A Healthy Spin on 10 Classic Comfort Foods

Defined as food that gives emotional comfort to the one eating it, these tend to be favourite foods of childhood, or linked to a person, place or time with which the food has a positive association.

Comfort food and nostalgia go hand and hand, it is no surprise that classic comfort foods remind you of your childhood. Eating healthy doesn't have to mean making yourself a salad for every meal. Whether you're trying to cut calories or just trying to eat more veggies, these good-for-you comfort foods are a win-win.

1. Alfredo Pasta

This Alfredo has all of the flavour you love, but relies on some healthier substitutes. Low-fat milk and chicken broth take the place of cream, pork bacon is swapped for turkey, and nutrient-rich broccoli is thrown in the mix for an added healthy boost.

2. Mac and Cheese

Sometimes our favourite comfort foods just need a little nutritional boost. This macaroni and cheese use protein-enriched pasta, then makes a sauce from light shredded cheese and fat-free cottage cheese, so you get a ton of protein and flavour, with less fat and calories.

3. Quinoa Fried Rice

Quinoa having a higher protein ratio than rice, is a great way to make the delicious fried dish. Made just like traditional fried rice, the quinoa fried rice is a one-pan dish consisting of every food group. The chicken broth can be substituted for water and for vegetables, carrots, mushrooms, and bell peppers can be used for a colour burst effect.

4. Chicken Pot Pie

Healthy chicken pot pie is made with a comforting homemade whole grain flaky crust and an amazing sauce made with almond milk & chicken broth instead of butter and cream. The hearty sauce with chicken, vegetables, herbs and seasonings spoke to me with love as they simmered and thickened on the stovetop. The sauce is made a little bit lighter with unsweetened almond milk instead of heavy cream.

5. Fish and Chips

This iconic British comfort food is one of the dishes one can’t help but love. It is easy to make and usually relished with crunchy French fries along with tartar sauce and malt vinegar. The slightly crisp on the outside and impeccably soft on the inside chips are perfect to make all ailments of the soul disappear in a delicious bite. Paired with the crunchy, steamy fish.

6. Shrimp Tortellini

This delicious, light shrimp and tortellini salad can be served as a side or main dish, perfect for a hearty meal. This can be a great alternative to the traditional spaghetti Bolognese. The key to the success of the dish is to use shrimps that match the size of the tortellini. Choose raw shrimp to get all the natural juices and flavours for your creamy pasta dish.

7. Whole Wheat Pancakes

The easy whole wheat pancakes that take only 5 minutes to make are not deliciously amazing but also very healthy. To add more richness, you can use your preferred topping, such as protein-rich butter or almond butter. Plus, these fluffy pancakes are naturally sweetened with maple syrup instead of sugar.

8. Oven Fried Chicken

This simple oven fried chicken is glazed with a seasoned flour mixture, before being baked to perfection. Butter is melted in the baking pan and chicken is added to the hot pan to create a flavourful, crispy coating. You might not get the thick crispy skin of regular fried chicken but you will surely enjoy all the flavours and thin crust.

9. Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Roasted cauliflower is excellent for a delicious, healthy soup, as it enhances the flavours. This cauliflower soup recipe will absolutely satisfy your craving for warm and creamy soup. For more flavour, add roasted shallots and garlic before blending it all with a bit of Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and thyme.

10. Orange Honey Garlic Roasted Chicken

This one-pan dish is a savoury, mouth-watering meal that combines tangy and sweet flavours with an excellent blend of spices. It combines chili powder, coriander, and cumin which adds a little bit of spice to the sweet to help balance out the flavour perfectly. The chicken is so tender and juicy and the meal is ideally served over rice with the glaze drizzled on top.