The Comfort Zone

The holidays are in full swing and those icy Winter days are upon us. As the temperature drops we tend to look for comfort foods to fill us and keep warm. Comfort eating does not always have to be high in fat and loaded with calories. It is possible to warm up your holiday menu without piling on the pounds. Don't want to overdo it this holiday season and strapped for time? Don’t worry; we’ve got that covered too.

Soups On!
Homemade broth based soups can taste like you’ve been cooking all day, but can actually be quite the time (and calorie) saver. With just a few minutes of prep work, a few good spices, and store-bought low or reduced sodium chicken broth, you’re on your way!

• Take advantage of pre-washed and chopped veggies in our Produce Department. Carrots, celery, and onions – as most soups begin with these ingredients.
• Dark green leafy vegetables like Escarole, Spinach, or Swiss Chard add plenty of nutrition to any soup. In a rush? Choose frozen varieties.
• Beans and veggies add fiber and protein to transform simple soup into a hearty meal!
• Go for Whole Grains – Use whole wheat pasta, brown rice, or barley.
• No time at all? Pick up canned soup, but be sure to choose broth-based and reduced sodium versions of your favorite soups
  

Meat Loaf Mini’s
This one is easy. Just swap ground turkey breast or choose extra-lean ground beef instead of the traditional ground beef. You’ll slash the calories and saturated fat. Here are some great tips for a moist, juicy, flavorful turkey meatloaf.

• Make mini loafs. Portion out about 4-5 ounces of your meatloaf mixture and roll into balls. This way, after baking, each person will have their own, perfectly portioned serving.
• Add a glaze or sauce to top mini loaves. This will add moisture and flavor. Try apricot preserves mixed with a low-sodium barbeque sauce.
• Add things like chopped peppers, onion, zucchini, or even marinara sauce to your meat mixture. This will keep the turkey very juicy.

Make it “Chill-i”
Use extra-lean ground beef or try ground chicken breast to cut down on fat. Here are a few more ideas:

• Use great northern beans instead of the traditional red kidney. Use lower sodium chicken broth and you’ll have a tasty and healthy White Chili.
• Add spices and peppers to your chili for an extra kick. Can’t take the heat? Try adding spices like cinnamon or cumin.

These are just a few comforting ideas to keep you healthy during the holiday season. For more delicious recipes and great savings on your holiday staples, visit shopRite.com today.