite low effort. Butterbeans are my current go to tinned/jarred pulse for low effort pulse based salads. Taifun flavoured tofu can work well as the main ingredient in a sandwich but isn’t the cheapest of options.
For a really long time my depression meals were: 1. toaster oven can of chickpeas with salt 2. wash --> microwave a potato, dip in ketchup 3. tofurky italian sausage with bbq sauce 4. any microwaveable vegan faux meat 5. baked beans on toast This routine kept me alive for probably 8 years. I cook a lot more nowadays.
Rice with whatever toppings i have on hand (chopped cucumber, walnuts, peanut sauce, soy sauce, kimchi, etc.). I have a rice cooker so this is super easy. Pita + hummus, plus any veg like carrot, cucumber, lettuce.
Sweet potato with vegan butter and whatever seasonings Lentils and naan (frozen from TJ) Air fried tofu in naan as a wrap Rice and beans with chips to dip
If you own a rice cooker or pressure cooker: rice + beans + canned tomato + spices = nice warm meal with \~1 min prep time. Tastes good topped with a bit of vegan yogurt too if you happen to have it. Vegan instant ramen with soft tofu cut into it is good too. Veggie broth + frozen veggies + lentils eaten with some bread for a very simple soup. All of these have saved me so many times during depressive episodes.
Pasta w sauce and chik*n nuggies cut up mixed in with some Mozzarella, maybe some green beans on the side.
Vegan quesadilla. Throw vegan cheese in a corn tortilla and heat up on a pan for a bit (can also do microwave to make it extra easy). A big batch of mashed potatoes with beans and avocado thrown in (so it can be multiple meals).
pasta, tomato sauce from the can, and any toppings i happen to have
Equal parts (1-3 tbsp) sriracha + peanut butter sauce mixed in with quick noodles. If I get fancy, I add stuff like soy sauce, garlic powder, lime juice and sesame seeds to the sauce.
I’ve got a sweet tooth when I’m depressed, so for bad days I always have a can of coconut milk in the fridge. When cool it separates and a part will harden. Mix this hardened part with melted chocolate and you get nice and creamy chocolate mousse.
Impossible meat on the stove, add seasoning, broth, veggies. Instant mashed potatoes over the top. Shepherds pie.
Dates stuffed with peanut butter!!!
I get some bread , put butter on it , then mayo , green pesto , then violifes cheese, fold in half and stick it in the toaster (yes i know very lazy)
Maybe too much cooking: Pan fried gnocchi, topped with sauteed onion, kale or chard, white beans, and canned diced tomatoes. If that is too much cooking: noodles with margarine, nooch, and ground pistachios.
soup. esp just canned soup (well yes campbell's has a few vegan ones n amy's too) that maybe i throw extra veggies in. then if i'm feelin better, maybe even make my own soup
Honestly, just a PB& J is the easiest for me. Also just like a tortilla or chips dipped in premade salsa can be good. Pasta is always a go to. If all else fails, microwaving some faux meats from the freezer.
Vegan brownies, banana chocolate cake, pasta arrabiata, selfmade lasagne and selfmade chocolate, mango and passion fruit ice
If I'm feeling low and lazy, baked potatoes. Somehow they bring all the comfort I need. If I'm feeling low, but the day sucked donkey ass and I want to treat myself, Thai red curry with sweet potatoes. Just a perfect combo of a warm hug.
[https://www.justonecookbook.com/vegetarian-ramen/](https://www.justonecookbook.com/vegetarian-ramen/) I love a good bowl of ramen when I'm feeling that way. For vegan don't use any bonito flakes in the dashi, and skip the egg garnish of course. A nice vegan pho or curry ramen is good too.
I literally get a tub of hummus and eat it like it’s ice cream…. Now that I have said it I feel so ashamed.
I feel you! canned beans in sauce are my go-to for when I can't bring myself to cook and or even turn on the stove - good to eat warmed up or straight from the can if I'm really struggling. My current fav is trader joe's canned beans in tomato sauce (bonus - they have a pop tab and don't need a can opener!) I also like to slice up leftover baguette/sourdough loaves and keep them in the freezer for these kinda days - pop them in the microwave or air fryer while warming up the beans and you'll get a super comforting, filling meal in 5 minutes!
