Whether you’re already basking in the summer heat or still stuck in the chill of winter, April is the best time of year to try out some new recipes that will warm you up! It’s not always easy to eat healthy, especially when those comfort foods are calling to you! But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 ways to eat comfort foods with a fun and healthy twist!
1. Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
There are few foods more comforting than a good bowl of Mac and Cheese. Not only does it always satisfy, but, for most of us, it brings us back to our childhoods. But, for all of the pluses of this wonderful comfort food, there is one minus: it’s not very healthy. Thankfully, we can fix that! Try adding a nutritious cooked vegetable like cauliflower next time you cook up this cheesy dinner. This simple trick will elevate the dish and help you get some vegetables in your diet!
2. Turkey Meatloaf
Speaking of childhood foods, how many of us loved meatloaf night as a kid? And, for those that didn’t, have you tried eating it as an adult? Meatloaf is a simple, budget dinner that will fill up the whole family (no wonder our moms were always serving it!) and taste delicious. But, to add a healthy twist, try making your meatloaf out of turkey instead of beef. Turkey has less fat content and is better on the budget, too!
3. Sweet Potato Fries
Look, we all love French Fries. Even just catching a whiff of the salty, starchy goodness of this snack is enough to make our mouths water. But, we have to face it, they aren’t the healthiest meal on the planet. Enter the sweet potato fry. Less salty, sweeter, and healthier all around!
4. Margherita Pizza: One of the Best Comfort Foods
You know, we had to include a pizza on this list. There are few foods more comforting — and easier. Margherita Pizza was originally created for the Italian queen Margherita in order to echo the colors of the flag of Italy. With tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, it does just that! And with fewer ingredients than your typical slice, it’s a great healthy alternative!
5. Spaghetti with Spaghetti Squash
It’s all in the name. An excellent alternative to one of the greatest foods of our childhood. Spaghetti on its own doesn’t hold much nutritional value, but adding a vegetable like squash can tip it over the edge! And make it even more delicious!
6. Chicken Pot-Pie with a Whole Wheat Crust
Although already fairly healthy on its own, chicken pot pie can be made even healthier with the addition of one simple ingredient: whole wheat. Whole wheat has less sugar than white crust and is more filling, too! And we promise it will be just as tasty!
7. Healthy Black Bean Burgers
We know, meat substitutes are always a little scary. Sometimes they can be delicious! But sometimes they can taste a bit like cardboard. But Black Bean Burgers have been around for a long time for a reason — they really are tasty! Try this healthy treat with a wheat bun and some sprouts for added texture. You won’t regret it!
8. Baked Potato with Broccoli and Cheddar
There are few foods more versatile than the potato. You can eat it in almost any form, and it’s almost always going to be delicious. What form is more comforting than baked? A baked potato on its own is not unhealthy, but all of the butter, sour cream, and bacon that we top it with can be. Instead of those unhealthy options, try adding some broccoli and cheddar cheese. It will still be delicious, but much better for your heart.
9. Oatmeal Chocolate-Chip Cookies
Alright, you know there had to be a cookie on this list, and there is no cookie more classic (or more delicious) than the traditional chocolate chip. Granted, still having the chocolate in there doesn’t make it the healthiest option, but what is a chocolate chip cookie without any chocolate? Still, adding oatmeal does elevate the protein and fiber of the cookie, and it gives it a crunchier texture, too!
10. Rotisserie Chicken Wrap with Spinach
For the final selection on this list, we wanted to go with something easy, filling, and great for a warm day! Chicken wraps are so easy to make at home, and adding baked chicken instead of fried makes the meal a lot healthier! Try adding some spinach to the dish as well, for extra iron!
Final Thoughts
Any one of these 10 Comfort Foods With A Healthy Twist is bound to make you and your family happy at dinner time! And the added health benefits can be our little secret!
