Healthy Comfort Foods ~ gluten free with vegan and low-carb options

Now you don't have to sacrifice your health to enjoy delectable, heart (and belly) warming foods. With these Healthy Comfort Foods you can satisfy your taste buds and feel great too!

They're all gluten-free and mostly low carb.

Comfort Foods are those foods that make us feel good when we eat them. It's the way they taste, the way they feel in our mouths, and sometimes it's the memories they bring back from our childhood. They can be main dishes, sides, beverages, and yes, of course, desserts.

The problem, of course, is that so many comfort foods, while they might seem "comforting"--they wreak havoc on our blood sugar, and our guts...and inevitably on our health.

For me, some of my favorite comfort foods from my childhood are--cold cereal (from the box!), homemade cookies (especially chocolate chippers and peanut butter blossoms), spaghetti and meatballs, pizza, chicken nuggets, and ice cream. And ice cream.

And ice cream.

Did someone say ice cream?

NUMMERS.

I used to work in an ice cream parlor. BAD idea.

And then when my husband and I were dating, our favorite "frugal date" was to go to Mickey D's and get soft serve cones. Multiple ones. We even knew which workers gave out the tallest cones.....mmm hmmm.....yup, we were that frugal and intent on getting the biggest dessert for our buck.

Spaghetti and meatballs were a big fave for me too. My mom would have the spaghetti sauce simmering all day...and would let me try some spooned onto white bread (yikes!) for a treat when it was almost done.

Then cookies.

I just loved baking. All. the. time.

I didn't like the cleaning up part, though...just the baking and eating. Much to mom's chagrin.

Peanut Butter Blossoms were my all time favorite cookie....and chocolate chippers...and...

Anyhow, as our diets changed over the years due to candida, thyroid disease, and more, these foods just moved out of my life, or I had to work to replace them with a healthier alternative.

I know that there are some healthy eating plans like Whole30, that recommend abstaining from healthier versions of comfort foods. And actually, that's the way we eat most of the time around here these days.

Lots of healthy meat, veggies, some fruit, and occasional grains, but very little to no processed foods and our meals have been very basic for months.

However, earlier when our food sensitivities started, and today even, when I get in the mood to have fun with my food, I like having fun in the kitchen and making interesting dishes for my family and others. I'm not sure what's changed--but my cravings have seriously diminished.

As in basically gone.

I see the benefit of both ways of eating. I think that eating basic foods can bring one closer to the reality of life--that food is made for living--we don't live for food. Plus we have more time to focus on other things if we aren't always thinking about our next meal and wondering what we'll make or obsessing about how wonderful it's going to be.

At the same time, I think it's great to be able to celebrate creativity in the kitchen and enjoy culinary pleasures. And to have fun enjoying good food even if it's a bit extravagant at times.

Plus, I think that when one is starting out trying to eat healthier, that having copycat versions of their favorite recipes can be a huge help and can even be the difference between staying on a new path and going back to eating junk food.

So with that in mind, I've created a roundup of healthy comfort foods, in the hopes that they will be a help to you, regardless of where you are on your healthy eating journey.

All are gluten free and are also dairy free and egg free or have easy substitutions. And if you are eating low-carb you should be able to substitute for most of them as well to meet your needs.

I hope that these healthy comfort foods are a help to you.

Healthy Comfort Foods

Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets – dairy & egg free with gluten & grain-free options

Instead of heading out to Mickey D's, you can make these delicious baked chicken nuggets in your own home. They freeze well and taste amazing. In fact, whenever I make them, my husband says, "How long do these take to make?" which is his nice way of saying I don't make them near as often as he'd like.

Gluten-Free Fried Chicken

Delectable gluten-free fried chicken made in a cast iron skillet!

Texas Slow Cooker Beef Chili

I love anything I can make in a slow cooker--and chili is something everyone loves.
This recipe calls for grass-fed beef. While not imperative, of course, it will taste even better using quality meat.

Baked Garlic Cauliflower Mash with Cheese Crust

Substitute in a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option. This looks totally amazing--the perfect side for any meal.

Grain-Free Zucchini Lasagna Recipe – low carb with dairy and egg-free options

If you LOVE lasagna, but you've gone grain-free, this is the perfect solution.
And there are dairy and egg-free options included.

Crock-Pot Gluten-Free Old Fashioned Chicken and Buttermilk Dumplings

Use almond flour for the dumplings to make them low carb.

Crock-Pot Mississippi Pot Roast (paleo & whole30)

Pot Roast with a fun twist of pepperoncini--how fun and delicious!

My Most Requested Recipe – Pakistani Kima Beef Curry w/ vegan and AIP options

This is hands down our favorite recipe of all time. Kid-friendly too!

One-Pot Vegan Mac & Cheese

Everyone loves mac and cheese! And even more when it's healthier!
Use low-carb elbows for a low-carb dish.

Baked Pumpkin Sage Macaroni and "Cheese"

What a fun twist on mac and cheese! Pumpkin and--sage?
Use low-carb elbows to make this dish low-carb.

Healthy Chili Mac

Again, use low-carb pasta to make this dish low carb.

Gluten-Free Cream of Mushroom Soup (low carb)

What a great healthier alternative to canned soup with who knows what in it!

