Making Comfort Food Healthier With Plant-Based Items

By Donna Stark

There are a lot of really good comfort foods that we rely on to get us through the day, and if anyone would ever ask for us to get rid of them, chances are, the answer would be a big "No!" We need our comfort foods, that's for sure, but that doesn't mean we can't make them healthier with plant-based options. From the beverages we drink to the meals we eat to the desserts we enjoy, comfort doesn't need to be bad for us. In fact, it can be quite good! And with an open mind and a willingness to try new things, you may even be surprised with what you like. Here are some delicious ways to switch up your favorites.

Breakfasts

It's time to transform your first meal of the day! Give yourself a boost of energy and fill your belly with tons of nutrition by consuming a plant-based breakfast. Leave the eggs in the refrigerator and scramble up some tofu and vegetables, grab some avocado toast, or make some vegan banana muffins. And don't forget about all the different options you can choose for your cup of joe. Try using an oat milk creamer or give an almond milk latte a chance.

Lunches and Dinners

By now, you have probably heard about Meatless Mondays, right? Well, how about expanding that idea into the rest of the week? Buy some chickpea or lentil noodles to make your favorite pasta dishes and heat up some meatless crumbles to add to your sauce. You can also skip those ground beef burgers and fill up on plant-based burgers instead. There are so many different varieties of vegetable burgers and meatless substitutes that you are sure to find something you like!

Desserts

Now, for the most important part of the day ... dessert! Of course, you can always stick with a plate of fruit but sometimes, the loudest thing we hear is the ice cream in the freezer calling our names, right? Well, not to worry! There are vegan ice-cream options too that are made from soy, coconut, and almond milk. And guess what? You may not even be able to tell the difference! So the next time you are at your store, give one a try. But beware. With the variety of flavors you have to choose from, you may end up standing in the freezer section longer than you would like.

Keep the Comfort, Get Rid of the Bad

Whether you want to improve your overall health or satisfy a curiosity, there is no reason why you should give up your favorite comfort foods when you have the chance to turn them into something healthier! Open your mind and try something new. You could be on to something really good here!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Pooler, Ga.