Welcome to April – a time for new beginnings! Too bad it also includes final exams, moving back home or finding a new place to live.

Well, I have good news! There are plenty of ways to stay positive during this busy time. One of them is to eat meals that put YOU in a good mood!

Now if you’re thinking pizza, a big bowl of ice cream or a burger, that’s not exactly what I had in mind.

You can tell yourself you earned that double burger with cheese, but if I asked you to tell me about the foods you think would help you achieve what you really want, would a double burger be your first choice?

Don’t get me wrong. There’s a time and place for greasy comfort food. I just think these five meals selected from the College Recipe Cafe Menu have more to offer to keep our spirits up and help us achieve more than we think is possible.

Good Mood Breakfast

Breakfast is essential to kick-start the day on a positive note!

My brain and I have skipped breakfast, chewed on a pop tart (read refined sugar) as a first meal, and started the day with a nutrient-rich dish like the cafe’s Freshman 15 Free Fruit Salad.

We’ve found the third option puts us in the best mood and saves everyone around us from having to deal with cranky Brent – he’s not much fun.

 Good Mood Snack

To be in a good mood we need energy!

Energy drinks provide a short burst of “KA-POW”, but I’ve never tasted one that made me feel like I was sitting on a beach.

That’s how I feel when I sip this Summertime Fruit Smoothie. Relaxing, healthy and energy boosting – WIN/WIN/WIN!   

Good Mood Lunch

Certain aromas can trigger positive thoughts!

The first tip on uLoops 27 Quick and Easy Ways to Boost Your Mood Now is to inhale a calming scent. What could be more calming than the scent of bacon? It smells like Sunday morning – the most relaxing time and day of the week!

To keep things on the healthy side, use it as a topping for a salad. And what’s the easiest salad you can prepare? The Cafe’s Wedge Salad of course!

Good Mood Dinner

It’s hard to be in a good mood if cooking your “good mood” meal feels like a total hassle.

It’s why I added the cafe’s Chop-Free Vegetable Stir Fry to this list and included it in 15-Minute Money Saving Meals for Students.

There’s nothing to chop, it’s easy to assemble and you get a saucy-good vegetable stir-fry that’s full of nutrients and flavor!

Good Mood Dessert

Acing and exam is as good as licking whipped cream off a spoon!

You’ll need serious brain power to ace an exam and according to Hack College’s 7 Ways to Boost Brain Power you need to cut back on refined sugar to get the most out of your grey matter.

But what about the whipped cream Brent?

There there my sweet-toothed friend – I haven’t forgotten. This Avocado Delight dessert will satisfy your craving. Simply top half an avocado with a spoonful of light whipped cream and a handful of chocolate chips. It’s sweet, low in refined sugar and avocado offers a goldmine of nutrients for your brain!

Save your fav recipes, stock up on cooking skills & help yourself to a free cup of recipes. It’s on me! Click anywhere in the box below to get started.

Thanks for stopping in at the cafe. Cheers!