Healthier Comfort Foods
When it’s cold outside or our mood is low, there’s nothing like good comfort food to make us feel better. The problem is, conventional comfort food isn’t always the best for us. It is usually high in fat, carbohydrates, sugar or salt. Unfortunately, these are the foods that can activate regions of the brain associated with pleasure. However, with a few simple tweaks, we can make some of our favorite comfort foods much healthier without losing flavor. Here are some great recipes for vegetable lasagne, baked potatoes with chili, and even oatmeal cookies. Smart choices to keep you healthy and get you comfy when you need it the most!
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Thinkstock 1Vegetable Lasagna
A cheese heavy lasagna can be loaded with saturated fats. A meatless lasagna, one with vegetables, could be a better choice. Go with low or fat free cheese to reduce the calories too. Click here for an amazing Vegetable lasagna recipe.
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CharlieAJA/Getty Image/Thinkstock 2Baked Potato With Chili
Who doesn’t like a fully loaded baked potato with cheese, sour cream, bacon bits and butter? Unfortunately your body doesn’t. A baked potato with turkey or veggie chili is a much better option. Turkey or veggie chili adds healthy veggies and lots of beans that are high in fiber and protein. Click here for an amazing Baked Potato with Turkey Chili recipe.
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ThinkStock 3Low Calorie Ice Cream
Some of us believe true comfort lies at the end of a meal -- or whenever that sweet tooth kicks in. Ice cream, of course, is a favorite. Here’s a low calorie option I can vouch for.
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ThitareeSarmkasat/ Getty Stock 4Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies
Cookies and health were never synonyms. Still, a good oatmeal-raisin one, made with healthier ingredients such as whole wheat or almond flour, sugar-free applesauce or plain yogurt, is a lower calorie, lower fat version. Here is a great recipe.