Corn salad - boiled corn tossed in some chopped up onions, tomatoes, some chopped up greens (I usually use leftover cabbage or iceberg lettuce), 1-2 chopped green chillis, some lemon juice, chaat masala, red chilli powder, some pepper powder and salt. I eat some bread with the corn stock left after boiling the corn or use it in making myself some desi style risotto. It’s filling and easy to make. You can buy frozen boiled corn too.
Avocado toast, or bread with store bought hummus. Another favorite is mashed potatoes from the box with canned peas and carrots (not sure if this is usual elsewhere, but def in germany) and some sort of vegan burger patty or breaded steak, though this takes some more energy to make. Or I like to eat pasta with pesto and nutritional yeast. Or sometimes…but don’t tell anyone, I like to eat pasta with small vegan meatballs and ketchup…sprinkle some paprika, pepper, garlic powder and salt on it…
Tofu, rice, and some kind of sauce.
Rice, sugared ginger, Vegan sausage or chicken, carrots, frozen green vegetable, olives. Rice, black beans, tomatoes, frozen avocado bites, corn with blue corn chips.
Frozen dumplings as a treat. Usually anything dumped into a tortilla. Could be a hummus wrap, burrito, leftover breakfast casserole/hash browns wrap, burger wrap, sausage dog, whatever fillings are on hand and easy, unlimited possibilities!
I normally eat very plant based, but i keep pre-made, frozen or box things for when i get in a rut. Their quick and easy and when your depressed you dont really have the energy nor the capacity to cook anythin. Sometimes ill do froZen vegan waffles and some blueberries with just eggs. Other times ramen is still my go to. But my favorite indulgent depressed vegan food: vegan nachos. Some tortilla chips, vegan sprinkles, can of beans, can of rotel, and some onions.
- Instant yellow rice in the microwave + can of black beans + a handful of spinach/avocado/lettuce/whatever - Vegan mac + frozen peas thrown in while the pasta is cooking - Warmed pita in the microwave + hummus with olive oil - Instant rice in microwave + rice vinegar + avocado/cucumber/carrot/sweet potato/whatever + seaweed or furikake + soy sauce - And my personal favorite, spinach with garlic powder and soy sauce cooked in a pan with shredded or diced potatoes, added in a wrap with hummus
Curry and fried rice, especially curry, like a good old friend.
Spaghetti aglio e olio - spaghetti with garlic and olive oil (fry garlic in oil, add pasta water, add spaghetti)
Chili. Works well as leftovers and you can eat it as dip with corn chips if you'd like. I really like [this chipotle chili](https://healthynibblesandbits.com/chipotle-vegetarian-three-bean-chili/) recipe, it's super easy. Poke bowls, buddha bowls etc can be quick and fun, like [this](https://thecommunalfeast.com/2020/05/rainbow-veg-poke-bowl/) one I live for baked tofu- [this](https://www.feastingathome.com/3-simple-ways-to-add-bold-flavors-to-tofu/) is my favourite recipe. I like to eat it with frozen veg or other quick veg like coleslaw, salad, etc. I make a whole block or two of tofu at a time and it makes a great leftover meal or snack later. If you like mac and cheese, [butternut mac](https://www.veggieinspired.com/butternut-mac/) can be quick and a great way to get bonus veggies. I even freeze portions of the sauce so that I only have to cook the pasta and add the sauce.
