Webster’s Dictionary describes the word ‘comfort’ as “a strengthening aid, a satisfying or enjoyable experience, to give strength and hope.” We often use the word comfort in correlation with food. The term ‘comfort food’ has become part of our everyday language. I think most of you would agree that eating comfort food makes you feel strengthened, satisfied, and hopeful. It’s like a warm hug.
Unfortunately, comfort food has gotten a bad reputation. When you think of comfort food, you think of heavy, fried, greasy food…laden with thick sauces…foods that make you want to take a long nap… But I’m here to reform comfort foods. Brothers and sisters, let me tell you the good news. You can eat comfort food without feeling guilty!
Since starting my journey to better health, I’ve learned to adapt my favorite recipes to be much leaner but not lose any of the great flavor. I always thought when you were on a diet that you had to give up anything that had flavor. You could only munch on rabbit food and become miserable. This new lifestyle change has opened my eyes to a world of possibilities.
Baked pasta dishes are delicious. Let’s all be honest here; you can’t beat a heaping helping of cheesy baked pasta. It is the definition of comfort food. Did you know that the average serving, 1 cup, of baked ziti has 35 carbohydrates? While it may taste delicious, it will leaving you feeling sluggish and guilty.
You can still enjoy baked ziti without feeling so guilty, and you won’t sacrifice any of the flavor. This baked ziti replaces the pasta with the very versatile cauliflower. Cauliflower is a canvas, just waiting to soak up flavor. A cup serving of cauliflower baked ziti only has 8 carbohydrates! That is a drastic difference.
For me, cutting out the carbohydrates has made me have so much more energy. I am sleeping better. My joints no longer ache. Plus, the 46 pound weight loss so far doesn’t hurt.
I have been so touched by your kind words of encouragement since my last article. I love talking to all of you and knowing that we are all on this journey together. Building a community of individuals that hold each other’s hands during the hard times, rejoice during the good times, and learn to be healthy together is a wonderful thing. I would love to continue to hear from you on your journey. Feel free to email me anytime at annapella2003@gmail.com
“God is our refuge and strength, and ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” Psalm 46:1-3
