Lifestyle

5 Healthy Versions of Your Favorite Comfort Foods

By Sarah Munger at Northwestern University

Sometimes those go-to comfort foods can leave you feeling bloated and groggy. Instead of cutting out your favorites, try these replacements instead.

1. Instead of spaghetti and meatballs…

Try spaghetti squash noodles and bean balls. By replacing processed white pasta with a vegetable and taking a break from red meat by eating protein-and-fiber-rich bean and flax balls, you can turn this classic dish into a healthy one. 

2. Instead of creamy mashed potatoes…

Try cauliflower mashed “potatoes.” Mash up cauliflower with some garlic to fill you right up.

3. Instead of ice cream…

Try one ingredient banana “ice cream.” Seriously, this works. All you need is a frozen banana, but feel free to add ingredients like peanut butter or chocolate chips.

4. Instead of traditional pancakes…

Try Greek yogurt blueberry pancakes. A healthy twist on a breakfast favorite, perfect for every Sunday morning to come.

5. Instead of delivery pizza…

Try whole wheat pita pocket pizzas. A healthier crust option and oh-so-easy to make, this pizza is a great lunch option or late night craving-buster.