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.