Make Your Comfort Meal Healthy

You’re craving a bowl of your mom’s macaroni and
cheese, but you’re also trying to eat healthier. And
what’s healthy about a bowl of pasta and cheese? The
truth is, with some creative switches, many of your
favorite comfort dishes can stay on your healthy menu.

Pasta
The simple carbs in pasta have many people avoiding
this starchy dish. But there are some things you can
do to get it back on your friendly food list. First, switch
to whole grain pasta. Next, use half as much pasta as
usual. Swap in vegetables for the other half. If your
mom’s recipe calls for 4 cups of noodles, make 2 cups
of whole grain pasta. Then mix in 2 cups of cooked
cauliflower.

Meats
If roast beef is your comfort food of choice, or you can’t
face another day without a pork chop, there are ways
to work these foods into your healthy diet. First, look at
your cut of meat. Choose “loin” or “round” cuts for beef,
and “loin” or “leg” cuts for pork. For poultry, take off the
skin before you cook it. Like pasta, substitute veggies or
beans for half of your usual portion.

Soups and Sauces
You may think you have to say goodbye to your favorite
soups and sauces. But that may not be so. Instead, get
creative and make your old favorites even more flavorful.
First, work in more vegetables. They add nutrients and
fiber—and very few calories. Spinach or green peppers
can make anything from marinara to minestrone soup a
healthier choice.
For those days when creamy sauce is a must, you
still have options. Try using pureed white beans (not
cream) to thicken your sauce. And if cheese is what
you’re looking for, try low-fat versions. Stronger-flavored
cheeses (like sharp cheddar or aged parmesan) will give
you the same amount of flavor with less cheese.

Servings
A final tip for healthy comfort food is to eat only enough
to take care of your craving. A small bowl of mom’s
macaroni and cheese would taste great with a plate full
of fresh leafy greens, don’t you think?
Eating healthy isn’t about never enjoying your food
again. It’s about making smart choices and finding new
ways to play with flavor. You may even find that healthy
comfort food tastes better than the old recipes.