Healthy Comfort Food? Yes

Healthy Comfort Foods

A Paradox Solved!

WRITTEN BY RICH FRANK OF FOUR SEASONS NATURAL FOODS | PHOTOS PROVIDED

Ah! Comfort foods...

Mac and cheese, hamburgers, French fries, meatloaf, grilled cheese, cake, ice cream... the list goes on and on. All the good stuff! They make us feel good while we’re with them, but over time, may not be our best choices.

Wikipedia says: Comfort food is food that provides a nostalgic or sentimental value to someone, and may be characterized by its high caloric nature, high carbohydrate level, or simple preparation.

High calories and carbs--yummy, but a recipe to put on weight and push us toward disease. Of course, comfort food lists vary, but many will look similar….and similarly tough on our bodies.

One “Just Say No” answer is to make new associations with healthier choices that can give you the same inner warmth. Things that are unappealing or downright nasty can over time move up the ladder to the comfort zone...well maybe not that high, but close! A big pile of fresh steamed kale, winter squash in season, miso soup done right-these can warm your heart too. Not feeling it? Okay, it’s understandable. So, here's some traditional favorites with a healthier twist: There are some amazing meatless meats, but Field Roast stands out for their tastes, textures and ingredients-sausages, wings, hot dogs and more. Try their Celebration Roast for a flavorful, hearty, meat alternative. (Don’t get too excited, it’s not meatloaf, but give it a chance!)

Finally, experiment with some simple twists to take the edge off--look for organic, less processed, whole grain versions. Even something like PB and J, can still hit the spot, but with some added nutrition if made on local, whole grain bread, with organic fruit-sweetened jelly and fresh ground peanut butter. You might (might?) even prefer it! SF

MAC AND CHEESE

Pretty much top of the comforting list. There are many awesome versions available today--less caloric, organic, gluten-free, lower fat and more:

Funny Farm Goat Mac and Cheese. Goat milk, not gross--it’s much more digestible and easier on the body. Don’t knock it, at least until after you try it.

Chickapea Mac and Cheese. Made from chickpeas and other beans and grains. Everything regular mac and cheese doesn’t have, except the great taste.

Annies. Yes, big and corporate, but they have some great options from vegan, organic, gluten-free or grass fed dairy--all interesting alternatives!

BURGERS AND FRIES

There’s a ton of new vegan options, but it’s less clear if they’re better for you. What’s healthier: a locally, grown, humanely treated cow burger or a highly processed, manufactured, frozen plant burger...hard to say? However, check these out:

Vermont Gold Burger. Local, unique, whole grain and full of good ingredients.

Sunshine Burgers. Around for nearly 40 years--they’re doing something right. They’re not a meat wannabe but stand up and stand out in the crowd.

Alexia Fries. Pretty good and easy. Not health food, but not horrible. They taste good for almost no effort and come in a ton of varieties.