Can Reading Improve Your Health? (Spoiler Alert: Yes)

Oct 10, 2015

If you’re suffering from anxiety, sleepless nights or even writer’s block, the cure may be as simple as reaching for the tablet or book beside your bed. Thanks to bibliotherapy, the practice of reading fiction for therapeutic benefits, it turns out you can download or pick up a literary cure for almost any malady. And you don’t even need to scour the self-help section.

“Reading has been shown to put our brains into a pleasurable trance-like state, similar to meditation, and it brings the same health benefits of deep relaxation and inner calm,” according to a fascinating article in The New Yorker on the concept of bibliotherapy. “Regular readers sleep better, have lower stress levels, higher self-esteem, and lower rates of depression than non-readers.”

For those of us who love curling up with a good read (the number of bookworms is growing!), the therapeutic benefits of a solid page-turner aren’t exactly breaking news. But the mechanism behind how bibliotherapy works is much more of a revelation.

In a recent NPR interview, bibliotherapist Susan Elderkin shared the philosophy. “Books, we believe, can help you in many different ways. Sometimes it’s a sense of company or solace that you’re not the only one who’s been in this situation or mental state, and sometimes books cure just through the rhythm of their prose,” Elderkin explains.

Elderkin and fellow bibliotherapist Ella Berthoud coauthored The Novel Cure, which reads like an encyclopedia of ailments (everything from apathy to zestlessness) and offers up titles you should read to remedy them. If you’re intrigued by the method and want to know more, check out the remedies section for a glimpse of what they recommend. For a personalized suggestion, simply tweet at them for your own virtual prescription.

Here are three of our own recommendations to get you started.

Best Book to Read for Anxiety

1. Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Thingsby Jenny Lawson ($17): Anxiety and depression probably don’t sound like material for a funny book, but trust us — Lawson will have you laughing out loud. In this hilarious yet poignant collection of personal essays, Lawson combats the stigma that surrounds mental illness by opening up about how it affects her life and her outlook on the world. If you’re a fan of Tina Fey’s Bossypants and Mindy Kaling’s Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, it’s safe to say you’ll enjoy this read.

Best Book to Read for Lovesickness

2. Fates and Furries by Lauren Groff ($17): Relationships are complicated, and Lotto and Mathilde’s marriage is no exception. First told from the husband’s point of view, and then from the wife’s, the complexity of the relationship unfolds from both sides. Filled with deceit and shocking secrets, this novel is a satisfying portrayal of the inner workings of a relationship.

Best Book to Read When Dealing With Family Drama

3. The Turner House by Angela Flournoy ($16): Whether you’d describe your relationship with your family as close, distant, dysfunctional or somewhere in between, odds are you’ll identify with the Turner family. When the matriarch decides to move out of the family home in Detroit, her thirteen children need to figure out what to do with the house they grew up in. As you’d probably guess, family secrets suddenly come to light in the process.

Would you give bibliotherapy a try? If you have any book recommendations, let us know in the comments below!

3 Irresistible International Cookie Recipes To Spice Up This Cozy Season

When the new cookbook Crumbs: Cookies & Sweets from Around the World by food writer, recipe developer, and self-confessed baking obsessive Ben Mims arrived in my mailbox, I was instantly smitten. Not only because I LOVE fresh-baked cookies in all varieties, but because this book is stunning, from the elegant cover to the beautiful photography by Simon Bajada inside. My mom was visiting and she was obsessed too, but I couldn't bring myself to part with it! It's also a great holiday gift for the baker in your life — or a great gift to give yourself. 😉 Regardless, here's Ben's best baking tips — plus three international cookie recipes you can bake right now!

Swirled Pig's Ears Cookies (Vietnam)

Simon Bajada

Bake your way around the world with Crumbs's 300 irresistible cookie recipes from nearly 100 countries, from classic chocolate chip cookies to date-filled maamoul, and almond macaroons to cardamom biscuits, Italian waffle cookies, and Okinawan brown sugar shortbread.

Simon Bajada

"Cookies are condensed pieces of excess," says Ben. "They allow everyone to feel extravagant and rich for a second. I think that’s a universal appeal for everyone. They bring joy while eating them, no matter how you feel the rest of the time. And sharing in that joy is what cookies do best; they allow you to physically give out happiness in a few bites."

He's sharing an excerpt of three cookie recipes below!

