Menu Makeover

Finding a meal that pleases every palate in your family and is at least somewhat healthy is a tall order. With a few tweaks and tricks, you can turn familiar family favorites into good-for-you meals.

Healthy Hot Dogs

If hot dogs are your kids’ dinner of choice most nights, you’re not alone. Bump up your frankfurter’s nutrition factor by choosing nitrate-free dogs or ones made from free-range meat. Switch out salty toppings such as ketchup, relish and cheese with these tasty twists.

• Make It Mexican. Scoop on some fresh salsa or guacamole, then sprinkle on a little cilantro.
• Go Greek. Greek yogurt, garlic tahini and cabbage turn a traditional dog into an exotic one.
• Hello, Hawaii. Say Aloha to fresh pineapple, cherry bell peppers and cilantro.

Healthy Macaroni and Cheese

A few sneaky substitutes are all you need for this tasty and healthy comfort food.

Spaghetti Squash Mac ’n Cheese

Ingredients

• One large spaghetti squash
• Olive oil cooking spray
• 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
• 1 tablespoon clarified butter (ghee)
• 1 tablespoon whole wheat flour
• 1 cup low-fat milk
• 1 cup reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus 1 teaspoon grated parmesan as optional garnish
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Directions

• Step 1: Preheat oven to 400° F. Cut the spaghetti squash in half. Scoop out and discard the seeds. Spray the center of both halves of the squash with cooking spray. Place the cut side up on a cookie sheet. Roast until tender when pierced with a knife, about 50 minutes.
• Step 2: Remove the squash from the oven, and let cool. Once it's safe to handle, scrape the flesh into a large bowl. Add the steamed broccoli florets to the bowl, and set aside.
• Step 3: In a large saucepan, melt the ghee on medium heat, and whisk in the whole wheat flour. Add the milk, and whisk quickly. Turn heat to low, add the cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup grated parmesan, and stir until melted. Remove from heat.
• Step 4: Pour the cheese sauce over the spaghetti squash and broccoli mixture, and toss until all the squash is covered.
• Step 5: Dish into four portions. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, red pepper flakes and extra parmesan to taste.

Source: popsugar.com/fitness/Spaghetti-Squash-Mac-Cheese-32094860