Comforting foods are foods that provide relief from stress or a sense of well-being. They are often hearty and filling.
They can also be a great way to get some protein into your diet without adding a lot of calories or fat. Some of these meals are so delicious that they’ll make anyone smile!
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are comforting foods for so many different reasons. When you’re in the midst of work-, traffic-, or weather-induced woes, there’s no better way to take your mind off them than with a gooey, chocolatey treat.
There are endless variations on these classics, but one thing that always remains the same is the dough: flour, butter, both brown and white sugar, semi-sweet chocolate chips. Eggs and vanilla are also key.
In a large bowl, combine the ingredients until well combined and smooth. You’ll want to be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl before you continue to mix in the flour.
If you’re baking for a crowd, use an ice cream scoop to make your cookies evenly spaced and stacked on the cookie sheets (this is especially helpful when you want to freeze them). Once baked, store them in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer.
Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup is one of those comforting foods that can make you feel better, even when you’re not feeling well. Its traditional ingredients (chicken broth, vegetables, noodles) deliver hydration and key nutrients to help boost your immune system, plus it’s easy to make.
It’s also packed with protein and zinc, which are essential to immunity and muscle function. It’s a well-balanced meal that provides a healthy amount of carbohydrates and fat, too.
If you’re looking to up the nutritional ante, replace the chicken with turkey or shredded ham. You can add more vegetables, too, like onions and carrots, or switch out the noodles for whole-grain options that provide more fiber.
You can even freeze the soup and reheat it on its own. Just remember to remove the noodles before freezing and to add them once it’s thawed. This will prevent them from getting soggy and disintegrating.
Spaghetti
Spaghetti is one of the most popular pastas in the world, and it’s a comforting food that will soothe your soul. It’s also a versatile dish that can be tossed with various sauces and toppings.
A classic spaghetti sauce includes ground meat and vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery. Variations can include substituting different pastas or adding herbs and spices.
Whether it’s made with whole grains, refined pasta, or a combination of both, spaghetti is nutritious and healthy. It contains fiber that helps you keep your blood sugar levels stable and your digestive system functioning well (4).
Spaghetti is low in calories and fat and has zero cholesterol. It also fills you up and curbs your appetite. However, it’s important to eat it along with other healthy foods that have adequate amounts of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins and minerals.
Beef Stew
Beef stew is a classic comfort food and is great for winter. It is also a healthy option, packed with veggies and protein.
If you want to make this dish healthier, start by choosing a cut of beef that is lower in saturated fat. Choose a lean chuck or sirloin steak that comes from the forequarter of the animal, which consists of parts of the neck, shoulder blade and upper arm.
This is a good choice because it has high levels of connective tissue, which helps to create moist and tender meat when cooked over a longer period of time.
In addition, be sure to sear your beef before cooking it in the stew. This is a vital step and will add depth to your dish.