Simon Bajada

Chocolate-Glazed Polish Gingerbread (Poland)

Adapted from Crumbsby Ben Mims

Preparation time: 50 minutes, plus cooling and setting time

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Makes: 30 cookies

INGREDIENTS

For the cookies:

6 tablespoons (125 g) honey ¼ cup (50 g) white US granulated (UK caster) sugar
2½ tablespoons (35 g) unsalted butter
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¾ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
2 tablespoons sour cream
2¼ cups (315 g) all-purpose (plain) flour, plus more for dusting
½ teaspoon baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
¾ teaspoon fine sea salt

For the chocolate glaze:

1½ cups (200 g) powdered (icing) sugar
1/3 cup (30 g) natural cocoa powder
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 tablespoons whole milk, plus more if needed

DIRECTIONS

Make the cookies: Position racks in the top and bottom thirds of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C/Gas Mark 4). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Pour the honey into a small frying pan and place over medium-high heat until the honey starts to bubble around the edges and is loose. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the white US granulated (UK caster) sugar, butter, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and cardamom until the sugar dissolves. Pour the mixture into a medium bowl and let cool for 10 minutes.
Stir in the sour cream until smooth, then add the flour and sprinkle over the baking soda (bicarb) and salt. Fold the mixture with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon until the dough just comes together and there are no dry pockets of flour remaining.
Scrape the dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll out the dough to ½ inch (13 mm) thick. Using a 2½- to 3-inch (6.5 to 7.5 cm) round or heart-shaped cutter, cut out cookies and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, spaced 2 inches (5 cm) apart. Reroll the scraps to cut out more cookies.
Bake until the cookies are risen, golden brown at the edges, and give just slightly when pressed on top, 15-20 minutes, switching racks and rotating the baking sheets front to back halfway through. The cookies will firm up considerably upon cooling so err on the side of underbaking them.
Transfer the baking sheets to wire racks. Let the cookies cool on the pans for 1 minute, then transfer them to the racks to cool completely.
Make the chocolate glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered (icing) sugar and cocoa. Add the vanilla and 2 tablespoons of the milk and stir until a thick paste forms. Add another 1 tablespoons milk and stir until the glaze is pourable and smooth but not too runny. Add more milk if needed to reach the consistency you want.
Balance a cookie on the tines of a fork and position it over the bowl of glaze. Use a spoon in your other hand to spoon glaze over the cookie, allowing the excess to drip back into the bowl. Once the glaze stops dripping, return the cookies to a rack or a baking sheet. Repeat glazing the remaining cookies. Let the glaze dry until set before serving.

Simon Bajada

Rainbow Sprinkles-Covered Cookies (Mexico)

Adapted from Crumbsby Ben Mims

Preparation time: 15 minutes, plus 1 hour chilling time

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Makes: About 36 cookies

INGREDIENTS

2 cups (280 g) all-purpose (plain) flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
¾ cup (150 g) white US granulated (UK caster) sugar
½ cup (115 g) cold-rendered leaf lard or vegetable shortening, softened
4 tablespoons (2 oz/55 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, preferably Mexican
2 eggs, 1 whole and 1 separated
1 tablespoon water
½ cup (120 g) rainbow-colored nonpareils (hundreds & thousands) or small dragées

DIRECTIONS

Position racks in the top and bottom thirds of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C/Gas Mark 4). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, with a hand mixer, combine the sugar, lard, butter, and vanilla and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Add the whole egg, beat until smooth, then add the egg yolk to the bowl, beating until smooth. Add the flour mixture to the bowl and stir until a dough forms and there are no dry patches of flour remaining. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap (cling film) and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to firm.
Scrape the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and use a rolling pin to flatten the dough to ¼ inch (6 mm) thick. Using a 2½-inch (6.5 cm) round cutter, cut out cookies and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, spaced 2 inches (5 cm) apart. Reroll the dough and cut out more cookies. Place the baking sheets in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm the dough rounds.
Meanwhile, make an egg wash by whisking the remaining egg white with the water until smooth. Place the nonpareils in a shallow dish or large plate.
Using a pastry brush, brush some of the egg wash over the top of a dough round and place the round, brushed-side down, in the nonpareils to completely encrust that side. Invert the cookie and return it to its spot on the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough rounds.
Bake until light golden brown at the edges and just set in the center, 12-15 minutes, switching racks and rotating the baking sheets front to back halfway through.
Transfer the baking sheets to wire racks. Let the cookies cool on the pans for 1 minute, then transfer them to the racks to cool completely.

