As news of Paula Deen’s diabetes diagnosis continues to play out in the media, we’ve noticed an impulse in the blogosphere to paint what’s on our plates as either heavenly or healthy. But this is a false choice! Who says mouth-watering meals must be bathed in butter to taste good, or that burgers are best when they’re piled high with bacon? In fact, you can get all the enjoyment of comfort food without the onslaught of calories, fat and sodium. Here at Prevention, we know healthy food can be delicious—and our expert food editors and kitchen staff have a passion for creating exactly these recipes. All of the meals and dishes featured on our pages are not only nutrition powerhouses—healthy for your heart and your waistline—but they are downright delicious too. Don’t believe us? Try out some of our favorite recipes for yourself. We think you’ll agree: These healthier alternatives are just as mouth-watering as their calorie-packed counterparts. Garlic Mashed Potatoes Buttermilk might sound as rich as cream, but it isn’t. This version has 39% fewer calories and 84% less saturated fat than the traditional version. Spicy Mac and Cheese Follow this maxim and you’ll never be left wanting. The secret? Chipotle chile pepper, which lends an unexpected but enticing kick to this classic comfort food. French Fries Seasoned and baked russet potato strips trump greasy restaurant options. And this recipe includes a neat trick to make the fries nice and crisp—without the unhealthy oils and fat. Chicken And Dumplings Making the sauce with reduced-fat sour cream instead of heavy cream slashes the saturated fat in this all-in-one main dish. Oven Fried Deviled Chicken Remember that anything you fry can also be baked for a more moist—and healthier—dish. When you’re breading, use Dijon instead of whole eggs, and opt for heart-healthy whole-wheat crumbs instead of the traditional white. BBQ Beef Brisket and Beans Slow cooking beef ensures you’ll get a tender, tasty piece of meat every time. Pair with low sodium sauce and high-fiber beans for a filling, healthy meal. Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes These are a cute, no-deprivation way to keep portions in check and sugar intake under control. (Love chocolate? Get 3 more guilt-free desserts here.) Shamrock Shake Sure, you could pull up to the McDonald’s drive-thru for a green shake, but Prevention food director Lori Powell whipped up a healthier take on the green shake with a fraction of the fat, calories and food coloring—and even more taste. More from Prevention: 10 Low-Cal Chips And Dips