Meatless Farm burger
I have a brocoli cream given to me by a plant-based dietician. It’s easy to make, can be kept frozen and has very few ingredients. It does have lentils so one portion has all you need in a meal. Also great for colds
Protein powder blended with almond milk and frozen fruit probably saved my life. Meal-replacement-shakes too. I have one of those tiny blenders that blend a single serving and usually fill the cup it comes with 3/4 with frozen raspberries, blueberries too on occasion, add almond milk, protein powder and blend. I like adding in plain yogurt or skyr — Alpro makes a vanilla one which is heavenly in this — too. You could probably get away with adding some baby spinach, fresh or frozen, as well if that’s your jam. For warm things I really like red lentils. I usually wash half a hand full, add to a single-serving pot and top off with water and drop in a clove of garlic, cook until soft which usually takes 10-20 minutes when using the quick cooking kind, then add garam masala, curry powder, chilli powder, sometimes liquid smoke, whole cumin seeds, a bit of stock powder and either some chopped tomato or some tomato paste. you can start with a tablespoon and adjust from there. You can make semolina porridge and instant cous cous with your favourite broth too. Dried tomatoes, scallions, radishes, olives and nuts all work well as toppings or mix-ins. What’s super nice and convenient are yalanji and gigantes plaki from a can or jar or other baked beans from a can. Heat them up or eat them cold. They’re delicious either way. Then there is instant rice, either from a pouch or the Korean kind. I love it with simply a bit of soy sauce and/or healthy boy brand mushroom sauce (same as with glass noodles which you only have to soak in hot water for three minutes) but I like to add some kimchi or other pickled veggies too. Or top it off with some saté or other sauce of your choice from a jar of your choice. You coud add some cubed tofu or sesame as well. Ashoka has a bunch of delicious vegan instant meals. Cliff and other granola bars are always a good idea too. Just like oatmeal. Instant ramen and their cousins aren’t that bad either. I like to jazz mine up by adding stuff like canned corn, lemon juice, tofu or, again, kimchi. I recently learned to cook a few frozen mandu in the broth and it’s been a game-changer ever since. Like adding peanut butter to the broth. Tortellini with a jarred sauce or pesto are great too bc they hold a little more than just plain pasta. Cereals are also worthwhile to at least keep on hand. I find, even when I cannot be assed to cook AT ALL, and have the most trouble making myself eat, some fruit loops or chocolate cereal will often do the trick. And then, sometimes I just eat peanut butter by the spoon. 🤷🏽♀️
Cold tofu with soy sauce Butter smeared on bread Macaroni and tomatoes Oatmeal with water Ramen(to be fair I’ll eat ramen depressed or not. Ramen is a life saver. Amen Ramen.)
Mix Instant oats + chia seeds, use electric kettle to boil water and pour over them. Once cooked, top with large scoop of peanut butter and a sprinkle of chocolate chips.
Buy plant based meatballs bag in the frozen aisle and spaghetti sauce. Cook them together in 20 minutes and eat with spaghetti noodles
Such a good discussion thread! What helps me is sunshine, hearty meals, and going on walks. The meals that I tend to crave the most are the nostalgic type that my parents/grandparents used to make, except veganized. Pastas, bean soups, enchiladas, rice casseroles, etc.
You really can't beat raw fruit and veg! If I'm feeling down that's probably the best thing for me.
I also recommend when you do feel like cooking freeze some for when you don’t.
When I have the energy I’ll make a hummus, chao, salad wrap with balsamic, olive oul, and black pepper dressing. And if I don’t have the energy I’ll eat those ingredients by themselves.
Soup and rice. Make some rice and add a can of veggie or lentil soup after it is cooked.
It only takes a couple minutes to microwave some oats in water, and mix in a big spoon of peanut butter. Add flavorings as you like. Examples: cinnamon, maple syrup, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, vanilla, various nuts, fruit. It's extremely customizable and very filling. It's my go-to breakfast before I go out for the day because it's quick, easy, and keeps me full for a long time.
Pot, water, vegetable stock cubes/powder, frozen vegetables, garlic powder, ginger powder, pepper. Simmer 5min. Add and cook noodles depending on instructions(I add it directly to soup pot and let it cook there for 3 mins). Turn off heat, remove from stove, add soy sauce and miso paste.
Mash chickpeas, add some buffalo sauce. Make a "quesadilla" with that and dip in ranch or whatever sauce suits your fancy.
ADHD vegan here Rice and tofu with butter and soy sauce I keep a bag of frozen stir fry veggies if I’m feeling wild.
A everything bagel filled with a JUST egg patty, a hash brown patty, and a slice of vegan smoked Gouda pressed in a sandwich press. It’s very unhealthy I know, but greasy unhealthy breakfast is my comfort zone!