Simon Bajada

Flower Shaped Butter Cookies (Italy)

Adapted from Crumbsby Ben Mims

Preparation time: 45 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Makes: About 24 cookies

INGREDIENTS

1 cup (140 g) all-purpose (plain) flour
¾ cup (105 g) potato starch or cornstarch (cornflour)
¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
2 hard-boiled egg yolks
1 stick (4 oz/115 g) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup (65 g) powdered (icing) sugar, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or almond extract
Finely grated zest of 1 lemon

DIRECTIONS

Position racks in the top and bottom thirds of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C/Gas Mark 4). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, potato starch, and salt. Place a fine sieve over a large bowl and use a silicone spatula to press the hard-boiled egg yolks through the sieve, scraping the back of the sieve to ensure you get all the egg yolk. Add the butter and sugar, and beat on medium speed with a hand mixer until pale and fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Beat in the vanilla extract and lemon zest. Add the dry ingredients and stir until the dough forms and there are no dry patches of flour remaining. Gather the dough into a ball.
Working on a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough with a rolling pin to ⅜ inch (1 cm) thick. Using a 2½-inch (6.5 cm) flower-shaped cutter, cut out shapes of dough. Reroll the scraps to cut out more cookies. Transfer the shapes to the prepared baking sheets, spaced 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. Using the end of a narrow-handled wooden spoon or a ½-inch (13 mm) round piping tip (nozzle), punch out the center of each dough flower. Reroll the centers to make more cookies or discard them.
Bake until golden brown at the edges and dry to the touch on top, 10-15 minutes, switching racks and rotating the baking sheets front to back halfway through.
Transfer the baking sheets to wire racks and let the cookies rest on the pans for 1 minute. While they are still hot, dust the cookies with sugar and then transfer directly to the racks to cool completely.

VARIATION

Castagnese

Substitute the same weight of chestnut flour for the potato starch.

Chocolate Chip Cookies (United States)

Simon Bajada

"Ben's best baking tip? "Be patient. So much of the success of your baking comes down to simply giving things the time they need to set up or cool down. Don’t rush things. Always set a timer. Oh, and use a scale! Using the proper weight of ingredients (versus using volume measurements) will be the single greatest determining factor in the outcome of your cookies and all baked goods."

There's so much inside of Crumbs, including the origin story of each cookie and its region. Try them for breakfast, with afternoon tea, on holidays, or as a late-night snack, they are that good!

Order 'Crumbs' Here!

Amazon

Crumbs: Cookies and Sweets From Around the World

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

22 Amazing Female Authors To Celebrate National Author's Day

In honor of National Author’s Day, we absolutely had to put together the ultimate list of female authors we love to read. From novels that explore love and loss to books that have been adapted into box-office successes, these women are trailblazers, shaping genres, challenging norms, and inspiring readers everywhere. Here are all the women that constantly make our TBR lists!

Amazon

Joan Didion

Joan Didion was an iconic American writer, who wrote sharp, introspective essays and novels that captured the complex undercurrents of American life. With an eye for detail and a voice that could be both poetic and piercing, Didion chronicled everything from the counterculture of the 1960s to the grief of personal loss in The Year of Magical Thinking. Her work blended reportage, memoir, and social commentary, creating a style all her own and influencing generations of writers. Whether navigating the deserts of California or the streets of New York, Didion’s writing brought clarity to chaos, making her a true literary legend. Check out a list of other must-read Didion books here!

Amazon

Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison was a literary powerhouse whose storytelling redefined American literature. Her acclaimed novels Beloved, The Bluest Eye, and Song of Solomon dive into the depths of Black identity, community, and resilience with unmatched poetic beauty and emotional weight. Her writing painted vivid portraits of generational trauma and hope, pushing the boundaries of narrative form and exploring the intricacies of love, pain, and self-discovery. The first Black woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, Morrison left a legacy of timeless stories that continue to educate, move, and inspire readers around the world. Discover more of Morrison's works here!

Amazon

Jesmyn Ward

Jesmyn Ward is celebrated for her powerful storytelling that is like a breath of fresh air. In her National Book Award-winning novels Sing, Unburied, Sing and Salvage the Bones, Ward captures the resilience, struggles, and spirit of marginalized communities with haunting beauty. Her latest novel, Let Us Descend, an Oprah’s Book Club Pick, garnered widespread acclaim, further solidifying her place as one of the most essential voices in modern fiction. Ward’s prose brings depth to the human experience, exploring themes of family, legacy, and survival with raw emotion and lyrical grace.

