Give Your Favorite Comfort Foods a Healthy Makeover

Whether it’s a bad day at work, a dreary thunderstorm or a breakup, some days simply call for good old-fashioned comfort food to make us feel better. But sadly, that euphoric feeling you felt while eating your greasy, thick-crust pizza quickly disappears after you realize what you’ve just put into your body – yikes.

But you don’t have to nix comfort food from your diet completely; making a few simple ingredient swaps will help transform those heavy, calorie-laden meals into lighter, healthier versions of your favorite foods. Indulge the smart way and safely succumb to those sinful cravings with these healthy twists on everyone’s favorite comfort foods.

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Baked Chicken Parmesan

If you love chicken parmesan, lighten up this Italian classic by baking the cutlets as opposed to frying and serve it over spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles instead of heavy pasta.

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Cauliflower Crust “Pizza” with Chickpea “Pepperoni”

When a pizza craving strikes, don’t fight it; instead, reach for smart ingredient swaps like cauliflower crust and loads of fresh veggies plus a unique twist on pepperoni using crunchy, nutty chickpeas.

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Stir Fry Zoodles

If you have a weakness for Chinese takeout but hate the effects it has on your body, try out this delicious, low-carb, healthy stir fry made with spiralized zucchini noodles, onions, teriyaki sauce and toasted sesame seeds.

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Paleo Breakfast Portobello Mushroom Burger

Mushrooms have a surprising amount of flavor and texture that can rival any typical hamburger bun; plus, the pork-sausage burger, spinach and crispy smoked bacon is hearty enough for the man in your life (and the fried egg is the proverbial cherry on top!).

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Quinoa Chicken Nuggets

Channel your childhood favorite – chicken nuggets – by creating this healthier version using a crispy quinoa coating and baking instead of frying for a protein-packed snack.

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Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese

Finally, a mac and cheese recipe you can feel good about serving the whole family; this might just be the richest, creamiest yet healthiest version we’ve ever found!

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Sweet Potato and Black Bean Nachos

Who doesn’t love a big plate of nachos? Give this sinful meal a big transformation and a nutritional punch with hearty sweet potatoes, black beans, roasted cauliflower and zesty chili peppers to help rev up your metabolism.

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Baked Zucchini Fries

“Fries” that are crispy yet tender and only 135 calories per serving? Sign us up! The parmesan-herb breading on these baked veggies will easily satisfy your need for French fries.