Healthy comfort food for the holidays.

That time of year has arrived. Holiday parties, cozy treats, and cravings for comfort food. How do you keep things healthy without giving up the flavors you and your kids love? I struggle with this same issue every year, so I’ve rounded up my favorite healthy comfort food swaps to help you satisfy your cravings without caving into unhealthy treats.

Craving chocolate?

chocolate avocado pudding | the 52 new foods challenge | blog
Instead of chocolate ice cream (or cake or cookies), try The Chocolate Rocket (a super yummy chocolate avocado pudding). Three minutes in the blender. Great for dessert or packed in a lunchbox. Half the calories of a piece of cake and loaded with healthy fats that keep you feeling full.

Chocolate cake: 390 calories
Chocolate Rocket: 128 calories, great source of Vitamins C & K plus healthy fats, keeps you feeling full

Craving pizza?

breakfast pizza | 52 new foods challenge | jennifer tyler lee | main
A study in the journal Pediatrics says kids are eating too much pizza (surprise!) and calls on parents to offer healthier options. Try veggie pizza made with homemade whole wheat pizza crust. Want to go even healthier? Make the crust out of cauliflower or portobello mushrooms.

Fast-food pizza: 374 calories, 784 mg sodium
Kale & Bacon Pizza with Whole Wheat Crust: 198 calories, less than half the sodium of restaurant pizza

Craving salty snacks?

roasted brussels sprouts chips | the 52 new foods challenge | jennifer tyler lee
Potato chips and crackers can be a parents’ worst nightmare in the snack department. Brussels Sprouts Chips are a delicious swap when you’re craving a crunchy, salty snack. These little wonders will have your kids begging for Brussels. Add Radicchio Chips and Crispy Kale Chips for a snack table bonanza.

Pringles Potato chips: 150 calories for 16 chips only, 150 mg sodium
Brussels Sprouts Chips: 72 calories, packed with Vitamin K

Craving soda?

blueberry blast smoothie v4 | the 52 new foods challenge | jennifer tyler lee
Sugar sweetened beverages, like soda and juice, are one of the main culprits in the obesity crisis. Swap sweet drinks for superfood smoothies! The Green Monster debunks the myth that spinach tastes bad. Blueberry Blast is packed with healthy antioxidants, and a refreshing boost of mint.

Craving fast food?

quinoa burger recipe | 52 new foods challenge | jennifer tyler lee | main
Swap French fries and a burger for sweet potato fries and Mini Sliders. Made with quinoa, apples, and onions, these bite-size burgers are great for boosting plants on your plate.

Pin It! Healthy Comfort Foods

Pin these ideas for healthy comfort foods to get you through the holidays. For more recipe inspiration, check out my Healthy Snacks board on Pinterest.

chocolate avocado pudding | 52 new foods challenge | pinterest