Healthy Comfort Foods to Incorporate into Your Weekly Meals

We all have a comfort food favorite. No matter what country or culture you come from, there is a food we all find ourselves returning to whenever we need a pick me up or to feel the comforts of home. Often warm, hearty, and satisfying, comfort foods provide a sense of happiness and well-being to us, making them truly enjoyable. However, comfort foods are not always the healthiest option, often containing calories, unhealthy fats, and sugars that can lead to an unhealthy lifestyle if overly consumed. What if we told you that you can still enjoy the comforting flavors and textures of your favorite foods while keeping them healthy? Today, we wanted to share ideas on how to recreate your favorite comfort foods with healthy alternatives to support a more balanced diet! Interested in learning more? Then read on!

Chicken Noodle Soup

First and foremost on our list is the classic favorite: chicken noodle soup. This timeless soup is the perfect comfort food and can actually be quite a healthy treat as well! While this soup is typically made with high amounts of sodium, there are various ways to recreate a healthier chicken noodle soup without all of the salt (and with some delicious additions too!). Try switching out canned-based broths with homemade ones, normal pasta with whole-grain noodles, add in some freshly cut vegetables, and sautee and lean chicken breast for an immune-boosting, warm, and ever-so-tasty version of your favorite! 

Vegetable Lasagna

Another go-to favorite comfort food for so many has to be lasagna. Often loaded with cheese and high-fat meats, though, typical lasagna can be high in calories and may not be the healthiest if eaten too often. Thankfully, there are a variety of healthy lasagna options you can prepare that will help you get in your vegetables while still enjoying a delicious treat. One popular healthy lasagna method is vegetable lasagna! Layer on roasted vegetables, low-fat cheese, and whole-grain lasagna noodles and cook until soft and golden brown for a treat you will surely grab seconds of!

Healthy Chili

If you’re a chili lover, this one is for you! Classic chili is a staple for many of us, chock full of delicious flavors all blended together in a hearty meal that is a joy to enjoy for everyone! If you’re looking for a healthier option to this crowd favorite, though, you’re in luck! Healthier versions to chili can be made using lean ground turkey or beef, fresh vegetables, and sweet potatoes instead of beans, all of which still maintain the essence of mouthwatering chili without all the additional calories! Best yet, foods like sweet potatoes and vegetables can help you support your daily health goals while maintaining the meals that truly bring you comfort. If you’re looking to make healthy chili for yourself, try this easy homemade beef chili, this healthy turkey chili recipe, or this sweet potato and black bean chili! 

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

The final comfort food we have on our list today are fries. If you’re like many, fries are a staple side dish, but are typically heavily deep fried in oil and high in sodium without any beneficial food content. That’s where sweet potatoes come in! Baked sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative, providing the same satisfying crunch without the guilt. Additionally, sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber and vitamins, making them a healthy and tasty snack and a perfect option to enjoy the food you love while helping your body out in the process!

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