We've all heard the term "comfort food" before - but what is a comfort food? What makes it comforting? Is comfort in food good like it is in my favorite pair of jeans or super soft hoodie? What comes to mind when you think of comfort foods?
Well, the answer to that question varies from person to person. According to some sources, men's and women's answers are different categorically. Men typically associate warm, meal foods with comfort, while women will look to desserts or snacks for comfort. Age groups also show a divide. Either way you go, both men and women tend to associate comfort food with guilt.
Why?
It's just food, right?
Here's the root of it, from a women's perspective (since that's what I am): We seek comfort in food in times of emotional stress. We want food that will trigger those happy chemicals in our brain. Foods that are connected to good memories (warm cookies with grandma, special cake on birthdays, casseroles hot and bubbling after a long cold winter day). We gobble up the edible comfort in an effort to boost our mood, but guess what... the foods we grab for comfort are often part of the problem. Heavy, processed, high in sugar, low in nutrients - these foods just give a big push to the shame Ferris Wheel. 'Round and 'round we go.
So, what can we do? Let's change how we think of comfort food! You know what makes me feel good? When I find a new recipe - clean! - that is delicious! I feel good about the positive choices, the way the food makes me feel, taking care of myself and my family (if they'll eat it :o) ) and sometimes, the prospect of having yummy leftovers. It can be sweet and feel delectable. I can be savory. Heck, it can be cheesy! All things in moderation, and when made with good quality ingredients and a reasonable portion - you can have anything!
My "guilty pleasure" foods, my go to comfort foods are:
Savory: Grilled cheese & tomato soup
Sweet: Chocolate Cake
CHEESY: Pizza!
So, let's find ways to make these foods clean and healthy, and enjoy comforts again!
Grilled Cheese
Where does the guilt come in? Butter, cheese, bread that is less than stellar nutritionally? Let's fix that:
My choice: hearty Ezekiel bread, brushed lightly with olive oil, thin slices of Gruyere and Gouda cheeses, and spinach leaves or thin slices of avocado, or very thin slices of pear (crunch!), toasted to perfection!
Chocolate Cake
It feels like indulgence, birthdays, getting first place in the science fair, coping with bad break-ups with your bff's at your side... Chocolate Cake is probably my ultimate comfort food. But lets face it. It's a diet wrecker, and guilt factory. Why? It's like Bill Cosby said, "eggs, milk, wheat... that's nutrition!"Unfortunately, when we make cake, we typically grab the oil, margarine, sugar, and processed everything. Let's fix that:
This recipe for molten chocolate cake feels naughty, but it's really nice!
With a short list of ingredients that you likely have in your home, this recipe is clean and delicious. The trickiest part is getting the baking time right. It's like the cable guy, "sometime between 9 and 12"... but once you figure it out... heaven.
Pizza
I think pizza is the all time best party food, comfort food, hangout food - quite possibly the world's most perfect food, period. All the food groups can be represented, crunchy and gooey, spicy and cheesy, it's like paradise on a crunchy golden crust. Oh, except grease, fat, and all the things that make this comfort food anything but. Let's fix that:
This recipe is completely from scratch, but there are likely some good, clean options at your local market for dough. I think I'll give the make my own dough version a try this week, but am a realist and know that hours of rising is not really available in my daily schedule.My all time favorite pizzas are those with tons of fresh veggies and a mild sauce that isn't too sweet. Play with herbs and spices until you find what you really love. Pizza doesn't have to be sinful - it could be your Friday salvation!
Now that you know you can get comfy with your favorite comfort foods - start to explore your options. Thank goodness for the internet and access to all sorts of recipes and products we didn't know existed. It's fabulous to be able to share, no?
Clean eating doesn't mean I'm on a diet - it means that I'm putting good things in my body so I can get good things out. And I love food too much to eat anymore yucky diet food that comes frozen in a box.
Do you have a favorite clean comfort food recipe? I'd love to hear about it and try it out! Post it in your comments or give me a link! This works so much better when we share!
Until next time, take comfort in clean foods!
<3 Jen
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