A bad day at work, I used to be in the refrigerator eating ice cream out of the container. It was one of my comfort foods with cookies a close second.
I've changed what I go for in the cupboards for comfort. You can do it. I did it by promising myself that I could have ice cream if I really wanted it after eating a more low-calories and nutritious comfort food. Most of the time, I never opened the freezer for the chocolate chocolate mint.
The key to changing comfort foods is having them in the house and not having to do a lot of preparation to eating them. Here are some comfort foods to start embracing:
I've changed what I go for in the cupboards for comfort. You can do it. I did it by promising myself that I could have ice cream if I really wanted it after eating a more low-calories and nutritious comfort food. Most of the time, I never opened the freezer for the chocolate chocolate mint.
The key to changing comfort foods is having them in the house and not having to do a lot of preparation to eating them. Here are some comfort foods to start embracing:
- Soups - What mom made us, from a pan or from scratch, is what brings back warm memories of childhood.
Progresso and Campbell's have come out with some great low-calorie soups. Talk about easy to fix, pull-open can top, pour in microwave cup, serve 3 minutes later.
Always have them in the pantry. But don't stop there, I've found that acorn squash soup have a creamy taste that I think hit the comfort spot. Send some time in the soup aisle checking labels on some of your favorite soups. - Desserts - When it comes to comfort, rich and creamy is the name of the game. Rice pudding, vanilla pudding, chocolate flavored yogurt tend to be low in calories. Check the individual brands. Do some research and have some low-calorie treats in stock.
- Breakfast, anytime of the day - Lots of people find breakfast such a comforting meal that they indulge in their favorite breakfast dishes for other times in the day. There are even restaurants that serve just cereals (waiters in PJs).
I'm not suggesting french toast and pancakes, but why not an egg with a slice of toast or pouring some milk over your favorite cereal. Before I go to a party, I'll eat a bowl of cereal to fill me up. It helps subdue the pangs of hunger that would otherwise find a party snack tray tempting. - Vegetables - Make comfort food all about texture: crispy, soft or succulent. You can buy carrots, cauliflower, broccoli already cut-up ready for dip. And for dip, why not use a low-fat, low-calorie vinegarette.
- Teas - Find a tea that hits the comfort spot. For me it's Teavana's chocolate tea. Oddly it doesn't taste like tea but it 'feels' like I've drank some chocolate.
Do it up, make a tea ceremony just for yourself. Teapot, sugar and cream bowl (better yet find a tea you don't need sugar and cream), and a favorite cup, if all put on a tray and taken out to the deck it's all sublime. Find yourself a tea cozy and you'll be set.
With comfort food, it's about engaging our senses and our emotions in a deeply satisfying way.
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