Winter is coming and back are those endless cravings for comfort food and cheesy meals. But, how good are those comfort foods for you? Well, the weighing machine has a different story to tell. Those comfort foods are doing no good to you. What if we told you there was a way to convert these foods into something healthy. We bring you five healthy food items you must include in your comfort food list to give it a healthy twist.
Carrots
The good old carrots are one of the healthiest vegetables available during the winter months. Whether you wish to squeeze out some juice, toss a bowl to add to your pasta, or add some to your favourite hot cup of soup, the crunchy carrot can add taste to any meal. What another pain-free method could there be to increase vegetable intake in your children’s meals? Image Credit: rubyrockets.com
Peas
Green peas during winters is a must-have ingredient in every Indian household. The summer months are spent using frozen peas, and during winter, the aroma of fresh peas can make any foodie drool over. Make use of India’s favourite green vegetable in your comfort food and save yourself from all the weight gain trouble. Feeling hungry? Add some matar to your bowl of khichdi. How about replacing those potato stuffing with peas in your paratha. Finally, don’t you just love Matar Paneer? They were right when they said taste bhi health bhi. Image Credit: bbc.co.uk
Cucumber
Cucumber is the favourite salad ingredient during the Summer Season. Why should winter be left far behind? Not only does Cucumber increase the water intake in your body, but, it also adds taste and crispiness to many meals. Replace potatoes and cheese from your sandwiches and add cucumber for a healthier option. Also, cucumber raita does wonder when coupled with a biryani. Image Credit: gardenbuildingsdirect.co.uk
Spinach
Come winter and vegetable vendors can be seen flaunting bunches of spinach. It is that time of the year when Palak Paneer rules the lunch or dinner table. When you are craving for pakodas, try making some with spinach, it will be way tastier and quite healthy as well. When eating the famous Makki ki roti, team it up with some palak or sarso ka saag and enjoy the heavenly Punjabi delicacy. Image Credit: bandt.com.au
Rava/Semolina
When it comes to addressing those sweet cravings, that toothsome bowl of Suji ka Halwa is just perfect. Looking for something salty, how about eating a plate full of tasty upma? Dhokla, rawa Idli, and many more items can be made using this healthy ingredient. Rava is preferred over rice as it contains fewer calories, contains more fibre and is less processed. Image Credit: dieticianshreya.files.wordpress.com\
Go ahead, eat like no one’s watching. After all, winter is all about addressing those hunger pangs.
Main Image Credit: fitness.edu.au
Featured Image Credit: greentealibrary.org
