How to Make Comfort Foods Healthier

Eating healthy doesn’t mean you need to give up your favorite comfort foods that soothe the soul and delight the taste buds. Though typical comfort dishes feature heavier ingredients, many alternatives can lighten your favorite feel-good foods without sacrificing flavor. Increase the health factor of classic comforts with these simple and satisfying substitutes.

Nonfat Plain Yogurt
Classic creamy dishes are rich and comforting, but they often contain a large amount of saturated fat. Whether you’re replacing sour cream, heavy cream or mayonnaise, yogurt is a healthy option that gives the creaminess you’re craving and delivers a boost of protein!

> Use yogurt in place of mayonnaise for tuna salad, chicken salad and coleslaw.
> Spread yogurt onto your favorite hearty sandwiches like grilled cheeses and BLTs.
> Swap milk and butter for yogurt in mac and cheese.

Pasta Replacements
Spaghetti and meatballs, noodle bakes and pasta dishes of all shapes and sizes are comforts that can easily be lightened with more nutritious pasta substitutes. Try these gluten-free, nutritious noodle alternatives and mix and match with your favorite sauces and garnishes.

> Brown rice, chickpea or lentil pasta
> Spaghetti squash
> Spiralized vegetable noodles (zucchini, sweet potatoes, butternut squash)
> Buckwheat, udon or soba noodles (packed with fiber and protein)

Cauliflower Comforts
Loaded with an array of vitamins, minerals and nutrients, cauliflower is an excellent choice for lighter and healthier recipes. Use this low-carb, low-calorie veggie as a swap for countless comforting dishes.

> Blend cauliflower into rice-like pieces or use packaged cauliflower rice in a healthier version of fried rice or stir-fry.
> Use cauliflower in place of noodles in mac and cheese.
> Incorporate mashed cauliflower into mashed potatoes for added creaminess and a burst of nutrients
in disguise.
> Create homemade cauliflower pizza crusts using a head of cauliflower for a veggie-rich pizza night.