Comfort Food Without the Guilt: 5 Tips for Healthier Eating

There’s nothing quite like good comfort food to make you feel better during the colder months of the year. But if you’re trying to be healthier, eating your favorite comfort foods can make you feel guilty about not making better food choices. Never fear – we’ve got 5 tips for making your favorite comfort foods healthier, without sacrificing any of the flavor!

Tip #1 – Healthier Oils

One simple swap is to use good fats in place of bad fats when cooking. Good fats, like olive oil and avocado oil, are packed with nutrients that can help to improve heart health and lower cholesterol levels. In contrast, bad fats, like butter and lard, can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of heart disease. So next time you’re in the mood for comfort food, try using good fats instead of bad fats. You may be surprised at how delicious healthy can be!

Tip #2 – Healthier Grains

Adding whole grains to baked goods is a great way to add extra fiber, vitamins and minerals to your diet. Whole grains can be found in a variety of products, including breads, pastas, cereals and even desserts. When substituting whole grains for refined grains, it is important to use a recipe that has been specifically designed for whole grains. This will ensure that your baked goods turn out moist and flavorful. When baking with whole grains, you may also need to add extra liquid, as whole grains tend to absorb more moisture than their refined counterparts. With a little experimentation, you can easily incorporate whole grains into your favorite recipes.

Tip #3 – Healthier Methods

Using healthier cooking methods such as baking, broiling and grilling are all great ways to avoid adding unnecessary calories to a dish – plus, they let you control exactly how your food will turn out! Try baking instead of frying when preparing your favorite comfort foods – this can cut down on fat dramatically without sacrificing flavor or texture. For example, fried chicken can be prepared the same way, but baked at 425˚ instead of frying in oil.

Tip #4 – Healthier Eating is in the Details

Make little tweaks that make big differences. Instead of using the full amount of a mild cheese in your dishes, try reducing the amount of cheese and using a bolder flavored cheese like a sharp aged cheddar or goat cheese; done right, you will have tons of flavor and fewer calories!

Tip #5 – Comfortable Portions

Keep portion sizes in check! Even if you’re using the healthiest, most wholesome ingredients, an oversized portion can quickly take your favorite healthy comfort food – and turn it from healthy to unhealthy! Aim for smaller portions that are still satisfying and filling, but won’t leave you feeling guilty about what you ate later on.

 

With these tips in mind, eating healthier versions of your all-time favorite comfort foods is easier than ever before! Follow them to get your fix without worrying about the added calories or fat. With such delicious alternatives available, there’s no reason not to try them!​ For more health related articles visit www.FamilyFirstUrgentCareConroe.com.

On December 23, 2022   /   Nutrition and Wellness