A Healthier Mac and Cheese Recipe

We’ve all been there. You’re craving a comforting meal, but it doesn’t fit into the lifestyle you’re trying to achieve. I’ve gathered an alternative that is just as good, if not better. Cravings are natural to our body, so don’t stress about it. Let’s jump into a new alternative to satisfy your craving!

1. Mac and Cheese

   There is nothing like a warm bowl of cheesy noodles. The important thing to note here is that macaroni and cheese isn’t altogether bad. Cheese is known to be a good source of protein, and a healthy noodle option can add fiber to your diet. Matthew Kadey, RD says “It goes without saying that you’ll want to ditch packaged products, with their refined grains and ultra-processed cheese powder or sauce. While boxed mac and cheese requires very little brainpower or culinary savvy, the combo of refined flour macaroni, ultra-processed cheese sauce, and surprising amounts of sodium — more than 700 milligrams (mg) in a cup serving — that go into popular brands won’t leave you with much nutrition on your plate.” The best alternative would be to make a homemade mac that doesn’t sacrifice flavor! Here is my favorite option.

MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE

• 8 oz elbow or shell-shaped pasta (legume-based or 100 percent whole grain)

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1 cup unsweetened plain almond or cashew milk

• 1 cup plain 2 percent Greek yogurt

• 1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese

• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan (optional)

• 4 cups baby spinach

• 1 cup sliced roasted red pepper

• 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes

• 1/3 cup sliced kalamata olives (optional)

Directions

1. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Return pot to heat, adjust heat to medium, and add butter. Once butter is melted, whisk in flour and whisk constantly for 30 seconds, or until mixture becomes light brown. Add spices and milk; whisk until ingredients are combined. Add Greek yogurt and whisk until the mixture is homogenous and smooth (do not boil).

3. Turn heat to low and add cheddar cheese and Parmesan, if using. Stir until cheese is melted. Add cooked pasta and stir to coat. Add spinach and heat until greens are wilted. Stir in roasted red pepper, cherry tomatoes, and olives, if using.

Nutrition per serving: 373 calories, 17g total fat (9g saturated fat), 21g protein, 34g carbohydrates, 7g fiber, 4.5g sugar (0g added sugar), 565mg sodium

First of all, don’t stress. It’s okay to have a cheat day. It’s okay to have a few cheat days. We’re pursuing a healthy rhythm to food, exercise, clothing, and all things weight loss. You might take a step back once in a while. That’s okay. We can keep moving forward together! By joining my one on one coaching program, we can REALLY dive into this together. Download the 1st Phorm app to join my one-on-one coaching.