Easy Things to Eat When You Don’t Know What You Want

Some days, I open the fridge five times and still walk away hungry.

Not because there’s nothing there — but because I don’t know what I want.

Or maybe because I don’t feel like I deserve to eat.

Or maybe because making any decision feels like way too much.

If you’ve been there too — if your appetite is all over the place or your brain just feels foggy — I want you to know you’re not lazy, broken, or doing anything wrong.

You’re just having a moment. And you still deserve to eat.

Sometimes we need food that’s low-effort, low-pressure, and comforting in the weird, in-between moods. So here are some of my go-to “don’t know what I want, but I should probably eat” options:

🧀 Snack Plates (AKA adult Lunchables)

A little of this, a little of that. Throw it on a plate and call it nourishment.

Try:

Crackers or bread + cheese

Sliced fruit (even canned or frozen works!)

Nuts or trail mix

Pickles or olives

Hummus or peanut butter

Rolled-up deli meat or tofu cubes

No cooking. No overthinking. Just grab-and-go grazing.

🍳 Breakfast All Day

Breakfast foods are often easy to make, easy to digest, and oddly comforting when you’re emotionally drained.

Try:

Scrambled eggs and toast

Yogurt with fruit or granola

Instant oatmeal with cinnamon and honey

A smoothie (throw frozen stuff in a blender — no rules!)

A bagel with butter, cream cheese, or peanut butter

Breakfast doesn’t ask for much. And neither should your food right now.

🍲 Warm and Easy Comforts

Sometimes you don’t want something new — you want something safe.

Try:

Ramen (add frozen veggies or an egg if you’re feeling it)

A microwaved frozen meal (zero shame — it’s still food!)

Canned soup with crackers

Rice + anything: butter, soy sauce, avocado, fried egg

Mac & cheese (boxed, homemade, or vegan — whatever works)

Bonus tip: If you have one meal that always works for you, keep those ingredients on hand. No shame in having a go-to.

🥪 The Power of a Lazy Sandwich

Sandwiches can be as fancy or as basic as you need.

Try:

Grilled cheese

PB&J

Turkey and mayo on toast

A wrap with whatever’s in the fridge

Even just butter and bread — that’s still food!

If you can make it and eat it in under 10 minutes, that’s a win.

🍬 Small Snacks Count

If a full meal feels overwhelming, start with a bite. Sometimes your appetite needs a gentle nudge.

Try:

Applesauce cups

Cheese sticks

Popcorn

Protein bars

A spoonful of peanut butter

Cereal (dry or with milk — your call)

You can always eat more later. Starting is what matters.

💡 Quick Tips for Feeding Yourself on “Meh” Days

Eat first, figure out feelings later. You don’t have to want the food to need the food.

• Use paper plates. If dishes are a barrier, remove it.
• Meal-prep lazy-style. Make double when you do cook so future-you has options.
• Keep a “go-to” food list. When your brain is blank, it helps to have backup ideas written down.

You Still Deserve to Eat

You don’t have to be productive, hungry, or even okay to earn a meal.

Your body still needs care on the days your brain can’t decide.

Your needs don’t go away just because your energy does.

So next time your stomach grumbles and your mind shrugs, come back to this post. Pick one thing. Feed yourself gently.

You’re not failing. You’re figuring it out.

With love and snacks,

Briana