1. Chicken Noodle Soup

For me, chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s warm and tastes good. You can modify it with the veggies that you love best. Combined with chicken and noodles, you get a dose of comfort in a bowl. Chicken noodle soup is best when you feel a cold coming on or you’re homesick for your mom. Don’t be afraid to go back for seconds. In some cases, more is better.

2. Macaroni and Cheese

It’s not just for kids! Pretty much anyone loves macaroni and cheese. For good reason – all that cheese and carbs can give you a mood boost and make something horrible seem a little less so. Have macaroni and cheese after a breakup or if you lose your job. It won’t solve your problems, but it will make you forget them for a while.

3. Mashed Potatoes

Due to their carb content, mashed potatoes are great for when you’ve had a crappy day and just want to feel better. Once in a while, there’s nothing wrong with just having a big bowl of mashed potatoes under the covers in your bed. You’ll feel better and you’ll have a full tummy at the same time. A little bit of gravy makes things even better.

4. Meatloaf

Meatloaf reminds me of my childhood. And that always makes me feel good. When you’re feeling nostalgic or you’re missing home, have yourself some meatloaf and see how soon you feel better. If you don’t cook, head to a diner. Most of them serve up delicious meatloaf that will have you smiling in just minutes.

5. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Remember when you were little and a grilled cheese sandwich made you feel so loved? Recreate that feeling by whipping up your own sandwich at home. It’s as easy as spreading butter on two slices of bread, adding a thick slice of cheese and grilling it until golden and brown. Serve your comforting sandwich with a steaming bowl of tomato soup.

6. Chicken Fried Steak

I don’t make this at home because it’s not healthy, but when I go out for breakfast, it’s hard to resist. There’s something about a slab of crispy fried meat smothered in gravy that just makes me feel good. Served with hashbrowns, it’s even better. Give it a try – I think you’ll see what I mean. Chicken fried steak is a comfort food that’s perfect for anytime you need it.

7. Hot Chocolate

After a hard day, I love a cup of hot chocolate before going to bed. Milk is soothing and helps you relax and get sleepy and the chocolate makes it taste decadent. No matter what kind of a day you had – stressful, sad, upsetting or just plain hard, a mug of hot chocolate can cure what ails you.

What’s your go-to comfort food? When do you eat it?