Nutrient Dense Meatloaf

All kinds of veggies hidden in this meatloaf makes for a power-packed comfort food.
Use an egg substitute for an egg-free option.

Egg Roll in a Bowl – low carb, paleo, AIP

This dish is one of our family's all time favorites--the great taste of egg rolls without the fuss and carbs of the wrappers.

Homemade Chicken Zucchini Noodle Soup

A fantastic grain-free literal twist (of zoodles) on the traditional chicken noodle soup.

Copycat Chick-Fil-A® Chicken Nuggets (gluten free w/ grain-free option)

Use oil instead of the egg for an egg-free option.

Homemade Hot Chocolate – dairy and sugar free

Hot chocolate is so warm on chilly days.
This dairy-free hot chocolate is perfect on its own or topped with whipped coconut cream and chocolate shavings.

 

Deep Dish Gluten-Free Apple Pie

Use almond flour for the crust and a low carb sweetener  to make this lower carb, but it won't be truly low carb unless you sub out the apples with berries.

5-Ingredient Easy Drop Biscuits – gluten-free and vegan options

I haven't tried this but using almond flour could make these low carb.

Quick Low-Carb Buns

These will be tough to make egg free since they are made with coconut flour.

Paleo & Nut-Free Biscuits with AIP option

These are also a bit tough to do egg-free but since there are 2 flours it's worth a try.

Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough – grain free, vegan, low carb

Healthy Dark Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Balls

What a delectable treat!
Use a low-carb sweetener if needed for your diet.

Chocolate Almond Chip Ice Cream - dairy free, low carb, AIP

This is a dairy-free, low-carb remake of one of my childhood favorites.

Chocolate Cupcakes with Cream Filling (grain free, gluten free, & nut free)

From what I have read, cassava flour works pretty well with egg-free substitutes so these just might work egg-free if you need that. Use a low-carb sweetener if needed.

Low-Carb Chocolate Chip Cookies

Me want cookies. Especially if they're made healthier!
Use an egg substitute if needed.

“Almond Joy” Bars {Revised} ~ low carb, vegan, AIP

These No Bake Almond Joy® Bars are a treat we keep on hand almost all the time in our home--
they're full of nourishing fats and taste amazing.

Cinnamon-Glazed Pumpkin Doughnuts

Move over Krispy Kreme!
These Pumpkin Doughnuts are loaded with nourishing pumpkin goodness and look ahmazing.

Low-Carb Cauliflower “Potato” Salad – vegan & paleo

This "faux" tato salad is sooo good it fools even enthusiastic potato salad lovers!

Flourless Peanut Butter Blossoms (or Your-Nut-or-Seed-Butter-of-Choice Blossoms)

Want to reduce the carbs in these amazing cookies? Use a low-carb sweetener and low-carb chocolate.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Chia Pudding ~ low carb & dairy free

How about the great flavor of Reese's in a bowl--healthy enough for breakfast.
Filling enough to carry you 'til lunch.

Grain-Free Granola

If you love granola, but have gone grain-free, this is for you!
Use a low-carb sweetener if needed.

Blender Cheese Sauce - 5 Ingredients (GAPS)

Not your traditional nacho sauce. Here is a great sauce healthified and it's even GAPS legal!

Homemade Sugar-Free Lemonade

No need to load yourself up with sugar or use drink mixes filled with artificial sweeteners.
This sugar-free lemonade is thirst-quenching and delicious all year round.

GAPS Diet Baked Beans

No need to miss out on baked beans just because you are on a special diet!
Use a low-carb sweetener if needed. Beans can't be truly low carb so avoid this if you are on a low-carb diet.

DIY Caramel Latte

A whole lotta nutritious stuff in this latte.
Use a low-carb sweetener if needed for your particular dietary needs.

“Dorito®” Popcorn – dairy free, gluten free, vegan

Popcorn can't be low-carb, but this seasoning is GREAT on veggies, kale chips, and more.

 

Easy Creamy Keto Mashed Potatoes (vegan option)

This recipe is dairy-free, paleo friendly, and loaded with delicious garlic flavor and a vegan twist of "cheesy nutty" nutritional yeast.

Easy Baked Sweet Potato Wedges with Chipotle Cashew Dip

These can't be low-carb, but the dip would be great with any kind of low-carb dipper, in moderation (since cashews are higher in carbs).

Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake – grain free & paleo, w/ low-carb & vegan options

Every time I bake this cake I make 4 batches because I know it will be gone in a flash. It's that good!

Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce with Baked Baby Potato Wedge Fries

What's more comforting than potatoes with cheese? Knowing that your potatoes with cheese are healthified--that's what.

Teff Waffles or Pancakes with Caramelized Bananas

Almond Flour might work as a low carb sub for these, but skip the bananas of course.

Purple Sweet Potato Tater Tots

A childhood favorite made healthier--and made purple!
Try these with cauliflower or daikon for a low carb option.

Shepherd’s Pie with Roasted Veggies (grain & dairy free, vegan option)

A traditional comfort food filled with added veggies and redone in a lower carb version.

Which of these healthy comfort foods is your favorite?
What is YOUR favorite comfort food?