For as long as many of us can remember we have been told to “eat healthy “. What this means is different for everyone. Do we follow the food pyramid from elementary school? Do we follow these diets that preach high carbs? Do we follow the diets that say low carbs? Do we count our food with point systems? Dieting or the idea of dieting really stinks. A healthy lifestyle is something that does not have to force you to restrict different types of foods. Obviously, there are several foods that must be consumed in moderation or they will lead to unhealthy side effects. But easiest example is fast food. It may be quick and easy and oh so tempting to hit the drive-through at McDonald’s on your way to work, on your lunch break, or with a car full of kids that you do not feel like cooking for tonight. Resisting these types of temptations require self-discipline.

Comfort food can be as it sounds, comforting. The food typically reminds us of the security we felt in childhood. Two examples include a nice hot bowl of chicken soup or a homemade apple pie with a slice of ice cream on the side. Contrary to popular opinion, comfort food does not have to be unhealthy.

1. Vegetables – Believe it or not, if you teach your kids to enjoy vegetables this can be a comfort food. Think back on your own childhood and remember what your first favorite vegetable ever was. For me it was corn with little bits of carrots cut up in it. The opposite can also happen though. (To this day I will not touch a brussels sprout.) Encouraging vegetables is more effective than forcing them down the hatch.
2. Meatloaf – This can be a healthy comfort food however you make it. The way I make it does not include having it stuffed with breadcrumbs. It stays just a solid and makes delicious slices. Maybe skip the ketchup or barbeque sauce piled on top. Whatever recipe you choose, remember to eat proper portions.
3. Chocolate cake – This may sound insane. However, anything in moderation is not detrimental to our overall health. If you lead an otherwise healthy lifestyle it is OK to have a slice of cake every now and then. The goal is moderation. If you are worried about having just a normal chocolate cake you can Google low-carb, low sugar, gluten-free, or other alternative ways to create chocolate cake. Even with the supposedly healthier versions of cake, it does not mean free reign to eat more. Remember, just eat one slice!

Try to pass along healthier comfort food options to your children. Create memories of pleasant vegetables and other healthy foods. Some healthy options to think about include peanut butter and celery, tomato soup, and those giant carrot sticks like Bugs Bunny ate.

Comment below with your favorite comfort food.
Also, check out this delicious meal I made!