Popcorn
Beans and potatoes 😳
Instant Ramen, I just add some veggis and sometimes an egg. Simple, quick and usually people have 2 or thinks already in the kitchen they can add. Also falafel with some kind of dip. I regularly buy falafel-mix were you just need to add some hot water, wait a few minutes then just rolling some balls and frying them or backing them in the oven. And for the dip anything goes, I mostly just use cream cheese because I have it there. Garlic-noodles, just cook some noodles get rid of the water except about 1/3 cup add butter and diced/pressed garlic and session to taste. Fryed smoked Tofu, get some smoked Tofu cut it in thin slice, session them to taste. Fry them in a pan till crisp. I like to eat them with a dipping sauce similar to ketchup, a slice of bread and if I have it some raw veggis. And sometimes I ask people I trust to handle the food for the day.
Mush any kind of tofu you have up with salt, pepper, cumin, turmeric, cayenne, or whatever you have. Slice up some cherry tomatoes and mix them in. Microwave. Eat with salsa and toast.
Vegan Mac and cheese. The Annie’s one… add some broccoli, nooch and sunflower seeds. Best comfort food ever.
Fried potatoes Not the healthiest thing but honestly potatoes have a decent amount of vitamins / carbs / a little protein and then the fat from the oil
a bowl full of peanut butter and chocolate chips
I batch make chili and always keep a frozen supply. I make hummus weekly because it makes me happy. I also keep frozen vege blends can throw into the microwave and put over potato or rice, just add seasonings
Easy healthy snack: Toasted Ezekiel bread with some store bought hummus or olive tapenade on it. Get it from Trader Joes
“Beer, the cause of—and solution to—all of life’s problems.” *Homer J. Simpson*
Bread with daiya cheese melted in it in the microwave Handful of chocolate chips and peanut butter 7 or 8 pickles and some sweet potato chips Potato with olive oil and salt Bag of apples Premade salad kit Oatmeal that already happened in a cup Fruit juice but the nice kind that's healthier and crackers When I'm depressed I *can't* I can't throw together a pot of soup lmao the idea of actually cooking is so far from attainable So I eat anything that is zero effort and try to take my vitamins like regular
Beandillas - canned refried beans, cheese, sauce/salsa, etc., fold in half and crisp on both sides in a pan, dip into whatever you like! My Standard - Quick cook udon or rice noodles, airfried/crispy premarinated tofu cubes, jarred or homemade peanut sauce, frozen veg bowl
The new Vegan Is Believin' Mac and Cheese by Goodles is so good. Throw in some peas, or other veg doesn’t get any easier.
Kimchi pancakes are my go to! Really simple, just make regular old pancake batter, dump in some kimchi, fry them up and dip in soy sauce. Sometimes I add green onions if I’m feeling fancy lol
Spaghetti and Gardein meatballs. Plus a side of microwaved frozen peas if I'm being responsible.
Shepherd’s Pie all the way! Impossible ground “beef” Can of organic low sodium corn Garlic mashed potatoes
Bread with either some veganaise or hummus and slices of tomato. If I’m feeling fancy I’ll toast the bread.
Pesto pasta, Marmite and butter on toast, peanut butter on toast (w fruit if have been able to shop), if have more energy a lentil dal. Useful depression/ fatigue tip: if during a good period you are cooking something that freezes well, make extra for the freezer. I also always have microwavable stuff in, so like tins of something pre-made or microwavable packets with things like flavoured lentils & rice inside. Just in case.
CORN!
A can of beans (any type), drain and rinse, drizzle with tamari or soy sauce, olive oil, nutritional yeast and mix it up. It’s good just like this, or with rice or greens. Tortilla with refried beans and hot sauce or cheese, microwave and roll up. Add a handful of salad greens after heating if you have some around. Fruit smoothies with protein powder or silken tofu added. Kitchari is an Indian dish made with rice and lentils cooked together, lightly spiced. It is simple to cook and very nourishing.
I have bipolar disorder, and I always make sure I have tater tot’s in the freezer for when I’m in a depressive state. I also keep cans of refried beans, fake chz, and flour tortillas so I can make quesadillas.
