Mac & Cheese is a beloved comfort food typically associated with indulgence and high-calorie content. However, creating a delicious and healthy version of this classic dish is possible.
Making healthy versions is all about making slight changes to the traditional recipe. Choose veggie-based or whole-wheat noodles. Adding vegetables such as broccoli or cauliflower to the mix increases its nutrient content. Cooking vegetables in broth adds more flavor. Finally, avoid using pre-packaged mac and cheese mixes as they tend to contain excessive amounts of sodium and artificial flavors. By following these simple modifications, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy version of the classic comfort food.
Healthy Tip
I recently discovered the joy of pasta made with hearts of palm. Of all the veggie-based noodles, hearts of palm is the most like the real deal. It’s shockingly similar in taste and texture to traditional wheat-based noodles – but here’s the best part – with way fewer calories and carbs. Each serving of my favorite brand – Palmini – is a mere 20 calories and 4 grams of carbs.
Recipe 1: Broccoli Mac & Cheese
This Broccoli Mac and Cheese recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional mac and cheese, serving fresh vegetables, low-fat dairy, and whole-grain pasta. It’s an easy and satisfying meal that the entire family can enjoy, and it’s a great way to add some extra nutrition to your favorite comfort food.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-fat milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
2. While the pasta is cooking, steam the broccoli florets until tender.
3. In a separate pot, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to make a roux.
4. Slowly whisk in the milk, constantly stirring until the sauce thickens.
5. Add the shredded cheese and stir until melted.
6. Add salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add the cooked macaroni and steamed broccoli to the sauce and stir until well-coated.
8. Serve hot.
Recipe 2: Vegan Mac & Cheese
If you’re looking for a healthy and vegan-friendly twist on traditional mac and cheese, try using plant-based imitation cheese instead of dairy cheese. This recipe for Vegan Mac & Cheese is a healthier and cruelty-free take on the classic dish, incorporating plant-based cheese along with a serving of fresh vegetables and whole-grain pasta. It’s an easy and satisfying meal that is suitable for vegans and anyone looking for a healthier meal option.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
• 1 cup plant-based imitation cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
2. While the pasta is cooking, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
3. Add the spinach leaves to the pan and cook until wilted.
4. In a separate pot, whisk together the flour and almond milk to make a roux.
5. Heat the mixture over medium heat, constantly stirring until the sauce thickens.
6. Add the plant-based cheese and stir until melted.
7. Add salt and pepper to taste.
8. Add the cooked macaroni and sautéed vegetables to the sauce and stir until well coated.
9. Serve hot.
Recipe 3: Greek Yogurt Turmeric Mac & Cheese
Meet your new favorite comfort food turned health boost: Greek yogurt + Turmeric mac and cheese. No sacrificing cheesy goodness in this recipe. Instead, we added in some sneaky secret weapons to boost your immunity.
– Greek yogurt adds creamy texture and a protein-packed, probiotic punch.
– Turmeric adds a pop of sunny color and an immunity boost.
Who knew staying healthy and cozy could taste this good? Say goodbye to boring old mac and cheese, and hello to your new wellness warrior.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb penne cut whole wheat pasta (or hearts of palm noodles)
• 1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp Turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
2. In a separate pot, mix olive oil, Turmeric, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spice mixture to the skillet and stir for 1 minute.
4. Add the Greek yogurt to the skillet and stir until the mixture is smooth.
5. Add the cheddar and mozzarella cheese to the skillet.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add the pasta to the skillet and stir until well coated
8. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Even More Turmeric Magic
Did you know that the secret source of Turmeric’s superpowers is a compound called curcumin? But before you drown every dish in Turmeric powder, know this – curcumin only makes up a tiny 5% of the cooking spice.
Luckily, there’s a better way: Stonehenge Health Dynamic Turmeric™.
This game-changing supplement packs a whopping 1,650 milligrams of organic Turmeric curcumin complex into each dose. With Dynamic Turmeric™, you’ll experience curcumin’s anti-inflammatory and health-boosting benefits without having to spice up every meal with Turmeric powder. Get ready to say goodbye to inflammation and joint pain and hello to a life filled with the things you love.
And here’s a quick tip, replace the Turmeric powder in your Mac & Cheese recipe with the ingredients inside one Dynamic Turmeric™ capsule (open and pour the capsule contents into the bowl). This way, you get the Turmeric flavor plus a supercharged dose of inflammation-fighting curcumin.
