How to Make Comfort Food Healthier

Whether you’re feeling down or just need a pick-me-up after a tough day at work, comfort food is always there to help fill your belly and soul. It’s enjoyable to eat and it’s bound to boost your mental health. However, because of its often high carb and fat content, comfort food isn’t so good for your physical health.

That doesn’t mean you have to give up on your favourite comforting foods, though. Here are some healthy versions of some familiar comfort foods that don’t scrimp on taste—or comfort.

Pizza

There’s nothing tastier than a slice of pizza, is there? However, pizza bought from your local pizzeria can be greasy and rich in calories.

There are plenty of ways to make pizza healthier, though. A lot of it has to do with using a little less cheese, plus plenty of fresh herbs and plenty of your favourite veg.

This recipe takes the guesswork out of making your own healthy pizza, so you can enjoy a slice without breaking a sweat. Serve with a leafy green salad on the side to add extra veg to your meal.

Fish and Chips

Fish and chips is a British favourite for good reason. However, while the crispy fish and chips you buy from your nearest chip shop are certainly comforting, they’re also extremely greasy.

That doesn’t mean you have to limit yourself from your beloved fish and chips. Give this healthy fish and chips recipe a try instead. Chips are swapped for sweet potato wedges, and breadcrumb-coated fish fillets are baked instead of deep fried, which shaves off plenty of fat.

Lasagne

What’s not to love about lasagne? A thick slice of this meaty, cheesy, saucy comfort food is enough to take away all your worries. But maybe the high fat content of lasagne might be adding to your worries. Not to fear, there are ways to make your lasagne healthier too.

This healthy lasagne recipe is lighter than your typical lasagne, but still heavy on flavour. It’s also packed with veg, so you can ensure you’re getting nearly all of your five-a-day while indulging in a delicious meal.

Scotch Eggs

Another British favourite, Scotch eggs are a savoury, filling comfort food that could do with a healthier update. This recipe does just that. Enjoy a lighter version of Scotch eggs by baking your Scotch eggs instead of frying them, and adding in lean pork mince and plenty of lentils to cut down the fat and salt content.

Macaroni Cheese

A bowl of warm, creamy macaroni cheese is both indulgent and comforting, but maybe you’re looking for ways to make it just a smidge healthier. Look no further than this macaroni cheese recipe, which uses butternut squash and sweet potatoes to add much needed veg (and creaminess) to this comfort food.

Looking for even more hearty veggie goodness? Try this spinach macaroni cheese recipe out. Packed with spinach, tomatoes and plenty of cheese, you’ll never want to go back to normal plain macaroni cheese.

Until next time…