Time is often the best remedy when one is suffering with heartbreak. But at the initial stages of a break up, when dramatic weeping and making vows that you’ll never love again are rampant, it can seem like time has come to a standstill. In this fragile time, your best friend becomes the fridge as your shattered heart demands support from all the carbohydrates in our universe. In my most recent experience, I found the following foods to provide more support than my whole two year relationship (I’m not bitter). First up, the most wholesome of winter dishes, the humble casserole. A dish to warm your very soul. My personal favourite is squash, sweet potato and vegetable with plenty of honey. Sweet and nutritious, it’s the perfect dish to make sure your body is getting the energy it needs whilst being absolutely comforting.
The humble casserole – a dish to warm your very soul
Next up is the classic mac ‘n’ cheese. A delicious dish that is akin to a block of cheese giving you a snug hug. Yes, it’s probably not the best for you in terms of health (just add some spinach and then you can kid yourself) but it is tasty and it is a renowned feel good food. The perfect stodgy accompaniment to a trashy movie night – make a big batch and invite your pals round. Having your friends to support you whilst you’re feeling rough is a brilliant distraction. Making sure you eat properly is essential to nursing the tsunami of emotions that awash the mind during a break up and by having dishes that are hearty and tasty, you can rest well in the knowledge that you’re treating your body well.
Fulfil the classic Bridget Jones trope of wrapping yourself in a duvet and entering a relationship with two men named Ben and Jerry
Moving on to the more traditional comforters of the break up food world, I turn to ice cream, cake and chocolate. The ultimate triad of feeling sorry for yourself, be sure to stock up and knit your heart back together with sugary yarn. For ice cream, clotted cream or mint choc chip are my personal go to flavours but if you’re looking for something a bit fancier then I highly recommend Booja-Booja. Their dairy free range is absolutely incredible; especially the Hunky Punky Chocolate flavour. Fulfil the classic Bridget Jones trope of wrapping yourself in a duvet and entering a relationship with two men named Ben and Jerry. In terms of cake, anyone who knows me knows that I love to bake and I couldn’t recommend it enough as a mood lifter. I find it absolutely uplifting to bake a batch of cookies or brownies and share them with some friends. If you’re not much of a baker, then have no fear. Any cake is a good shout and can be accompanied by a cup of tea. The perfect combination. Finally, chocolate. I think this one is pretty self- explanatory. When you’re feeling rough, the mantra of treat yo’ self comes to light and although it’s important to fill your body with good wholesome food, it is equally as important to indulge yourself in whatever takes your fancy and if that equates to a 1L tub of ice cream and a slab of triple chocolate fudge cake then that’s okay too.