Amazon

Sally Rooney

Sally Rooney is the literary sensation who brought us Normal People and Conversations with Friends, making her one of today’s most relatable and thought-provoking voices. Rooney has a knack for diving deep into the messy, beautiful chaos of love, friendship, and finding yourself. Her style? Understated yet powerful, with razor-sharp dialogue and an unfiltered take on what it's really like to be a millennial figuring things out. Her latest book, Intermezzo, takes us even deeper into these themes, inviting readers once again into her nuanced, introspective world. Rooney’s work continues to resonate across generations, solidifying her place as a defining voice of modern fiction. Explore more of Rooney's literary works here!

Amazon

Celeste Ng

Celeste Ng is a bestselling author who knows how to tug at your heartstrings. Renowned for her deeply moving and thought-provoking novels that explore family, identity, and social issues. Her book Little Fires Everywhere, was adapted into a hit TV series, Ng delighted audiences with her skillful storytelling and nuanced portrayal of community dynamics. Her latest book, Our Missing Hearts, a Reese’s Book Club Pick, touches on themes of activism, belonging, and resilience, showcasing her talent for bringing powerful narratives to life. Ng's work resonates widely, making her one of today’s most compelling voices in contemporary fiction.

Amazon

Jodi Picoult

Jodi Picoult is a literary rock star who has created alluring novels that blend heart, drama, and thought-provoking themes. With an impressive catalog of twenty-eight books, she has a knack for tackling complex ethical dilemmas and making readers ponder life’s big questions. Her latest release, By Any Other Name, will whisk you away into a world of identity, love, and the messy, beautiful intricacies of human relationships. Picoult's storytelling prowess and relatable characters keep readers coming back for more, solidifying her place as a must-read author in contemporary fiction. Check out Picoult’s other books here!

Amazon

Xochitl Gonzalez

Xochitl Gonzalez is an exciting new literary talent who burst onto the scene with her breakout hit, Olga Dies Dreaming, a sharp exploration of family, identity, and political corruption. Her sophomore novel, Anita de Monte Laughs Last, released earlier this year, became a Reese’s Book Club pick, and was hailed for its wit and emotional depth. Celebrated for her compelling narratives that reflect her Latina heritage, her vibrant storytelling and relatable characters, Gonzalez captures the complexities of contemporary life, making her a must-read author for fans of engaging and thought-provoking fiction!

Amazon

Sabaa Tahir

Sabaa Tahir is an American author who has captivated readers with her An Ember in the Ashes series. Born in the Mojave Desert in California, Tahir grew up surrounded by vast landscapes, which fueled her imagination. Her writing, often inspired by her Pakistani heritage, weaves together themes of resistance, oppression, and hope. Tahir's vibrant characters and intricate world-building have earned her a passionate fanbase. She is also the recipient of the National Book Award for her novel All My Rageand her latest book Heir is a Good Morning America YA Book Club Pick.

Amazon

Kristin Hannah

Kristin Hannah is the queen of heart-pulling, soul-stirring novels. She started out in law but found her true calling in storytelling—and readers are so glad she did! Some of her biggest hits include The Nightingale, an unforgettable WWII story about two sisters resisting Nazi forces in France, and The Great Alone, a wild survival tale set in Alaska. Then there's The Four Winds, set during the Great Depression, where a mother fights to keep her family safe. And if you've binged Firefly Lane on Netflix, that’s based on her novel too, all about lifelong friendship. With themes of love, loss, and resilience, it’s no wonder Kristin Hannah has such a dedicated fanbase worldwide. You can check out more books by Hannah here!

Amazon

Elin Hilderbrand

With her signature blend of drama, romance, and richly developed characters, Elin Hilderbrand has become a go-to for summer escapism. Hilderbrand is a beloved author known for her sun-soaked beach reads set on the charming island of Nantucket. Fans are currently buzzing about The Perfect Couple adaptation on Netflix, based on her novel of the same name, which mixes romance and mystery against the backdrop of a wedding gone awry. Hilderbrand just released Swan Song, her final Nantucket-centric novel, marking the end of an era for the island that has been central to so many of her stories. However, she’s made it clear that she’s not retiring from writing, promising more exciting projects to come. Uncover more gems from Hilderbrand’s collection here!

