5 Ways to Make Your Favorite Fall Comfort Foods Healthier

Fall is the official start of comfort food season. There’s just something about the cooler weather that makes you crave a big bowl of chili or your favorite casserole.

Of course, some of our favorite comfort foods tend to come with a little more butter, cheese and cream than we’d like to admit. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be part of a healthy diet.

“Fall meals can feel warm and comforting while still being balanced,” says Elizabeth Barclay, RD, with Hartford HealthCare. “The goal is to include a source of protein, vegetables, a higher-fiber carbohydrate and, when you can, an unsaturated fat.”

Here are a few easy ways to make your favorite fall comfort foods just a little bit healthier.