#(<- revised gluten free version (used to be cheese and bread)) | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

helatherwhite · 8 years ago

Text

Healthy Comfort Foods ~ gluten-free with vegan and low-carb options

Comfort Foods are those foods that make us feel good when we eat them. It's the way they taste, the way they feel in our mouths, and sometimes it's the memories they bring back from our childhood. They can be main dishes, sides, beverages, and yes, of course, desserts.

The problem, of course, is that so many comfort foods, while they might seem

For me, some of my favorite comfort foods from my childhood are–cold cereal (from the box!), homemade cookies (especially chocolate chip and peanut butter blossoms, spaghetti and meatballs, pizza, chicken nuggets, and ice cream. And ice cream.

And ice cream.

Did someone say ice cream?

NUMMERS.

I used to work in an ice cream parlor. BAD idea.

And then when my husband and I were dating, our favorite “frugal date” was to go to Mickey D's and get soft serve cones. Multiple ones. We even knew which workers gave out the tallest cones…..mmm hmmm…..yup, we were that frugal and intent on getting the biggest dessert for our buck.

Spaghetti and meatballs were a big fave for me too. My mom would have the spaghetti sauce simmering all day…and would let me try some spooned onto white bread (yikes!) for a treat when it was almost done.

Then cookies.

I just loved baking. All. the. time.

I didn't like the cleaning up part, though…just the baking and eating. Much to mom's chagrin.

Peanut Butter Blossoms were my all time favorite cookie….and chocolate chippers…and…

Anyhow, as our diets changed over the years due to candida, thyroid disease, and more, these foods just moved out of my life, or I had to work to replace them with a healthier alternative.

I know that there are some healthy eating plans like Whole30, that recommend abstaining from healthier versions of comfort foods. And actually, that's the way we eat most of the time around here these days.

Lots of healthy meat, veggies, some fruit, and occasional grains, but very little to no processed foods and our meals have been very basic for months.

However, earlier when our food sensitivities started, and today even, when I get in the mood to have fun with my food, I like having fun in the kitchen and making interesting dishes for my family and others. I'm not sure what's changed–but my cravings have seriously diminished.

As in basically gone.

I see the benefit of both ways of eating. I think that eating basic foods can bring one closer to the reality of life–that food is made for living—we don't live for food. Plus we have more time to focus on other things if we aren't always thinking about our next meal and wondering what we'll make or obsessing about how wonderful it's going to be.

At the same time, I think it's great to be able to celebrate creativity in the kitchen and enjoy culinary pleasures. And to have fun enjoying good food even if it's a bit extravagant at times.

Plus, I think that when one is starting out trying to eat healthier, that having copycat versions of their favorite recipes can be a huge help and can even be the difference between staying on a new path and going back to eating junk food.

So with that in mind, I've created a roundup of healthy comfort foods, in the hopes that they will be a help to you, regardless of where you are on your healthy eating journey.

All are gluten free and are also dairy free and egg free or have easy substitutions. And if you are eating low-carb you should be able to substitute for most of them as well to meet your needs.

I hope that these healthy comfort foods are a help to you.

Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets – dairy & egg free with gluten & grain-free options

Gluten-Free Fried Chicken

Texas Slow Cooker Beef Chili

Baked Garlic Cauliflower Mash with Cheese Crust

Substitute in a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.

Grain-Free Zucchini Lasagna Recipe – low carb with dairy and egg-free options

Crock-Pot Gluten-Free Old Fashioned Chicken and Buttermilk Dumplings

Crock-Pot Mississippi Pot Roast (paleo & whole30)

My Most-Requested Recipe – Pakistani Kima Beef Curry w/ vegan and AIP options

One-Pot Vegan Mac & Cheese

Baked Pumpkin Sage Macaroni and “Cheese”

Need Dinner Fast? Healthy Chili Mac & More Quick and Easy Meals

Gluten-Free Cream of Mushroom Soup (low carb)

Nutrient Dense Meatloaf

Use an egg substitute for an egg-free option.

Egg Roll in a Bowl – low carb, paleo, AIP

Homemade Chicken Zucchini Noodle Soup

Copycat Chick-Fil-A® Chicken Nuggets (gluten free w/ grain-free option)

Use oil instead of the egg for an egg-free option.

Homemade Hot Chocolate – dairy and sugar free

Vegetable Pot Pie (gluten free & vegan)

Deep Dish Gluten-Free Apple Pie

5-Ingredient Easy Drop Biscuits – gluten-free and vegan options

Quick Low-Carb Buns

These will be tough to make egg free since they are made

Paleo & Nut-Free Biscuits with AIP option

These are also a bit tough to do egg-free but since there are 2 flours it's worth a try.

Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough – grain free, vegan, low carb

Healthy Dark Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Balls

Use a low-carb sweetener if needed.

Chocolate Almond Chip Ice Cream – dairy free, low carb, AIP

Chocolate Cupcakes with Cream Filling (grain free, gluten free, & nut free)

From what I have read, cassava flour works pretty well with egg-free substitutes so these just might work egg-free if you need that. Use a low-carb sweetener if needed.

Low-Carb Chocolate Chip Cookies

Use an egg substitute if needed.

“Almond Joy” Bars {Revised} ~ low carb, vegan, AIP

Cinnamon-Glazed Pumpkin Doughnuts

Flourless Peanut Butter Blossoms (or Your-Nut-or-Seed-Butter-of-Choice Blossoms)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Chia Pudding ~ low carb & dairy free

Grain-Free Granola

Blender Cheese Sauce – 5 Ingredients (GAPS)

Homemade Sugar-Free Lemonade

GAPS Diet Baked Beans

Use a low-carb sweetener if needed.

DIY Caramel Latte

Use a low-carb sweetener if needed.

“Dorito®” Popcorn – dairy free, gluten free, vegan

Gluten-Free Vegan Waffles Recipe (the Best You Will Ever Have)

Easy Baked Sweet Potato Wedges with Chipotle Cashew Dip

Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake – grain free & paleo, w/ low-carb & vegan options

Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce with Baked Baby Potato Wedge Fries

Teff Waffles or Pancakes with Caramelized Bananas

Purple Sweet Potato Tater Tots

Shepherd’s Pie with Roasted Veggies (grain & dairy free, vegan option)

Which of these healthy comfort foods is your favorite? What is YOUR favorite comfort food?

The post Healthy Comfort Foods ~ gluten-free with vegan and low-carb options appeared first on Whole New Mom.

0 notes