It’s winter season, the temperature has really started to drop and that only means one thing – eating delicious comfort food! It’s a difficult time to try enjoy your favourite food and keep on your healthy food and fitness track. Commonly known comfort foods are generally quite high in calories and fats, leaving you feeling bloated and dissatisfied. The good news is that this doesn’t mean you have to avoid tasty comfort foods this winter, it’s just a case of choosing the right foods and recipes to eat.
When you’re craving that hearty meal but also wanting to choose foods that are nutritious, packed with protein and other health benefits, try some recipes from our list below! We have done a bit of research and found some deliciously comforting recipes for you to make at home this winter. Making a healthier choice does not mean you need to deprive yourself of your favourite comfort foods and these recipes prove that.
Whether it’s a flavourful, healthy soup, a chicken pie or healthier twist on your dinnertime favourites, these recipes will leave everyone around the table feeling satisfied.
1. Homemade Chicken Soup
Can you get any more comforting than a steaming hot bowl of chicken soup? Especially when it’s packed full of nutritious veggies and a flavourful broth. The addition of chicken packs in a much needed protein boost and even more flavour, too!
Try this tasty recipe by Ambitious Kitchen
2. Healthy Lasagna
Looking for a healthier, less calorie heavy version of a family favourite comfort food at dinner? Lasagna is packed full of flavour and generally eaten with lots of pasta and cheese. Thankfully, healthier versions are just as comforting and just as tasty. This recipe has under 500 calories per portion while also giving you your healthy five a day! What’s not to love?!
3. Spinach & Ham Quiche
Finding your favourite comfort food for lunch can be difficult. Nobody wants to feel bloated or too full during the day. That’s what makes quiche the perfect choice for a midday meal. It’s light yet tasty and goes well with a cuppa. Oh and did we mention it’s super easy to make?
Try this delicious spinach and ham quiche.
Looking for something a little different with an extra protein boost? Try our beef biltong frittata on our recipes page!
What is it about the cold weather that makes us crave comfort food? It looks like it’s going to be a cold winter, so keep scrolling for some additional recipe ideas that won’t leave you feeling guilty. Everyone’s perceptions of comfort foods are completely different – a person’s choice could end up being not so comforting to someone else, particularly if it’s loaded full of calories. Just remember, comfort food does not have to be unhealthy, so see some more inspiration below.
4. Chilli Con Carne
Chilli is such a popular comfort food. It’s wholesome and tasty and good for the soul, particularly after a long day at work and freezing cold weather. We love having chilli with a slice of our favourite bread and topping it off with our red chilli beef biltong.
Try this delicious chilli con carne recipe!
5. Comforting Tomato Soup
We just had to throw another soup in here, it’s the ultimate winter dish, especially for lunch. Soup is comforting but often very low in calories and full of nutrients.
Try this low-fat tomato soup that everyone is bound to love!
Oh, and don’t forget to top with some delicious beef biltong.
Enjoy!
