New year, new you, right? Sometimes that's a lot easier said than done, especially during the cold winter months and all that when all that will satisfy your cravings are hearty meals like chili, mac and cheese and creamy soups. Just because these meals are typically made this way, though, doesn't mean they have to be heavy to be delicious.
The brilliant chef's over at Food Network have come up with several healthy alternatives to some of your favorite comfort foods so you can still enjoy them without worrying about breaking your New Year's resolution. Whether they're made with low-calorie ingredients, more vegetables or baked instead of fried, these ten healthy comfort food recipe makeovers are guaranteed to fit into your diet without sacrificing any of the delicious flavors.
1. Light Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken pot pies are typically slathered in butter and filled with too many calories to count but this makeover uses just a tiny bit of butter in the lower-calorie crust and is jam-packed with vegetables. The creamy sauce that goes inside, which is usually extremely heavy, is instead made with low-fat milk and Greek yogurt. Click here for this lightened up version.
2. Fettuccine Alfredo with Zucchini Ribbons
Zoodles have become the latest trend in the culinary world because they're a tasty, low-carb alternative to pasta. Not only is this recipe a lightened up version of the typically heavy cream sauce, but the combination of zucchini noodles and whole wheat pasta basically cut the calories in half. If you're trying to cut carbs out all together, you could always opt for zucchini noodles only, because either way the creamy, garlicky and cheesy sauce is yummy enough to taste like the real dish. Click here for recipe.
3. Iceberg BLTs
Sandwiches can be hard to avoid as they're a quick and easy meal, but this bread-free BLT is delicious and perfect for bacon lovers. Instead of bread, you use two huge pieces of iceberg lettuce and top it with crispy bacon, tomato and a delicious zesty mayonnaise for a refreshing low carb sandwich. Click here for recipe.
4. Oven Fried Chicken
There are few things in this world better than a good piece of fried chicken but when you're trying to eat healthy, all that grease and breading can wreak havoc on your diet, which is why this oven-fried recipe is the most perfect alternative when you're craving that crispy bite. With easy-to-make whole wheat bread crumbs, this marinated chicken comes out moist, flavorful and extremely crunchy on the outside. Click here for recipe.
5. Roasted Cauliflower Lasagna
Cauliflower is the star of this Italian classic as it is blended into the ricotta cheese filling and roasted in place of the traditional meat filling. Because of this powerhouse ingredient, this lasagna, which is made with whole wheat lasagna noodles and lots of sweet red bell peppers, is filled with healthy nutrients and guaranteed to fill you up. Click here for recipe.
6. Baked Nachos With Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Nachos can be topped with practically anything, but that usually calls for a ton of cheese. This recipe is definitely a nacho makeover as it still has the crunchiness, spiciness and creaminess you know and love without being loaded with calories and fat. The tortilla chips are homemade and not full of grease, the roasted sweet potatoes and avocado add a nice texture and it's all topped with a fresh homemade salsa. If you want to sprinkle some cheese on top, you obviously can, but even without it, these baked nachos are still unlike any plate of nachos you've ever seen, and they won't start your New Year off on the wrong track. Click here for recipe.
6. Lightened-Up Mac and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food and although there may never be a real satisfying alternative to pasta and cheese, this is the closest we're going to get. This recipe calls for lighter cheese like part-skim mozzarella, low-fat Swiss cheese and grated Parmesan so all the delicious cheesy flavor is still there without it being too heavy. Low-fat sour cream, skim milk and a little unsalted butter are then mixed in for creaminess while mustard powder, parsley, basil and chives add all the flavor. Click here for recipe.
8. Low-Fat Clam Chowder
Clam chowder is one of the richest and heaviest soups out there, but it's also one of the yummiest, which is why it's hard to avoid during the cold winter months. This low-fat recipe calls for fat-free dairy and a ton of spices so all of the flavor is still there without the heaviness of the original. Plus, it has bacon, so you really can't go wrong. Click here for recipe.
9. Vegetarian Chili
Chili is another one of those classic winter meals but since this high-protein and high-fiber dish is packed with beans and vegetables, you won't even realize it doesn't have any meat. The best part is, it's a slow cooker recipe so all you have to do is throw all the ingredients in in the morning and go about the rest of your day and it will all be ready for you when you get home! Click here for recipe.
10. Eggplant and Kale Parmesan
Eggplant parm is one of those meals that can be healthy as long as you don't go overboard with the cheese and sauce and since this recipe is packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like kale, it's extremely good for you while still being cheesy and delicious. The eggplant is also breaded with almond flower and egg whites to give it a healthier and crispier exterior. Click here for recipe.
