Is It Time for a Buffalo Chicken Boost? Try This Recipe for Heat and Happiness | Mental Health Recipes

Any food with a bit of heat and spice is my jam. And the buffalo chicken wrap is no exception! This classic lunch go-to (I’m literally having it for lunch today) is super easy to make and contains tons of protein, giving your body and mind the perfect boost.

So, if the heat makes you happy, this recipe is for you. If you’re not a fan of spicy, you can also make this recipe and swap out the buffalo or hot sauce for something a little less tangy.

Your 30-Minute Buffalo Chicken Wrap for a Better Mood

So, there are actually a few reasons why this buffalo chicken wrap can help boost our mood (aside from its great taste!).

How Does This Buffalo Chicken Wrap Enhance Your Mental Wellness?

With each wrap coming in at around 525 calories, this makes for the perfect lunch or dinner. It’s filling and will appeal to your taste buds in more ways than one! But how can this contribute to a better mood? Well, let’s take a closer look.

1. Each Wrap Contains 30 Grams of Protein.

Considering we each need a minimum of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, getting 20-30 grams at each meal is a great spot to be. A big problem in today’s society is that most of us don’t get enough protein each day (We can thank the food industry for this one!). 

Yet, protein is essential for a good mood. Without it, our bodies can’t make key neurotransmitters and hormones in adequate amounts. And this drastically impacts our mood. In fact, it’s implicated in depression and anxiety disorders.

2. Eating Enough Protein Can Reduce Your Sugar Consumption.

Sugar wreaks havoc on our health, and excess consumption of it can lead to depression. But this doesn’t mean we have to completely avoid it (which is a near-impossibility). Rather, focusing on eating whole foods that aren’t processed can help in leaps and bounds. 

Yet, the more protein we eat, the less sugar we likely will crave. This is because protein is filling, keeping cravings and hunger at bay for hours on end. 

3. Garlic Also Might Just Make You Happier!

Research suggests that garlic has potent anti-depression properties.

It’s thought to increase serotonin production, which can help us feel good. In fact, garlic has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Other health benefits of garlic are theorized to include improved heart health, antimicrobial properties, and more.

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