Childhood favorites like pizza pockets, grilled cheese sandwiches, ice cream, and corn dogs, although delicious, may not be the healthiest food choices available.
While you may not get your kids to stop eating these yummy treats, you can whip up healthier versions for yourself at home. Check out these eleven healthy makeovers of your favorite childhood foods.
1. Pizza Pockets
Pizza pockets are everyone’s favorite and easy to find in the frozen food section of the supermarket. The negative side, though, is that these little bites of cheesy goodness are full of preservatives.
A good alternative is to make these pizza pockets at home. Blogger, Anna Coleman of Spoonful.com, set out to create the perfect recipe to make these delicious treats. “No matter how I try, I can’t seem to find the name brand for less than a dollar per pocket, so I set out to make my own,” she said. “Prep-time is minimal and you don’t need a lot of filling to make them work. In fact, too much filling can cause leakage and soggy crusts.”
Find Anna’s Pocket Pizza Recipe here.
2. Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is definitely on the top of the list when it comes to comfort food. A way to make a healthier version of this childhood favorite is to bake the chicken instead of fry it.
Eatingwell.com has a variety of recipes to make flavorful oven-fried chicken.
3. Spaghetti and Meatballs
We all remember family dinners, complete spaghetti and meatballs, and greasy garlic bread. Oh yes, how delicious it was. Unfortunately, these days we know better. In order to live healthier, we can’t really be eating like this—let alone serving dishes like these to our kids every day.
Fortunately, you can make a healthier version of this Italian favorite by replacing ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. While you’re at it, swap out your regular spaghetti for 100% whole-wheat spaghetti for some added fiber.
Check out the full recipe on DrOz.com.
4. Pancakes
Fluffy pancakes on a Saturday morning are a delicious way to start your weekend. But we know this is probably not the best idea for your waistline. Opt for healthier pancakes by making them with whole-wheat flour and farina.
Health.com explains, “Whole-wheat flour and farina add a hearty texture and 4 grams of heart-healthy fiber. The golden raisins, applesauce, and vanilla soy milk provide plenty of sweet, low-cal flavor.”
5. French Fries
Loved by both young and old, french fries are a favorite side dish for burgers, hot dogs and sandwiches. We know they’re greasy, but the good news is, french fries can be a little healthier when you bake them with the skins still on, rather than frying them. This greatly reduces the amount of fat you will consume and keeping the skin results in a higher nutritional value.
6. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Oh, the delicious grilled cheese. How we love your crispiness coupled with creamy, cheesy flavors. Fortunately, making this lunchtime favorite a little healthier takes minimal effort. Simply replace white bread with whole grain bread.
When it comes to the cheese, FitSugar.com explains, “When building your sandwich, it’s OK to indulge in a full-fat variety, but use a smaller serving — a little goes a long way when it comes to flavorful varieties like Asiago or Parmesan. If you’re worried about cholesterol, look for low-fat or reduced-fat varieties, or choose goat cheese.
Finally, consider adding vegetables like tomatoes and red peppers to your sandwich for a little extra vitamins and nutrients.
7. Popsicles
Popsicles on a hot summer day are a tasty way to keep cool. Store-bought popsicles, though, are high in sugar. Your family doesn’t have to give up this favorite summertime dessert. Simply opt to make them yourself at home to ensure you’re only getting the healthiest of ingredients.
Check out this Skinny Cookies and Cream Popsicle recipe courtesy of SkinnyFork.com.
8. Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches
We can bet peanut butter and jelly sandwiches have been a part of your home for many generations. While peanut butter is, in fact, pretty healthy (when eaten in moderation), most jellies available at the supermarket are overloaded with sugar.
So the next time you’re making a PB&J, solve this problem by replacing the jelly with fresh fruit. Make a hearty peanut butter and banana sandwich or a yummy peanut butter and strawberry sandwich, or just about any peanut butter and fruit combination you like!
9. Corn Dogs
Now who doesn’t remember having corn dogs at the fair as a child? Yes, they sure they were delicious. But with so many added preservatives and other junk, we’re sure they probably weren’t very healthy either.
While there is probably no completely healthy version of the corn dog, you can make a homemade one that’s probably a little more wholesome.
Blogger Amanda Plott from TheSkinnyFork.com says, “Making whole-wheat dough rather than a batter is the key to a healthier corn dog. The whole wheat dough is thicker than a batter and super easy to work with”
Once you have the dough, simply bake your corn dogs in the oven for 10 minutes on each side and they’re ready to eat!
10. Waffles
Waffles are a great treat to have for breakfast. A healthier version of store-bought waffles starts with a multi-grain flour blend. An article featured on 101cookbooks.com explains, “[with] a blend of barley, oat, and rye flours, these multigrain waffles are buttermilk-moist with a golden crust and a hint of tanginess.”
11. Ice cream
Ice cream has always been a childhood favorite dessert. With many different favors to choose from, it’s virtually impossible to get bored of this refreshing treat. The only downside, most ice cream is high in fat and calories.
To make healthier homemade ice cream, we recommend you try “magic ice cream.” The main ingredient? Bananas.
Blogger Faith Dunard of TheKitchn.com has a super simple recipe for this “magic ice cream” that starts with frozen bananas and a food processor. Make different combinations like Peanut Butter & Honey Banana, Nutella Banana or Cinnamon Banana. The possibilities are endless, and your kids won’t even miss their old ice cream.
Healthy Swaps
Childhood favorites are indulgences we don’t have to give up. With a few substitutions, you can still enjoy thee comfort foods while keeping yourself and your family happy and healthy. What’s your favorite food from childhood?