What do you think of when you hear the words “comfort food”? Mac and cheese is always the epitome for me. I have to say, I do not crave as many cold smoothies or cucumber salads when it’s cold out. It’s NORMAL (and healthy!) for our palettes to change with the seasons.
If you’re like me, at this time of year —at least here in New England — you’re probably in the mood to cozy up with something warmer, heartier, cozier!
Here are some of my go to ways to get that comfort food feeling while still eating with a #GoPRO mindset and building your meals around protein + produce:
1. Protein Oats
For cozy warm breakfasts! The oats + any fruit you add pack a fiber punch, and you can stir in egg whites to give it a protein boost. Fall veggies also make perfect oatmeal add-ins – try your oats with butternut or acorn squash, or even pumpkin puree!
Craving comfort food doesn’t mean you’re missing out on your protein and veggies!
2. Soups and Chili
Soups, stews, and chili are a super easy and hearty way to load up on veggies. Soups are also great for meal planning, since a big batch can last you for a week (you can even make a double batch and freeze some for another time!). These are easy to grab for lunch, or pair some soup with a piece of crusty bread or a salad for a complete dinner.
3. Big Fuel Bowls
If you aren’t a big salad person in general, or just don’t want them as much now, consider making yourself what I call a big fuel bowl (BFB) instead, using warmer ingredients. You can make a warm grain the base, mix in a bunch of roasted veggies, protein of choice, and even chop up your greens super small. Some of my clients are just microwaving spinach salads so they are warm! The veggies I have on repeat these days are roasted broccoli, carrots, beets, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts. We do pasta bowls a lot too and make sure the veggies are loaded up!
4. Stir-fries
These are a good option when you have a little bit or this or a little bit of that lying around. Half a pepper left? Only some of that container of mushrooms? Shredded cabbage or carrots? Throw them in!
5. Casseroles
This is another easy make-ahead option that tastes just as good when you warm it up later. No shame in making them cheesy!
What are your go-to comfort foods that pack a protein and fiber punch?
For more comfort food ideas, download my free Cozy Eats Collection! It has ten of my family’s go-to comfort meals (kid friendly!). I hope you love them.
Have you tried any of our recipes yet? What are your favorite comfort foods? Let me know in the comments!