Healthier Comfort Food!

When the cold weather sets in, it’s time to turn the comfort up with dishes that warm the body. It is normal to crave these foods, but this doesn’t mean they have to be calorie bombs. In fact, these foods can be turned into meals that allow you to still be on track with your best intentions for healthy eating.

It can be hard to meet your weight and health goals while enjoying many typical high-calorie comfort food dishes. But before you give up on the idea of enjoying some of your favorite comfort foods, consider this approach: Lighten up your favorite dishes to make them more balanced so you can enjoy them all season long!

With that in mind, let’s dive into some options to achieve this goal.

Many comfort foods, such as pasta alfredo, lasagna, and deep-dish pizza pie, are high-nutrient-dense. This concentrated source of energy can raise the numbers on your scale, and most importantly the type of fat they include (usually saturated) can increase your cholesterol levels which can contribute to heart disease. In order to avoid this, trim the fat from these dishes by swapping large amounts of rich ingredients, such as cheese, cream, fatty meats, and fats for smaller amounts of lighter, healthier options (i.e., almond milk for cream, cashew cream for cheese, and mashed avocados instead of mayonnaise). You can also reduce the size of the serving you are having and make sure you increase the serving of veggies in your plate.

As we all know, soup is as comforting a food as you can find, and it can be a very healthy choice when prepared properly. Try making soups that are filled with vegetables and whole grains. Avoid loading them up with cream, milk, or cheese. Researchers have shown that veggie-rich soups contain fewer calories in the meal.

When it comes to calories, is important to understand that not everyone has the same needs, and every meal can be enjoyed in moderation. While it may be hard to believe, there are loads of smart ways you can modify or use substitutions that can allow you to indulge in your favorite fall recipes, Make sure you honor your cravings and most importantly, that you enjoy your meal.