The minute we hear a winter storm is coming, we get cravings for comfort food. When the days grow shorter our appetites grow larger, and we increase our caloric intake. These comfort food cravings center on carb-dense, feel-good meals, and are often driven by hunger, emotions, and even stressful situations.

Rather than doing an all-or-nothing diet, we can indulge guilt-free in our favorite comfort foods, in moderation. Typically, the best way to stave off cravings is to avoid them, but we can fulfill our hunger pangs with a portion-controlled amount of food and by using substitutions for our favorite dishes. We can have our carbs and eat them too while still getting fit and slim.

Click “View Slideshow” to see 8 healthy comfort food recipes that don’t come with a side of guilt.

Pizzas on table
Have your carbs and eat them too with these 8 healthy, comfort food recipes, from Greek yogurt blueberry pancakes to mac and cheese. Pixabay, Public Domain