Feeling down? Had a long, stressful, or tiring day? As the days get shorter, the crisp winter air sets in, and our cravings are often a comforting meal. Comfort foods trigger the brain's reward system and pleasure center. While comfort meals are often associated with indulgent, calorie-laden dishes, it is entirely possible to enjoy the warmth and nostalgia of the season without sacrificing your health.
In this blog post, we will explore five delicious and nutritious comfort foods that will satisfy your cravings while keeping you on the path to wellness.
Butternut Squash Soup
Creamy and rich butternut squash soup is a fall favorite. It is a low-calorie treat packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium. Vitamin A intake can enhance the health of your hair and skin. Having a good potassium intake is important for maintaining a healthy blood pressure. Roasting the squash before blending it gives this soup a wonderful depth of flavor.
Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
Roasting sweet potatoes enhances their natural sweetness and creates a comforting side dish that pairs with any meal. Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse providing essential vitamins and fiber. Consuming root vegetables can prevent vitamin A deficiency. The choline content in them can prevent inflammation in the body. Sweet potatoes are also a source of beta-carotene. These are converted to vitamin A in your body which can positively impact the health of your eyes.
Homemade Applesauce
Skip the store-bought varieties filled with sugar. Cook cups of apples down with a bit of brown sugar and cinnamon for a comforting snack that is healthier than most other snacks. The high concentration of pectin in applesauce causes good digestion and helps improve waste from the body. An applesauce a day keeps the tummy aches away!
Pumpkin Chili
Nothing says fall like a warm bowl of chili. Swap out the traditional beef for pumpkin in this hearty chili. Pumpkins added flavor is subtle but gives some extra health benefits such as fiber, vitamins A, C, E, and antioxidants. Combined with beans and warming spices, it makes for a comforting and nutritious meal.
Spiced Oatmeal
Warm oatmeal is a classic fall breakfast. Add a touch of cinnamon nutmeg and a drizzle of honey for a cozy autumn twist. Oats are rich in fiber and keep you full throughout the morning.
Indulging in comforting flavors doesn't mean you have to compromise your health and well-being. By choosing the right ingredients and preparing them thoughtfully you can enjoy delicious dishes that are both comforting and healthy. Enjoy these cold weather-inspired dishes and let them warm both your heart and your taste buds.
