Let’s face it: Comfort foods are delicious, but they’re often unhealthy. Whether you’re trying to lose weight, stick to a diet, or just live a healthier lifestyle, you don’t need to sacrifice your favorite indulgences. Here are some simple swaps that’ll make your comfort foods healthier without losing the flavor. And, bonus: the same swaps apply to loads of other recipes, too!

Mac & Cheese: Zucchini Mac & Cheese

This mac & cheese swap is an easy one. Replace your macaroni noodles with spiralized zucchini — or if you’re feeling extra healthy, use spiralized butternut squash — and mix it with your favorite cheese sauce. You won’t miss the high-carb noodles — this dish tastes just as delicious, and you can even add your favorite crunchy topping, like breadcrumbs or crispy roasted chickpeas.

Meats: Short-Burst Grilling

Short-burst grilling is a great way to cook your favorite cuts of meat and make them healthier. High heat and a short cooking time help to reduce the fat and calories of your favorite cuts of meat, such as burgers, pork chops, and steak. Plus, you get the added bonus of smoky flavor with no need for butter or oil.

Fried Foods: Air Frying

Fried foods have become a staple of comfort food — but not everyone can eat fried food every day due to their high fat and calorie content. Not to worry — the solution is air frying. Air fryers use a small amount of oil to cook your food by circulating hot air around it. The result? Delicious fried food with 70-80% less fat than traditional frying.

Pizza: Cauliflower Pizza Crust

Cauliflower crust pizza is a great alternative to regular, carb-loaded pizza dough. This recipe swaps the flour for cauliflower, making it a healthier and lower-calorie option. Not only will you reduce your carb intake, you’ll also get extra nutrients that you won’t find in a regular dough. You can even make it gluten-free.

Mashed Potatoes: Mashed Cauliflower

Cauliflower strikes again! This smart swap is great for mashed potatoes. Mashed cauliflower has a similar taste and texture to mashed potatoes — but cauliflower packs extra vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Plus, it’s a great gluten-free option. Add some herbs for extra flavor, and you’ve got a delicious and nutritious side dish.

Ice Cream: Banana Ice Cream

Ice cream is an undeniable favorite when it comes to comfort food. But it’s not always the healthiest option. The solution? An easy swap: instead of ice cream, try banana ice cream. It’s surprisingly creamy, and you get all the sweetness of ice cream without the added sugar. Plus, it’s dairy-free and vegan if you’d like it that way.

These swaps will help you indulge in your favorite comforting foods while improving your overall health and well-being. Don’t be afraid to get creative — there’s always an alternative that will satisfy your cravings without the guilt.