Amazon

Emily Giffin

New York Times bestselling author Emily Giffin has mastered the complexity of capturing relationships and modern life. Her latest novel, The Summer Pact, is a thought-provoking journey through friendship, secrets, and the lasting impact of youthful promises. Her breakout hit Something Borrowed made waves, not only with her page-turning storytelling but also with the book’s popular film adaptation, which introduced a wider audience to her unique talent. Her novels often explore themes of love, friendship, and life-altering choices, resonating deeply with readers who appreciate an honest portrayal of life’s intricacies.

Amazon

Kristy Woodson Harvey

Kristy Woodson Harvey is celebrated for her heartwarming stories that delve into Southern charm, family ties, and the search for joy amidst life’s challenges. In her latest novel, A Happier Life, Harvey brings readers on an inspiring journey of transformation, self-discovery, and resilience. With her deep love of coastal Carolina settings, Harvey’s stories paint vivid pictures of small-town life, strong female characters, and the kind of uplifting storytelling that makes her a go-to author for fans of contemporary women’s fiction. She’s a natural storyteller with an eye for life’s quiet beauty and unshakeable bonds.

Amazon

Liane Moriarty

Liane Moriarty is an internationally bestselling author celebrated for her enthralling novels that explore the intricacies of family, friendship, and the hidden facets of suburban life. Her work has inspired several hit screen adaptations, including Big Little Lies, Nine Perfect Strangers, and The Husband’s Secret, bringing her nuanced characters and suspenseful storytelling to a global audience. Moriarty’s latest novel, Here One Moment, continues her signature style, weaving complex relationships with unexpected twists. With her knack for blend humor with mystery, Moriarty’s books resonate with readers and viewers alike, solidifying her place as a master of contemporary drama. Read more about Moriarty’s work here!

Amazon

Rachel Howzell Hall

Rachel Howzell Hall is a Los Angeles-based thriller writer whose gripping mysteries and thrillers have made her a standout in the genre. With her keen insight into complex characters and the unique backdrop of L.A., Hall's work consistently explores suspenseful themes that reflect the pulse of the city. This December, she’s branching into fantasy with her newest novel The Last One, promising to bring her distinct voice and knack for tension-building to an exciting new genre. Hall’s readers eagerly await her blend of compelling storytelling and thrilling twists as she steps into the world of fantasy.

Amazon

Taylor Jenkins Reid

Taylor Jenkins Reid is a bestselling author, skilled at creating compelling, complex characters and immersive storytelling that transports readers to the glitz and grit of Hollywood. Her novel Daisy Jones & The Six, a riveting tale of a fictional 1970s rock band, captured imaginations and debuted as a popular TV adaptation in 2023. With fans eager for her next book announcement, excitement is also building for the adaptation of her widely celebrated novel The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. As readers and viewers alike wait to see what Reid will create next, her legacy in contemporary fiction only continues to grow.

Amazon

Colleen Hoover

Colleen Hoover has a unique ability to blend romance, suspense, and heart-wrenching emotion in her novels. Her breakout novel, It Ends with Us, even hit the big screen this year, making her already huge fanbase grow even bigger! Hoover has won a vast audience with her impactful stories of love and resilience. With adaptations of her books Verity, Regretting You, and Reminders of Him in the works, her storytelling is reaching even more readers and viewers who connect deeply with her memorable characters and evocative themes. You can find our ranking of all Hoover’s books here!

Amazon

Emily Henry

Emily Henry is a beloved author who knows how to craft sparkling romances packed with wit, heart, and a sprinkle of wanderlust! Her bestselling novel People We Meet on Vacation is currently in development with Netflix, promising a new life on screen for her charming characters and sunny escapades. Fans of Henry’s work have even more to look forward to with the release of her next book, Great Big Beautiful Life, arriving in April 2025. With her clever prose and vibrant settings, Henry's novels are a staple for romance lovers, capturing readers’ hearts and taking them on unforgettable journeys. For more on her upcoming release, check out this article — and be sure to catch up on our official ranking of her books here!

Amazon

Jasmine Guillory

Jasmine Guillory is a bestselling romance author who has a gift for writing warm, witty stories that celebrate love, friendship, and family. Her upcoming novel, Flirting Lessons, set for release in April 2025, promises another delightful journey filled with sparks, humor, and heartfelt connections. Guillory's talent for capturing romance and modern relationships earned her widespread acclaim, especially with her novel The Proposal, which was chosen as a Reese’s Book Club pick. Her work is cherished for its relatability, charm, and the diversity she brings to the contemporary romance genre.