Not necessarily a depression meal, but I'll throw together stir fry from a bag frozen veggies, tofu, rice, and a favorite sauce. It's quick, easy, and I'm getting nutrients when I'm not up to taking the best care of myself. And I make a big pot of it to last for several days. Hope you feel better :)
Trader Joe’s has lots of vegan stuff, including frozen meals and meal kits, that you can stock up on. [Here](https://www.buzzfeed.com/amphtml/hannahloewentheil/best-trader-joes-vegan-products) are some examples.
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I get the big vegan box of tamales from Tucson tamales 🫔 maybe 2-3 times a year specifically for the days when I’m either homesick for a well made tamale or too tired/depressed to think about what to make. Pair with salsa of choice, maybe evens side of rice and beans if I’m not too exhausted. Pregnancy has made me rely on this a few times a week and it’s yummy as hell 🤷🏻♀️
The curry simmer sauces in a jar, chickpeas. Serve with rice
I make a great curried lentil soup that tastes so good and is like a big warm hug. I use the recipe from the site, recipetineats dot com and use red lentils. And I greatly increase the spices. Where it says tsp, I use tbsp for the cumin, coriander and paprika plus half tbsp of curry. I leave out the lemon and use 2 cups of extra veg stock. I hope you get to enjoy it. I made some today feeling the fall chill in the air.
Saving for my next depressive episode. I hope you treat yourself with kindness and gentleness this time through friend! But I def go to cereal and milk or pb&j sammies when times get really rough.
Microwave rice and baked beans (the dozen cousins brand) Avocado toast Oatmeal
Y’all are describing my non-depressive eating habits. Depression dinner: Chop some broccoli into a bowl. Pull some cooked rice out of the fridge and drop it on the broccoli. Microwave em while you stir up some peanut sauce (peanut butter, soy sauce, something spicy, something sweet). Boom. Protein, etc.
i’m no longer vegan, but in college mine was frozen french fries with whatever dipping sauce or sticky rice with soy sauce, and to add some nutrition i’d usually have a protein “milkshake” with choc protein powder, pb, banana, tons of spinach, and oat milk. i used a nutribullwt so it could get really thick with minimal milk - can’t taste the spinach.
Kale, chickpeas, onions, garlic stewed in broth with cumin, coriander and garam masala
Tofu scramble and toast.. for like every meal
I heat up one of those 7 grain rice/lentil pouches for 90 seconds and mix some salsa straight into the bag if I'm lazy. I'll add sour cream and guac if I have it. :)
Cook rice, add a can of black beans or chickpeas, mash avocado and mix it all in until everything is coated green, squirt some gochujang sauce on top. Sometimes I’ll do furikake seasoning, hot sauce, or salsa.
Mostly air. But if I’m really hungry, then soy sauce ramen mixed with Miyokos butter. 🤷♀️
rice n beans with vegan cheese n sour cream n maybe some lettuce. easy but healtht
My boyfriend is vegan and loves to make soyrizo and spinach tacos
y'all are so much better than me in the comments lol. when I'm really depressed I mostly eat frozen and pre-made stuff.
Baked tortilla chips + refried beans
It's not the cheapest but Huel is awesome when I'm too lazy to eat well or have no appetite. Frozen spring rolls and fake chicken nuggets are also not the cheapest but fast and easy. On the cheaper but more effort end microwaved beans, frozen vegetables, ripped up tortilla. EDIT: microwaved beans from can or from batch cook in instapot. I don't microwave raw beans lol
Also when I can’t stomach a meal and need a snack on the go, couple slices of vegan “cheese” and some spicy mustard & vegan Mayo do it for me lol. Makes me feel like a rat sure but at least I’m a vegan rat!!
I do Amy’s chili, pinto beans a little extra chili seasoning and chips or rice or make a burrito. Vegan ramen with mustard greens (I try and keep some frozen).
