Comfort Food Taste (And Nutrition) Test

Right in time for fall/winter comfort food season, Men's Fitness editors tested eight side dishes to determine which were the best in taste and nutritional value.

Following is a list of the items that we tested. Along with each item, we offer helpful tips on how to prepare it in a healthy way, along with information on their nutritional value. I have attached a PDF of the full story for your review. Men's Fitness Special Projects Editor Desiree Gallas stopped by to go over the following products and their alternatives:

• Stove Top Stuffing - look out for high sodium & hydrogenated oils
Alternative: Try pre-cubed white potatoes drizzled with olive oil & spices

• Bruce's Yams - loaded with unnecessary sugar & carbs
Alternative: Bake your own sweet potato, add a little brown sugar

• Bush's Baked Beans - lots of fiber and protein, watch out for sugar
Alternative: Buy plain black beans and add small amount of your favorite BBQ sauce

• Velveeta Shells and Cheese - decent amount of protein and calcium, high carbs
Alternative: Dry cheese mix, add low-fat margarine and milk, liquid cheese, add a bag of broccoli

• Rice & Roni - loaded with sodium
Alternative: Buy frozen pre-made brown rice,|add spices, vegetables, a bit of cheese

• Grands Biscuits - too many carbs, saturated & trans fans
Alternative: Prepare a boxed corn bread mix, substitute egg whites for whole egg

• Betty Crocker Scalloped Potatoes - stick to one serving
Alternative: Replace the unhealthy fats with low-fat, milk and nonhydrogenated margarine

For more information, pick up the latest copy of Men's Fitness magazine or visit
www.mensfitness.com.