How To Make Your Favorite Comfort Food Healthy

When it comes to comfort food, most people prefer dishes that are rich, fried, full of carbs, and, well, unhealthy. However, there are easy swaps you can make in a beloved recipe to make it more nutritious, and that’s exactly what Dr. Angela Nunnery, primary care physician in Kingwood, does.

We sat down to talk to Dr. Nunnery about her favorite dish to make when she’s craving some comfort, and she shared her favorite recipe for low-carb lasagna. Get it here: Roasted Garlic Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats from Half Baked Harvest.

"I love this recipe. When you are eating a fit diet, it is important for the entire family to be on the same page," said Dr. Nunnery, "This gives you the tastes of lasagna without the high carbohydrate pasta. It has protein, vegetables, and dairy all in its own dish!"

How to Make Comfort Food Healthier

Whether you’ve had a bad day or the weather is kind of dreary, sometimes comfort food is exactly what you need to feel better. However, these dishes may not fit into your healthy eating plan, so check out these tips for how to adapt your favorite recipes:

• Swap veggies for pasta - Like the recipe above, you can swap spaghetti squash for pasta, but the fun doesn’t stop there! Spiralize sweet potatoes, zucchini, carrots, and other veggies to create nutrient-rich noodles.
• Skip the salt - There are so many delicious spices out there that you can use to add flavor and zest to your dish. Instead of adding a lot of salt, try using garlic, chili powder, onion powder, rosemary, and more. Get creative!
• Bake or grill instead of frying - Frying food in oil adds a lot of fat to a meal. Instead, use an oven, a grill, or even an air fryer to create a delicious meal.

Looking for more tips to help you be healthier? Schedule an appointment with your Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Group primary care physician. They can help you develop a custom fitness plan, give you advice on how to cook wholesome and nutritious meals, and more!