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With the “blah” weather of fall often comes the cravings for hearty comfort food. It&undefined;s natural – as the weather gets darker and colder we tend to want to curl up inside with a good bowl of warm, hearty food. The only problem is that the so called “comfort food” usually translates into large amounts of calories. To satisfy your cravings this fall and stay slim , try the following no-guilt comfort foods:

1.Soba noodles. It is not uncommon to crave pasta during the fall season. In small portions, whole wheat pasta is good for you but the problem is that those quarter or half cup servings don&undefined;t always cut it. If you eat two cups of pasta you are eating over 600 calories! Instead, try soba noodles. They have the same texture as spaghetti but are make from buckwheat. Two cups of cooked soba noodles contain 220 calories, 48 grams of carbohydrates, and 12 grams of protein . They will fill you up and keep you slim if you toss them with a red pasta sauce and tons of veggies.

2.Shepherds’ pie. This home made classic will fill the void when you want something hot out of the oven with substance. Make it with ground turkey instead of beef to get less fat and more protein, and used mashed cauliflower instead of potatos.  You can also add corn, peas and carrots for more taste and nutritional benefits.

3.Home made hot chocolate. Instead of running to Starbucks for a fat filled venti hot chocolate, save yourself 400 calories or so. Make your own hot chocolate with chocolate whey protein powder and soy or non fat milk to keep you warm on those cold days but yet get a decent dose of protein which will keep you satisfied for longer than a normal sugary hot chocolate would.

Instead of indulging on the wrong things this fall, stick to the foods that will satisfy your cravings but still keep your diet on track. Even though you may not be seen in a swim suit any time soon, don&undefined;t use fall as an excuse to gain those winter pounds. Stay on track all year long to keep healthy and happy.