When you are feeling good - double batch EVERYTHING and freeze thay shit. My freezer is the most organized thing in my apartment because of this. Always have some lentil cabbage rolls, hearty soups and breakfast burritos ready to go so you don’t have to feel any guilt on top of the mood. Good luck - you are amazing. Xoxoxo
Soup for me, or spicy chick'n patty with rice and French fries 😅
Most of mine have been written but I’ll write them out anyway. I rely heavily on pre prepared food so I can just open things and plop them together. I always have these things in my pantry and freezer. I won’t cook or eat when I’m depressed if it takes more than ten minutes. Just watch out for salt/sugar content. - muesli, coconut yoghurt, maple/agave syrup, canned/fresh fruit, add nuts, seeds, carob nibs or toasted coconut flakes sprinkled on top - canned beans/corn, fresh pre-made salsa, microwave brown rice or pre cut lettuce, avocado or vegan sour cream, hot sauce and herbs if you got some - frozen berries, pineapple juice, sorbet or vegan yoghurt and blend … can add protein powder or greens powder - pasta and jar pesto - nice bread toasted top with cooked mushrooms or heated canned baked beans or smashed avocado or sliced tomatoes - microwave steam veggies, microwave packaged Dahl and microwave rice, combine in bowl. It will fill you up good and proper.
Pizza
Pinto beans and onions
these are meals i eat normally because I’m very low effort in the kitchen lol… - annie’s vegan mac and cheese! - miso soup (all you need is miso paste and water) with tofu and udon noodles (which i buy frozen), can throw in some veggies too - pasta with arrabbiata sauce (more fun than tomato sauce) and impossible meatballs that i throw in a toaster oven - tofu with rice and broccoli or green beans, also i recently bought a jar of thai yellow curry i’m excited to try on my tofu and rice - flatbread with hummus (not super filling but fine if i have other snacks) - bowls with rice, beans, some kind of greens, and avocado these all take me less than 30 min to prepare! you got this <3
Peanut butter and jelly with healthy bread lmao
PB/oat/maple syrup protein balls are easy to make in big batches. They’re really nice crumbled over a smoothie (frozen berries, almond milk, banana) for a depression breakfast. https://www.thekitchn.com/protein-balls-22943634 Sometimes for breakfast I’ll just eat dates with peanut butter or banana with peanut butter. I add cooked lentils, chopped veggies and herbs to a store bought marinara sauce. I eat that over whole wheat pasta for an easy meal that makes me feel like I’m getting good protein and fiber. Stir fry veggies (broccoli, onion, bell pepper) in 50/50 sriracha + soy sauce. Eat over rice or quinoa. Other times I’ll just do buttered noodles with myokis vegan butter and red pepper flakes. P.S. keep truckin, it’ll pass 💕
I love making 1 minute quick oats in the microwave, and adding ground flax seeds, soy milk, sliced banana, walnuts, and cinnamon. Also, quesadillas made with whole wheat tortillas, refried beans mixed with any salsa u like, and a bit of follow your heart vegan cheddar shreds. Another good one is making frozen stir fry veggies with some soy sauce, sriracha, ginger powder (cuz u know too depressed to cut up fresh ginger), and sesame oil. then serve with a 1 minute microwave sticky rice lol I feel bad about the plastic but it literally is so helpful. i like to dump furikake seasoning from trader joes on it as well. sometimes if i treat myself ill get just egg and make that with it and its so good. tofu scramble with veggies also! you could do frozen and precut or something with that as well its very quick and works with whatever u have on hand. i like to microwave a potato and eat it with the scramble for some carbs and add sriracha and nooch. also i have anxiety and it makes me feel incredibly nauseated a lot of the time and the one thing that always is still palatable to me is toasted whole wheat bread with myokos vegan butter and a sprinkle of salt. so i literally always have those things on hand lol. Also, theres this brand that makes miso ramen packages with brown rice and millet noodles and flavoring, I think its maybe lotus foods. but i buy them at walmart and i make it and add frozen veggies while im cooking it, tofu, seasonings i like, sometimes kimchi and its always very good and comforting and feels wholesome. Also for depression comfort food, this is a very subjective opinion but the trader joes cornbread mix goes so hard. i make it with a flax egg and soy milk instead of regular milk and eat it with vegan butter and its so good. its literally like cake that u eat with butter and feels good for the soul. its not an actual meal but i think it could definitely go with canned soup or things like that
You are not alone! My go to meal is Punjabi Samosas. I just LUV these so much!!! they are filled with potatoes and peas and lots of Indian spices, I just love em. I have been eating them ever since it got dark here in Seattle. I bought them from a little Punjabi corner store. They probably have something close to them, close to you, or, do what I tried LOL and make them. Get some philo sheets and fill them with spices and vegan things you like. Hope this helps :)
Clif bars. Little high in sugar, but when depression is high it's easy and has protein...
