Tips on Eating Comfort Food Out, Guilt Free

Self Magazine

by Sarah-Jane Bedwell



Courtesy of Cracker Barrel
Courtesy of Cracker Barrel

There's nothing quite like Cracker Barrel's specialty, country-style Southern comfort food. I should know since I live in Tennessee -- home of Cracker Barrel's HQ and (in my opinion!) the heart of the South. So when Cracker Barrel released their new Wholesome Fixin's Menu this week, it was this Southern dietitian's dream realized. The Wholesome Fixin's menu feature breakfast, lunch and dinner that still fall within the category of comfort-style fare, yet manage to have each dish remain under 600 calories. Here are a few of my new faves.

Multi-Grain French Toast: This sweet breakfast choice starts with multi-grain french toast grilled to golden perfection and then is topped off with fresh fruit. Served with the honey citrus yogurt sauce or sugar-free syrup, it clocks in at 480 calories.

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Good Morning Breakfast: Talk about a hearty start to your day: This dish features two scrambled Egg Beaters, your choice of turkey bacon or turkey sausage, tasty cheese grits, and sliced tomatoes plus, a side of fresh fruit all for 390 (with the bacon) or 400 (with the sausage) tasty calories.

Buttermilk Oven-Fried Chicken Breast: You'd never guess this tender chicken breast coated in buttermilk and cornflake crumbs and baked until crispy was just 500 calories -- sides included. Crazy, right?

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Spice Rubbed Pork Chop: The campfire seasoning at Cracker Barrel, which is composed of cinnamon and chili powder, along with the orange mustard glaze give this bone-in chop a deep level of flavor. Try it with mixed seasonal vegetables and country green beans on the side for a tasty meal that clocks in at just 420 calories.

Pecan Crusted Catfish: The buttery flavor of this catfish fillet is brushed with sweet orange marmalade, coated with a toasty pecan crust, and grilled to a delectable golden brown finish. The whole order adds up to a totally-reasonable 450 calories, including mixed seasonal vegetables and brown rice pilaf on the side.

Have you tried the new Wholesome Fixin's menu yet?

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