The world is divided into people who want to eat balanced, guilt-free meals and those who want to indulge in their favorite tasty comfort foods. But these are not necessarily two different options. People often forget that tasty comfort foods can also be balanced and nutritious if prepared right. This balance between nutrition and taste can be achieved by selecting the right ingredients and modifying the cooking method of some meals.
Spinach and feta turkey burgers
Burgers are the ultimate comfort food. Indulging in a guilt-free burger is high on the list of people trying to keep their calories in check while also enjoying their favorite fast food. Thankfully, these can easily be a part of the meal plan, even when trying to follow a balanced routine. The patty has ground turkey, crumbled feta cheese, and egg whites as a source of protein. Seasonings for the patty include garlic cloves, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Grill the patties and layer them up with the traditional burger sauces, tomato slices, onions, and lettuce. Alternatively, one can also enjoy it as a Mediterranean-themed meal and add olives, hummus, and microgreens to the burgers.
Crispy oven-fried chicken
Crispy fried chicken is often looked down upon by people who are constantly policing others about food choices. But not many know that crispy and fried foods can also be high in nutrition. The secret lies in the method of preparation. Oven-fried chicken, for example, is low in oil and still retains the crispiness one would find in deep-fried chicken drumsticks. Cooking it in the oven shaves off a significant amount of calories from the dish and presents people with a low-calorie version of their favorite comfort food. The guilt-free recipe involves coating the chicken bits in crushed cornflakes, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
Baked fish and chips
This fish and chips dish is made in the oven with a significantly lower number of calories than the traditional ones. So, one can have a guilt-free indulgence in this comfort food without worrying about calorie surplus. Use cayenne pepper and olive oil to season the potato fingers before placing them in the oven. Coat the fish slices in salted egg whites and then roll these fish pieces in crushed cereal.
Chicken noodle soup
The ultimate comfort food – chicken noodle soup is an indulgence anyone would want to repeat. It is a soup bowl that brings one immense comfort during cold days. The recipe combines chunks of tender meat, flavorful herbs, and soupy pasta. This steaming bowl has the goodness of chicken broth, turkey or chicken meat, egg noodles, and the freshness of thinly sliced basil leaves.
Stir fry
Stir fries are quick, convenient, and common comfort foods with considerable nutritional value. The veggies and meat provide macros, while the sauces and seasonings enhance the taste. To ensure the ingredients are cooked properly, do not overcrowd the cooking pan. Sliced pork, turkey, or chicken can work great with stir-fried veggies. Add the veggies and meat to rice or noodles to prepare a nutritious indulgent meal. A mixture of soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar can make a great stir-fry sauce.
Shakshuka
A steaming pan of Shakshuka is an amazing way to start the day. Perfectly poached eggs and a nutritious serving of peppers, tomatoes, and some onions make a wholesome, balanced meal. The spiced tomato sauce is packed with peppers and pairs well with poached eggs. Shakshuka makes for a hearty meal with a warm slice of bread. It can also be had during odd times, for instance when one wants breakfast for dinner.
Frozen strawberry yogurt
Imagine enjoying an ice cream with a higher nutritional value – frozen yogurt to the rescue. This option gives conscious individuals a nutritious dessert with high protein and low calorific value. It provides one with the creaminess and sweetness of the traditional dessert without the unnecessary sugars. This guilt-free recipe uses only three ingredients to make a soft-serve dessert with all-natural ingredients. Additionally, when making it at home, there are no concerns about any preservatives added to the food. One can even make the dessert in bulk and store it in the freezer for longer use.
Chocolate chia pudding
Another customizable at-home dessert one can indulge in guilt-free is the finger-licking chocolate chia pudding. Made with chia seeds as a base ingredient, it is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. Soak the seeds in some water or milk and wait for them to attain a gel-like consistency. Flavor with the help of maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder. One can also use melted chocolate for further convenience. Choose milk or dark chocolate depending on one’s preference. Mix well and leave in the refrigerator overnight to thicken. Top it with some banana and chopped peanuts or berries and trail mix to add some more flavor and texture. This can work well as a nutritious, low-calorie breakfast. To further balance the macros, mix in a scoop of protein powder before refrigerating.