Treat Yourself Meals You Desperately Desire
We've all been there before, having a particularly tough day at work, with the thought of a delicious dinner being the only thing getting you through. And it makes sense. Food is such a huge motivator for many of us, with tasty dishes curing even the worst moods. But out of all the foods there are in the world, there are a few that repeatedly come to mind when we need saving. Here are 20 foods people crave most after a bad day at work.
1. Pizza
What's easy, deeply satisfying, and delicious on every level? Majority of you probably immediately thought of pizza. After a difficult day at work, you're going to want something that hits your cravings, and a dish as customizable as pizza will do wonders. Cheese, pepperoni, meat lovers, Hawaiian, you name it, it's yours.
2. Burgers
Burgers are probably the most convenient after-work dinner you can grab on your way home. We can almost guarantee that in America, no matter where you work, there are a variety of fast food burger options nearby. That means dinner can always be taken care of (and made delicious) without any extra effort on your end.
3. Beef Stew
A stressful day usually means that you're craving something warm and comforting to help level out your evening. So what could possibly be more inviting than beef stew, complete with tender beef chunks, soft vegetables, and a thick and rich broth? It's the kind of meal that makes you want to sit down, eat slowly, and enjoy your peace.
4. Mac and Cheese
Feeling more down than usual after a tough work day? There's nothing like a cheesy meal to lift your spirits back up. And of all these cheesy dishes out there, mac and cheese is definitely the most reassuring and heartwarming option. Creamy in texture and rich in flavor, it's a no-fuss meal that's simple yet familiar and delicious every time.
5. Fried Chicken
If you really want to chow down and dig into your food, fried chicken is the perfect meal to do that. It's hot, filling, and comes with a crispy exterior that's fun to bite into. There's definitely a strong comfort factor there, but it's more exciting than any regular old dinner, which can be just what you need after a long day.
6. Tacos
Sometimes, you just want something fresh, flavorful, and fun to eat after a dull 8 hours. And when that craving kicks in, tacos are just the cure you're looking for. This beloved dish can be easy to whip up on your own, or there are several great fast food options, too. Not all comfort foods need to be heavy!
7. Pasta
Warm, substantial, and coming in so many different varieties, pasta is the convenient dinner that never disappoints. Whether you want spaghetti, penne, baked ziti, or ravioli, you can always pick them up at the grocery store with pre-made sauce for a quick and easy dinner. Or if you want to treat yourself, takeout pasta holds up well, too!
8. Barbecue Ribs
There's nothing heartier and more satisfying than eating a messy meal like barbecue ribs. Besides, maybe you'll be able to take out some of your frustrations as you rip into the tender meat! That bold sauce will hit you in the face and be the wakeup call you needed after a tiring day.
nobleseed nobleseed on Unsplash
9. Grilled Cheese
When we're feeling our worst, sometimes all we want is tasty, simple food that isn't complicated or overly complex. So what's better than melty cheese and toasted bread? Grilled cheese can be a wonderful treat after a stressful workday because it's familiar, warm, and easy to make.
10. Ramen
Not everyone has the energy to prep a whole meal after work, and if you're going through a particularly bad day, we'd imagine you'd be even less inclined. So on these days, nothing hits better than some instant ramen that comes together in no time. Not only is it warm and comforting, you can level it up with toppings in your fridge, like eggs, seaweed, meat, and more.
11. Chinese Takeout
Tired of Western cuisine? Chinese takeout will deliver every time because it offers delicious variety, taste, and convenience. Whether you want Panda Express or order from a local Chinese restaurant, it's an easy fix to a long day. From orange chicken to fried rice or lo mein, you'll forget all about your hardships when you bite into these delicious dishes.
12. Ice Cream
Nothing like a sweet treat to help boost your mood. Maybe you don't care much about dinner and just want to dive straight into dessert. If you've got a sweet tooth, ice cream is the perfect thing to help you relax after dealing with pressure all day. It's sweet, cooling, and comes in so many different flavors, you can pick whatever best suits your mood that evening.
13. Lasagna
When you combine pasta with cheese and a meaty tomato sauce, you get the best of all worlds. It's filling, hearty, heartwarming, and delicious whether it's frozen from the grocery store, homemade, or bought from a restaurant. We swear lasagna can cure most bad moods, even terrible work days!
14. Burritos
When you're craving burritos, you can rest well knowing they're easy to make at home, or you have Chipotle as a delicious and convenient option when you don't want to be in the kitchen. They're always packed with flavor, and work well as a substantial meal that'll fill you up immediately (while improving your mood in the process, of course).
15. Chili
Chili is the best "throw everything into a pot" kind of meal. It's bold, spicy if you want it to be, and perfectly comforting when you need it. That mix of meat, beans, and spices turns magical in the pot every time, and is the perfect dish you can devour spoonfuls after spoonfuls of to help calm your frustrations.
stephanie monfette on Unsplash
16. Chicken Parmesan
We've made it clear that cheese always makes food taste better, which is why it makes perfect sense you'd want chicken parmesan after work. It's a natural choice when you want something you can really dig into, but still feels a bit special and fancy. Who knew crispy breaded chicken, melted cheese, and rich tomato sauce could feel so luxurious?
17. Sushi
If you're someone who craves freshness rather than heaviness after a rough day, there's nothing better than sushi to meet your needs. Fresh, light, and coming in many different kinds, it's no surprise many head out to their local sushi restaurant when they're in need of a pick-me-up.
Riccardo Bergamini on Unsplash
18. Loaded Baked Potatoes
Loaded baked potatoes are a great fit when you want something hearty but still simple. Once they're topped with butter, cheese, sour cream, bacon, and chives, they become far more filling than their plain appearance suggests. And after a demanding day, that kind of reliable comfort can be exactly what sounds right.
19. Chocolate
Most people like to keep things simple. After a bad day, a few bites of some creamy chocolate can help lift your spirits. Some might just want straight chocolate, while others prefer it in baked goods like brownies, cake, or cookies. Go for whatever fits your boat, you deserve it!
20. Steak
For a true, treat yourself meal, nothing performs better than steak. It's often considered a fancy meal, so if you really need that lift in spirit, it's the perfect food to get the job done. Besides, for people who just want to devour a big meal, steak is hefty enough to provide what you need.
KEEP ON READING
20 Food-Related Art Projects
