We all have them; they can make us feel emotionally satisfied. A “comfort food” is any food usually turned to for a special reward, security, or temporary calming. How do foods become comfort foods?

Reasons include the foods’ familiarity, simplicity, or pleasant associations. Think about your favorites — my comfort foods almost always have to do with potatoes! From Spanish Omelets to simply roasted potatoes I absolutely love them!

You can turn even your favorite comfort foods into deliciously healthy meals with just a few modifications, for instance add in more veggies or switch out a higher fat ingredient for a lower fat ingredient. In the recipe below, adding zucchini and spinach to a traditional potato omelet increases the nutrition and adds a delicious twist to a more traditional potatoes omelet that typically consists of only eggs, potatoes and onion.

Did you know?According to a recent study by Cornell University researchers, women and men seek out different comfort foods. Men crave mixtures of salt, protein, & fat like pizza and steak. Women seek out high fat & sugar foods like chocolate, ice cream, and cookies. What are you favorites?