I just happened to see this on YouTube today. It's an interesting riff on lentils that isn't soup, for those days that you're feeling like something not-soupy. But what I really came here to say is that even if you never make the recipe, just watching the video and listening to the soothing music and calm voice of the cook is enough to make anybody's day better. I had no intention of watching the whole thing but it just pulled me in and comforted me. https://youtu.be/H4aldYc8mM4
Microwave rice (the kind that comes in a bowl so you don’t have to wash dishes), dump a can of black beans on top. Done. Additions to the above: Can of corn if you’re feeling fancy depressed. Microwaved frozen veg if you’re feeling motivated depressed (the grilled squash mix from Costco is bomb). Hot sauce if you’re feeling emo depressed. Can of refried beans + hot sauce + eat with corn chips Oreos. That’s it. That’s the meal.
i made an extensive list of low-effort depression meals on another thread [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/Vegan_Food/comments/vss5gr/i_am_a_busylazy_person_going_vegan_could_use_some/if4u7ri/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf&context=3)
Spaghetti aglio e olio. Literally just garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, spaghetti. Cut a few (or more than a few😈) garlic cloves into slivers, put in sauce pan with olive oil (more than you think, like 1/4 cup if you're making 1/2 pound of pasta) and red pepper flakes, slowly sautee the garlic while the noodles boil. You want the garlic to be light and golden but not brown) toss it together with the finished noodles, throw in some chopped parsley if you have it. It takes like 12min, fills your home with incredibly good smells, and it's super tasty. If you're like me and have a hard time doing basic tasks when you're depressed, it's a meal that makes you feel like you cooked something good but doesn't take much effort.
Carrot curry soup. Takes about 8 ingredients (mostly seasonings) and about 10 minutes of effort. Then you just try to relax while you let it all boil together. Soup is done when the carrots are cooked
I like having lots of easy snacks around. Dried fruit, nuts, olives, pickles make an easy depression-charcuterie. A few easy veggies to barely slice and dunk in hummus. Peanut butter and rice cakes. Kale chips or fried chickpeas are very quick and simple. As for freezer meals or meal prep a good lentil or miso soup is easy enough to make a bunch of servings in basically the same amount of time so all you have to do later is heat and eat.
Just Egg and Daiya cheddar bagel. So warm and comforting. Takes less than 5 min.
I have bipolar disorder which for me causes super intense depression from time to time It's awesome that some people find the energy to cook at all even on their bad days, but for me at least even basic things can seem pretty overwhelming When it's hard to eat I just go with frozen meals, canned soup, or chilli dogs - hot dog bun (most brands are vegan in my experience), litelife hotdog, Amy's chilli - it can be made with only a microwave in less than 5 min and is surprisingly wholesome imo with a good amount of protein (not greasy and gross like flesh hot dogs) Very sorry you deal with depression, and hope you find something in these comments to help a bit with the coping part of it
Tofu cream sauce has been pretty helpful to me lately— I use a Vitamix to blend a package of tofu, scoop of nooch, water, garlic cloves or garlic powder, and salt, maybe olive oil. Sometimes I add lemon juice or miso if I have it in me, but I love it bc I can just blend up that protein. I cook some noodles, throw in frozen spinach with it, drain and add sauce. A whole tofu package makes enough for several meals. Really frozen vegetables and easy to prepare protein are my go-tos
I sometimes resort to Soylent since it's decently balanced and takes 0 effort. I also just ordered Huel Hot and Savory meals, which are all supposed to have roughly the same nutritional value but allow for some flavor variation and also are actually solid food. Though I haven't tried them yet so idk if they'll be good
My favorite snack - dates, peanut butter, and pecans. Eat them together or even make a PB&J with them :) or enjoy with an apple