Comfort Food Re-do: Lighter Versions of the Classics

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Fall is all about comfort food. As the temperature continues to drop (and drop and drop…summer, come back!), everyone is craving heavier meals, sweet treats and sweats on the couch. Just because you’re watching your waistline doesn’t mean you’re stuck with carrot sticks and water while every else enjoys fall’s finest.

Here are some of our favorite recipe re-dos for healthy-twists on fall favorites so you can still indulge in the season’s best comfort foods.

Mac & Cheese: When it comes to Mac & Cheese, if you want to make it healthier, you have to make it yourself. Opt for whole-wheat pasta and skim milk, and consider using lighter cheese alternatives, like Laughing Cow, to get the cheesy taste without a lot of bulk.
Must-Try Recipe – Skinnytaste’s Skinny Baked Broccoli Mac & Cheese

Pancakes: The traditionally heavy breakfast fare can be lightened up with banana, which keeps them moist, while ground oats eliminate the need for flour. Add milk (or a milk substitute) and egg to complete the batter. Next comes the fun part with your add-ins: dark chocolate chips, walnuts, diced fruit – whatever your heart desires!
Must-Try Recipe – Gluten Free Blondie’s Flourless Blueberry Pancakes

Pizza: Surprisingly, pizza can actually be a very healthy dish if made right, but similar to the Mac & Cheese, you have to make pizza at home to reap the health benefits. Make your own crust or go with whole wheat. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use alternatives such as pita, matzo, tortillas, or even cauliflower as your base. Then load it up with veggies and homemade tomato sauce to keep calories low and satisfaction high.
Must-Try Recipe – Eat Yourself Skinny’s Margherita Pizza

Apple Muffins: If you’re like me, you need to take advantage of the season’s produce – and put it in everything. Muffins are a must for fall’s apple harvest, but to make them a bit healthier use whole-wheat flour, substitute applesauce for some of the oils and add flaxseed for a nutritious boost.
Must-Try Recipe – Cookie & Kate’s Healthy Apple Oatmeal Muffins

Bonus Tip – Halloween Candy: Ah, the old one-for-you, one-for-me mentality when it comes to distributing candy to trick-or-treaters. How can you bypass this food trap? Buy candy you don’t like (Hate peanuts, go for Snickers; despise caramel, pick up the Twix!) or at the beginning of the night set aside a few pieces for you to munch on. Toss leftovers in the freezer so you are less tempted to mindlessly munch.

Whether you’re using strategic swaps to cut calories or adding good-for-you ingredients to boost nutrition in your favorite recipes, don’t worry about sitting on the sidelines this fall. Eat up!

we heartsters – what are your favorite fall recipes? Have you tried lightening them up with baking swaps or special recipe adjustments?

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