Comfort foods — you know, those are the foods that we may turn to when we need consoling. They may be different for different people but they tend to be dishes we grew up eating. They’re often creamy or cheesy or classic meaty meals. However, while they may be good for the soul, they may not be great for the body, at least not if eaten often or in large quantities. In addition, they can often be a bit time consuming to prepare. Unfortunately, sometimes when we need comfort, we don’t always have time to make the food we crave. That’s when we might decide on dinner out.

While homemade comfort foods tend to be high in fat and sodium, restaurant comfort foods tend to be off the charts in them. For that reason, sodium is not a criteria for picks. The sodium content in most of the dishes is higher than what one should be eating in just one meal. However, it’s important to understand that healthy eating is about enjoying food as well as the nutrition the meal provides. While restaurant comfort foods may not be regular players in a healthy eating plan, they can fit in moderation.

Helpful hints: When you’re needing a little comfort, keep these tips in mind.

Divide. To get the flavor you’re after without going overboard on sodium and saturated fat, consider splitting with a friend or taking half home for another day.

Add a side of veggies. To boost the beneficial nutrients of the meal, add a side of veggies.

Choose the best portion size. If there are multiple sizes to choose from, choose the smallest.

(Environmental Nutrition is the award-winning independent newsletter written by nutrition experts dedicated to providing readers up-to-date, accurate information about health and nutrition in clear, concise English. For more information, visit www.environmentalnutrition.com.)

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