eDiets Contributor
For centuries scientists have racked their brains trying to create it. Countless movies, books, theme park rides and songs are based on it. Now I hold the key to this perplexing mystery, or rather my stomach does.
You see, just a few moments ago, I was transported back in time. No, I didn't get into any time-travel machine, aliens did not suck me up into their spaceship, and I'm not on any weird meds. All I did was take a bite of a homemade chocolate chip cookie.
There is more to a chocolate chip cookie than meets the eye. One bite is all it took, and I was instantly transported back to my childhood years.
I could see my mom opening the oven and my dad, sisters and brother running into the kitchen from different directions, as the scent of the fresh batch of homemade cookies filled the air. I could hear all of us talking and laughing as we dipped our cookies into fresh cold milk and enjoyed this treat.
All of us have comfort foods like chocolate-chip cookies. Some people like hearty meals such as steaks, pizza or a certain fragrant homemade stew, while others find nostalgia in quick snacks and treats. There is nothing wrong with enjoying a delicious travel back in time once in a while.
Unfortunately, many of these treats spell trouble for your waistline. They provide immediate comfort but may bring about long-term health problems. Unless your comfort foods are filled with nutritional value, it's important to save them for special occasions and eat them in proper portions.
Luckily, there are many ways to make your old treats healthier.
Here are 10 comfort foods that will surely send you soaring back in time:
1. Macaroni and cheese2. Chocolate chip cookies
3. Ice cream
4. Pizza
5. Grilled cheese sandwiches
6. Tomato soup
7. Popcorn
8. Chocolate shakes
9. Pancakes
10. Homemade soups and stews
Get tons of healthy recipes on our site for free! Click here to see the recipes!
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Labels: comfort-foods, cooking, diet, food, recipes
Comment: Wednesday, October 01, 2008 11:23:00 AM - 
michelle said...
hi my name is michelle. back in august 2005 i was put n the hospital weighing 185lbs and my sugar was thru the roof at over 600. this really scared me so i went on a diet and started excerising which wasn't easy i've always been a junk food person. well from aug,2005 til nov,2006 i went from 185lbs toa low of 113lbs. here again i was in bad shape my sugar was way low i couldn't eat. and i suffered alot of pain because i messed up my lower back. i slipped two disc with a buldge it was bones on bones. suffering thru this pain for months into 2008. my doctr pulled me out of work i'm now two months from being 39yrs old and i'm back up to 145lbs and i hate it. i need to lose 20lbs and nothing is working. i don't eat fast food nor fried food, nor drink soda neither diet or non diet. everything i eat is low fat sugar free, i eat alot of fruit, veg, baked chicken, whole grain ceral and bread. diet cranberry juice, and lots of water. if anyone can help please email at myjamon.jala@yahoo.com.
Comment: Friday, October 31, 2008 10:13:00 AM - kmcand1222 said...
Hi Michelle. The best advice I can give you is to keep moving. If you have a low back issue, which I do as well, walking is the best form of exercise. It lubricates the joints (spine as well) and gets blood and nutrients flowing to the injured area for healing. I also used the eliptical (without using the arm bars back and forth because that movement brought discomfort to my low back) and that seemed to make me feel better and I was able to work up a sweat to burn calories. Remember to eat small meals several times a day so you're never so hungry that you'll grab things that are easy and usually full of calories. Good luck. And it will get better, from someone who knows all too well.
Kelly
Comment: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 1:04:00 PM - 
said...
I would also add on physical therapy? It worked for me and I had the same back issue. After a while, it got to where I could run again, but that was almost four years after it happened.
Comment: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 3:24:00 PM - said...
I am the same. Just continue to do a lot of cardio and burn those sugars. Swimming is what helped me, i suggest u try it too.
Comment: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 4:02:00 PM - 
TracyGiirl said...
Hi Michelle,
I pretty much agree with everything Kelly said about keeping active. I also notice that you said you eat low fat or sugar-free foods. Sometimes those very foods can hinder weight loss-especially since you don't have a enormous amount of weight to lose. My question is what type of foods are you comsuming that are low fat or sugar free? My doctor alerted me when I was struggling with my blood sugars to make sure that if I chose sugar free items I should read the label and note the fat content. Many sugar-free foods are unusually high in fat. And many fat-free foods are high in sugar. I also noticed you drink diet cranberry juice. What kind of sweetner is used in it? Believe it or not artificial sweetners have also been known to hinder weight loss. Better to just stick to the water. If you get bored with the water, squirt some lemon in it. Also if you are craving a warm beverage, herbal tea is a great choice. Also when I was dealing with my high blood sugars, I read that staying away from foods like mangoes, bananas and watermelon helps to aid in keeping sugars down. And make sure that the whole grain breads and cereals that you consume are truly whole grain. Many companies try to say they are whole grain when they really aren't. Check the label and it should have a good amount of dietary fiber and more grams of protien than conventional breads and cereals. Kashi has a great line of products. Well, I hope you are successful in getting to your goal. Sorry for this being so long, but since I lost 145lbs after years of yo-yo dieting I have learned so much about nutrition. Take care.
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