While summer hasn’t hit yet, in some spots, the weather is warming up… (Hey, global warming!). And maybe you have a bit of an appetite for a taste of summer! Well, these grilled chicken veggie skewers might serve up exactly what you’re craving.
Not only do they add a bit of the BBQ flavor to your life; they also make for an ultra-healthy choice for your next meal (or, if you make a bunch at the same time, for your next few meals!).
In other good news, this recipe is super straightforward. I mean, I love meals where there is barely any work, and the most work this one takes is waiting for the chicken to marinate (so prepare accordingly; not when you’re already starving). So, let’s get grilling!
With minimal ingredients and work, this will be a recipe you’re sure to keep coming back to!
And it’s got tons of punch when it comes to enhancing your physical and mental health (Hello, protein!). So, how can you throw this one together? Read on to discover the recipe!
These kebabs are all good, meaning they don’t really have much downside. And if you’re on a vegan or vegetarian diet, feel free to swap those chicken bits for plant-based meat alternatives. So, let’s dig a little deeper. What ingredients in these skewers can improve your mood and mental wellness?
Many vegetables included in these skewers, such as bell peppers and onions, contain complex carbohydrates. And no, carbs aren’t to be feared! Our body and, especially, our brain need carbs. These types of carbs are further particularly beneficial.
Complex carbohydrates are digested more slowly, providing a steady release of glucose to the brain. This is essential for maintaining brain function and mood stability.
But there’s more… These skewers are also packed with fiber, another type of carbohydrate. So, what’s the deal with fiber?
Well, high-fiber foods, like many vegetables, can positively impact the gut microbiome, which is closely connected to brain health through the gut-brain axis. A healthy gut microbiome has been associated with a reduced risk of mood disorders. When you keep you gut happy, you keep your brain and mental state happy!
Vegetables contain various phytochemicals with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, such as flavonoids and carotenoids. These compounds can protect against cellular damage and have been linked to lower rates of depression.
In other words, your parents were onto something when they told you to eat your veggies. And incorporating lots of veggies and color into your diet can be a wonderful way to look after your mental well-being.
…Something many people don’t get enough of! Yet, protein is so very essential for mental wellness and brain health. Protein makes up the base of hormones, neurotransmitters, and more. In fact, it’s thought that because of this, it can even help prevent depression.
On top of this, protein, like fiber, can keep you full for hours afterward. This can ensure you don’t end up snacking on refined carbs, which are linked to various mood disorders and physical health conditions.
Related Article: Is It Time for a Buffalo Chicken Boost? Try This Recipe for Heat and Happiness | Mental Health Recipes
Cooking homemade meals isn’t just good for our body and mind. It also feeds the soul. The mere act of preparing and cooking meals, such as assembling and grilling skewers, can also be a mood booster. Cooking can serve as a creative outlet, reduce stress, and increase a sense of accomplishment.
Related Article: 30 New Hobbies List: Lower Stress & Boost Your Confidence
Even if it’s not here quite yet, we can pretend and dream with these tasty skewers. Try these out and get ready to host many BBQs this summer with these as the main course!
Read Next: Bacon Wrapped Chicken & Asparagus for a Mood-Lifting Meal? | Mental Health Recipes
LATEST
Wake up to dailymotivation!
Get Motivational Quotes, Affirmations, and insightful content delivered to your inbox every morning!
