5 Lower-Calorie Versions of Your Favorite Comfort Foods

A fun fun twist on a traditional PB&J, this sandwich is anything but boring. It's made with low-calorie whole wheat bread, turkey bacon, creamy almond butter, and orange marmalade. This warm, gooey, and oh-so-comforting sandwich is less than 350 calories per serving. RECIPE: Peanut Butter And Jelly Smoothie (Tina Haupert)

This isn’t your standard batch of greasy chili! With just over 400 calories per serving, this recipe is low in fat and packed with satisfying protein (42 grams). Beans are also an excellent source of fiber and, when combined with rice, they make a great complete protein. Dig into this dish when you want an especially hearty and comforting meal. RECIPE: Sweet Potato Chili (Thinkstock)

Traditional macaroni and cheese sure is delicious, but it’s not at all friendly on the waistline, especially when it’s made with high-calorie and full-fat ingredients like cream and cheese. In this recipe, the heavy cheese sauce is replaced by a slimmed-down version made with nonfat Greek yogurt, low-calorie almond milk, and reduced-fat cheddar cheese. To further slash the calorie count, some of the pasta is replaced with nutrient-rich Brussels sprouts and spinach to amp up the nutritional profile. RECIPE: Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese (Tina Haupert)

Cheesy, creamy, and loaded with calories and fat, enchiladas are not typically the healthiest choice for a meal. However, this lightened-up version combines roasted sweet potatoes and black beans in a nutrient-rich, one-pan enchilada recipe (bonus!). In fact, these enchiladas are so packed with fiber, vitamins, and protein, that you’ll feel really good about eating them. RECIPE: Fish Tacos (Tina Haupert)

These gluten-free brownies are so moist and fudge-y, you won’t even know they’re a lower-calorie version of the original. I promise! Each serving is less than 250 calories, and both the almond flour and chopped almonds provide satisfying protein and healthy fats, which will fill you up and won’t leave you searching for another treat a little while later. RECIPE: Quinoa Brownies (Tina Haupert)