It should come as no surprise that Americans love comfort foods, especially during the long, harsh winter months when they can’t go outdoors to grill or enjoy lighter fare. Unfortunately, comfort foods are often synonymous with unhealthy eating. Some of the worst offenders, according to FitDay online are fried chicken, mac & cheese, chicken pot pie, meatloaf, and cheese enchiladas.
We are here to tell you that not all comfort foods need to be high in calories and filled with saturated fats. Some of the best comfort foods can, (and do) contain fish in the recipe. That means that it is packed with nutrition and great taste all at the same time. Let’s take a quick look at some healthy choices that you can make during these long winter months.
What Makes a Comfort Food?
Most people don’t immediately visualize a meal made with fish when they envision a warm, filling meal. Instead, they usually go quickly to meals from their childhood that gave a sense of warmth and a full tummy.
Often these foods are homemade and remind us of an easier time in life. Sadly, they are frequently unhealthy in that they have an overabundance of sugar, carbohydrates, or are high in saturated fats. Too much of these can be bad for the heart, brain, and overall health. Adding fish as the main part of some traditional comfort foods can be a game changer!
Fish is a Comfort Food
Seafood is not just a warm weather food. It can be enjoyed all year round and help improve your diet rather than potentially harm it. Here are some links to a few of our favorite fish recipes that are perfect to satisfy your comfort food cravings while still providing a meal rich in nutrients, high in protein, and balanced in calories.
- Light tuna casserole can be a perfect cold day meal that provides some of the carbs that you may be craving but is also packed with protein and healthy fats.
- Seafood stew has the warmth and fullness of a beef stew but with healthier protein of fish rather than red meat.
- A Winter Salad with Sautéed Bay Scallops from Bon Appétit can really hit the spot on a cold winter day.
- Fish chowder can be warm, rich, and have just enough potatoes to satisfy your carb cravings.
- On the same note, clam chowder can be filling and delicious, yet still nutritious enough to be considered a healthy comfort food.
This winter, instead of loading up on Shepard’s Pie, mac & cheese, butter laden mashed potatoes and high fat foods, try a few of these recipes with delicious and filling fish that can please both your palette and healthy diet as well.
