During the winter, while the temperatures continue to drop, it seems like our cravings for a hot home-cooked meal rise. Just because you are adding layers to your clothes, doesn’t mean you have to add layers to your figure as well. Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring and tasteless. To make it easier for you, here are some comfort foods revamped so you can enjoy all your favorites, without all the calories.
Mac and Cheese Alternatives:
- Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Not many of us can say we want to sit down with a big bowl of cauliflower, but when it looks and tastes like this… why not?! Recipe here.
- Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese
Yes Please! Find the recipe here.
Fried Chicken
3. Keto Chicken Tenders
These are perfect for anyone on a keto diet. But don’t let the word “keto” chase you away if you aren’t. This recipe is low-carb, high-protein, and just plain delicious. Recipe here.
- Baked “Fried” Chicken
If you want to eat something healthy but really don’t want to give up your fried chicken, this is for you! You still get the crunchy outer coating and the juicy center. Recipe here.
Mashed Potatoes
- Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
This one covers all your bases. It is gluten-free, low-carb, paleo and vegan. Oh yeah, and it is so good! Recipe here.
- Low Calorie, Low Fat Mashed Potatoes
Keeping it light with fat-free milk and using garlic for flavor without butter, this is a healthy way to have mashed potatoes WITH ACTUAL POTATOES!!! Recipe here.
Dinner Rolls
- Greek Yogurt Biscuit
These biscuits come in around 60 calories, with almost no fat in them. That means no one can shame you for eating all the bread before dinner! Recipe here.
- Cloud Bread
This cloud bread sits under 40 calories. You can keep it simple or add a little butter and/or cheese to it. If you are feeling really creative you can use it as a crust or a bun. Recipe here.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Low-Calorie Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie
These Cookies have 25 calories… need I say more? If I do… then I guess I will mention that they are low-fat, dairy-free, wheat-free, sugar-free, and oil-free. Recipe here.
- Skinny Chocolate Chip Cookies
This cookie has a long list of credentials including: gluten-free, vegan friendly, low-sugar, with no oil or butter. Keeping each cookie at 5g of sugar and 3.4g of fat, this is a guilt-free dessert. Recipe here.
Ice Cream
- Dairy Free Double Chocolate Ice Cream
Only 4 ingredients and prep time is 5 minutes (plus freezing time… but that doesn’t require effort). This is my kind of recipe. You can get it here.
- 40 Calorie Vanilla Ice Cream
I mean it’s only 40 calories per serving and a serving is bigger than a regular ice cream serving, which is ½ cup. Tell me a time you have ever only consumed a ½ cup of ice cream… Plus you can do pretty much anything with vanilla ice cream. Recipe here.
There is no better way to have your cake (or ice cream) and eat it too. Give these recipes a try, I guarantee your summer body will thank you, and so will your taste buds!
Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash
