You've just finished a long day at work, and you feel mentally drained. To relieve stress and ease tension, you turn to your favorite comfort foods to bring a little happiness to your evening. If that sounds like you, it's time to whip up some healthier alternatives to your go-to comfort snacks!
Key Takeaways
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Can comfort food be healthy? Of course! Healthy comfort food is a great way to spark joy, reduce stress, and improve wellness.
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What should I eat as comfort food? Soups are soothing on the stomach, and can warm your soul. You can also eat foods like muffins, chili, macaroni and cheese, or chicken and rice.
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What is the healthiest meal to eat for dinner? It's important to eat a balanced diet. For a healthy dinner, make sure you consume lean proteins, fruits & veggies, and whole grains. Some lightweight and healthy options include salads, soups, fatty fish, or chicken.
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What are comfort foods for stress? Comfort foods can reduce stress and increase energy levels. Try eating fatty fish, complex carbohydrates, dark chocolate, and trail mix.
Keep reading, and we'll share our favorite healthy recipes to satisfy your cravings.
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Healthy Recipes Can Also Satisfy Your Cravings
Comfort foods and drinks are a great way to ignite joy, reduce stress, and induce relaxation. There's nothing quite like coming home after a long day to tuck into a flavorful bowl of chicken noodle soup! Comfort food can also create a sense of nostalgia while fulfilling your cravings.
Though you might be debating buying a burger and fries, unhealthy comfort foods are not good for your physical or mental health. The high amount of fat, sugar, and calories can lead to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, heart attack, and stroke. In addition, junk food is associated with an increased risk of psychological stress and depression.
Whether you're trying to lose some weight or improve your well-being, finding a healthy alternative to your favorite foods is a great idea. Keep reading, and we'll share our favorite recipes!
#1. Jamu Juice Concentrate
This traditional jamu juice recipe has been popular in Indonesia for centuries. Jamu juice is often consumed to prevent illness, support digestive health, and improve overall wellness. It's packed with natural botanicals that are rich in vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 cups water
- 1 cup ginger powder
- 1/3 cup turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup palm sugar or coconut sugar
- Honey (optional for serving)
- Lime (optional for serving)
- Lemon (optional for serving)
Directions
- Boil 4 to 5 water in a small saucepan. Next, add the ground turmeric and ginger powder.
- Keep at a simmer or low boil and stir slowly until the turmeric and ginger powder expands, which should be about 5 to 10 minutes. The fresh turmeric ginger mixture will thicken as the ingredients slowly cook.
- Add the sugar and pepper and stir for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the sugar dissolves.
- Let the mixture cool and store it in a covered jar in the refrigerator to keep it cold.
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#2. Spice Islands French Toast
Our Spice Islands French Toast recipe is a great way to combine timeless spices and better health. It's delicious and soothing, making it the perfect addition to a cozy morning routine.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bread (stale or thick-cut bread works best)
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 tbsp coconut sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp butter
- Maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit (optional for serving)
Directions
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, coconut sugar, turmeric, ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Dip each slice of bread into the spiced egg mixture, letting it absorb for about 10-20 seconds per side.
- Warm a non-stick skillet over medium heat to melt the butter. Be sure to coat the pan with butter.
- Place the soaked bread in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. The spice blend will give the toast a rich color and warm fragrance.
- Serve hot with your choice of toppings like maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or fresh fruit to enhance the flavors of the spiced toast.
#3. Coffee & Coconut Creamy Chia Pudding
This Coffee & Coconut Creamy Chia Pudding recipe is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, as well as omega fatty acids to improve skin health. It's made with iconic ingredients often used in Indonesian cuisine.
Ingredients
- 4 heaping tbsp chia seeds
- 3/4 cup coconut milk
- 3/4 cup hot coffee
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp molasses
- Chopped dried figs (optional)
- Almonds or walnuts, finely chopped (optional)
- Coconut, shredded and toasted (optional for serving)
- Fresh fruit (optional for serving)
Directions
- Slowly mix the chia seeds and coconut milk in a bowl, not letting the chia seeds clump on the bottom.
- One ingredient at a time, mix the honey and molasses with the hot coffee (it's easier to mix the honey and molasses in hot coffee rather than cold.) Mix until completely dissolved.
- Pour the coffee mixture into the coconut milk mixture and stir. Add the extra ingredients (nuts, figs, etc.) and stir more.
- Wait about 2 to 3 minutes, and re-stir the bowl to keep the chia seeds from sinking as they soak up the liquids. Once you see them starting to suspend in the coffee-coconut cream mixture, cover the top and refrigerate for 1 hour or more.
- Garnish with chopped figs, fresh fruit, and coconut pieces, if desired.
#4. Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
This Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese recipe is creamy and cheesey - what's not to love?! It's the ultimate comfort food for winter weather. Plus, it can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated whenever you want a bowl of calm.
Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash
- 2 shallots, roughly chopped
- 1 lb shell pasta
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1½ tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ground sage
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1½ cups unsweetened almond milk
- 2½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2½ cups Gruyere cheese, grated
- ½ cup pecorino cheese, finely grated
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and grease a 9x13-in baking dish.
- Slice the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place the squash cut side down on the baking sheet, along with the shallots. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and wrap tightly. Place on the baking sheet and roast for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions, cooking until al dente. Reserve 1½ cups of the water before draining.
- Measure 2 cups of the cooked squash flesh and transfer to a blender with 1½ cups pasta water, shallots, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, sage, nutmeg, and black pepper. Blend until creamy.
- Heat the almond milk and stir in the squash sauce. Cook while stirring occasionally for 3 minutes, or until warmed through. Whisking constantly, gradually add the cheddar, Gruyere, and pecorino cheeses, making sure each ingredient is fully melted before adding the next. Whisk until all the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy, then add the pasta and stir until coated.
- Preheat the oven broiler and transfer the pasta to the prepared baking dish. Broil for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the topping is crisp and browned.
- Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.
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