When you think of comfort food, it generally means tasty, greasy, heavy food that's unhealthy for your body. However, that's not always the case. Many foods that might look unhealthy can be great for your body if you make them the right way. We are not saying you should give up on the taste, but there's always a way to make your comfort food healthy.
Since nutritional needs vary from person to person, we picked some of the best comfort foods and tried to make them healthier by swapping in some ingredients and adding others. Although different bodies have different requirements, one must consult their dietician before incorporating any of these items into their routine. Here is the list of seven of the best comfort foods that are actually healthy for you.
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Chicken Noodle Soup
A warm bowl of chicken noodle soup can be great whether you are sick or sad. This mood-uplifting recipe can be a lifesaver because of its simplicity and gentleness on the stomach. So, you can have a bowl without affecting your gut. Chicken is high in protein, while vegetables like carrots and celery can add fiber and vitamins. Moreover, you can swap your regular noodles for whole-wheat noodles for a healthier experience.
It's an example of food being comforting as well as healthy. The coolest part about making chicken noodle soup is you have autonomy over what goes inside it. You can reduce salt or add more veggies like spinach or peas without significantly affecting its taste. A few veggies, spices, and chicken, and you'll have a bowl of noodle soup to keep you warm, full, and hydrated.
Baked Mac and Cheese
Some people think of Baked Mac and Cheese as a cheat meal, but it does not have to be. You can enhance the nutritional value by swapping your regular pasta for high-protein, high-fiber Edamame or Chickpea pasta. Instead of heavy cream, you can use a mix of real cheese and low-fat milk. Moreover, you can add broccoli, spinach, or other veggies to add extra nutrients. Despite all the changes, you'll still get the creamy, cheesy taste but with better ingredients.
Also, if you want better nutritional value, you can cut back on cheese or use aged cheddar to get more concentrated nutrients like protein, calcium, and Vitamin B12. Even a small amount of good cheese would make it rich and creamy. Eventually, you can bake the dish with a light breadcrumb topping instead of extra cheese for lower calories. In this way, you can enjoy your cheat meal without even cheating.
Turkey Chili
If you love having beef as your comfort food but want to cut back on fat, Turkey chilli is the smartest swap. Despite being high in protein, the ground turkey has less fat than some ground beef options. To make this dish nutritionally great, you can add beans and tomatoes. For taste, you can add cumin and chilli powder without affecting its nutritional profile.
A bowl of Turkey chilli is as good as beef chilli, and that too without post-dinner/ lunch heaviness. It's easy to cook, stays good in the fridge for a few days, and might taste even better the next day. All you need to do is make a big pot on the weekend and eat it for lunch, dinner, or whenever you want. Moreover, you can add plain yogurt or some avocados for taste, if you want.
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Sweet Potato Casserole
You might think, how can a food loaded with sugar and marshmallows be healthy at all? You're right. However, Sweet potato casserole has a very healthy base ingredient: sweet potato. Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber and release carbs more slowly than white potatoes. So, all you need to do is minimize added sugar and skip the marshmallow topping to make it healthy.
However, you can add some cinnamon, a little maple syrup, and chopped pecans if you want. People mostly eat it on holidays or special occasions, but there's no rule; you can make it any day and serve it as a side dish on any night of the week. To preserve the natural sweetness, you can roast the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them. And that's how you can have a comforting sweet potato casserole without affecting your body.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A grilled cheese sandwich may not be the healthiest on this list, but you can make it healthier with a few simple changes. You can use whole-grain or buckwheat bread for their rich fiber content and moderate carb content. Have protein-rich cheese with good fat, like cheddar. Moreover, you can add tomato slices or spinach inside the sandwich for extra nutrients.
Now, you can grill the sandwich with a small amount of olive oil instead of butter to have the best and healthiest experience. You can pair your grilled cheese sandwich with a bowl of soup or some salad for a complete, balanced meal. So, all you need to do is swap your bread and cheese, and add a few veggies to make your grilled cheese sandwich the healthiest ever.
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Meatloaf
It may sound heavy, but meatloaf can be made lean and more nutritious. You can either use ground turkey or lean beef; both are high in protein. By adding grated veggies like carrots or zucchini, you can improve the dish's fiber profile. Instead of breadcrumbs, you can use oats for fiber and a reasonable carb count.
A sugary sauce can be a bit problematic, so you can use tomato glaze or a mustard glaze, depending on the flavor you want. The good thing about meatloaf is it can be eaten the next day and served alongside roasted vegetables. Since it is lean, it should not feel heavy even when eaten cold. In simpler terms, it is a pragmatic comfort food that can be healthier, depending on your ingredient choices.
Mashed Potatoes
Potatoes are generally considered high-carbohydrate foods, but they can absolutely fit into your health regimen if cooked smartly. Mashed potatoes are easy to cook and a common comfort food staple. You can leave the skins on since they are fiber-rich and nutrient-dense. Instead of heavy cream or butter, you can use low-fat milk or broth.
Adding cauliflower can lower the overall carb count while keeping the same creamy texture. With added herbs like parsley, garlic, or chives, along with a little olive oil, you can enjoy a decent taste without affecting the nutritional value. With all these changes, you can enjoy a good plate of mashed potatoes without any guilt.