Amazon

Elizabeth Acevedo

Elizabeth Acevedo is an acclaimed poet and author whose powerful storytelling has charmed readers around the world. Her debut novel, The Poet X, won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature, the Michael L. Printz Award, and the Pura Belpré Award. With her stunning lyrical prose and heartfelt themes, Acevedo’s writing takes you deep into identity, culture, and resilience. Her novel Clap When You Land is a beautifully moving story about family and healing that really put her on the map as a standout voice in young adult literature. With her unique perspective and powerful insights, she inspires readers and keeps us coming back for more!

Amazon

Sarah J. Maas

Sarah J. Maas has taken the fantasy genre by storm. Fans love her for her lush world-building, complex characters, and gripping plots. Her breakthrough came with the Throne of Glass series, but she gained even more popularity with her A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series, a fascinating blend of fae lore and romance. Fans are eagerly awaiting the next ACOTAR book, making it one of the most anticipated releases in the fantasy world. In 2023, Maas’s fans were thrilled with House of Flame and Shadow, the third book in her Crescent City series, an urban fantasy epic full of magic, danger, and unforgettable twists. Dive deeper into Maas's writings here!

Amazon

Rebecca Yarros

Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing series has taken over TikTok leaving readers addicted to this series full of action, romance, and dragons. The next highly anticipated book in the series, Onyx Storm, is set for release in January 2025, continuing the epic tale of love, war, and survival. Yarros is also known for her contemporary romance novels The Last Letter and Great and Precious Things, where she skillfully weaves deep emotion with gripping narratives.

Amazon

Tahereh Mafi

Known for her Shatter Me series, Tahereh Mafi is an Iranian American author who has mesmerized readers with her story’s unique blend of dystopian fiction, romance, and superhuman abilities. Mafi's writing style is appreciated by many for its poetic prose and emotional depth. In April 2025, she will release Watch Me, the first book in a new spinoff series set in the Shatter Me universe, continuing the story for both new readers and longtime fans. Mafi has also written critically acclaimed standalone novels like A Very Large Expanse of Seaand This Woven Kingdom, showcasing her versatility across genres.

Looking for your next read? Be sure to check out some of our fave picks here!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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38 Comfort Food Recipes That Pack A Healthy Punch

When it's cold outside and all you want to do is curl up in front of the fire pit, nothing hits the spot like comfort food. Sometimes though, cozy meals can be quite heavy. Luckily, comfort food doesn't *have* to weigh you down.

If you're in the mood to make a recipe that will make you feel more at ease, these are the meals for you. These 38 comfort food recipes have all the flavors you crave, but include healthier ingredients so you can have the best of both worlds!

Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Lighter Chicken, Bacon, and Broccoli Alfredo

This Alfredo has all of the flavors you love, but relies on some healthier substitutes. Low-fat milk and chicken broth take the place of heavy cream, pork bacon is swapped for turkey, and nutrient-rich broccoli is thrown in the mix for an added healthy boost.

Brit + Co

Chili Mac n' Cheese

When two of the best comfort foods come together, they form this tasty Chili Mac n' Cheese. It's a breeze to whip up on a weekday – add some more veggies in the mix if you want to make it healthier.

Just a Taste

Baked Turkey Meatballs with Quinoa

Meatballs and pasta are delicious, but are best saved for special occasions. These baked turkey meatballs with quinoa, full of lean protein and whole grains, are a lighter version that you can enjoy on a more regular basis.

Cozy Cravings

Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Mac n' Cheese

A classic comfort food recipe (like broccoli cheddar soup) offers yet another layer of cheesy goodness when you swap the soupy part for a creamy mac and cheese. Try sneaking some shredded carrots into the dish for some extra veggies.

Cilantro Parsley

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

This instant pot recipe makes for a super easy, flavorful, and delicious fall dish. Add all your favorite veggies for some extra nutrients, and to make it taste like a taco in a bowl!

Abbey’s Kitchen

Gluten-Free Tuna Noodle Casserole

Crispy root veggie chips save the day in this gluten-free tuna noodle casserole. They add just the right amount of crunch on top, without having to rely on bread crumbs.

Brit + Co

Instant Pot Beef Stew

Every ingredient gets so nice and tender in this instant pot beef stew. With plenty of veggies and a good balance between broth, this recipe is a must-make for warming up this fall and winter.

Brit + Co

Pastina

Pastina is the ultimate comfort food recipe because it's chockfull of broth, butter, and cheese. It'll soothe your head cold, or your upset stomach. If you aren't sick, pastina is still a great dish to maximize coziness!

Brit + Co

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

This classic childhood chicken noodle soup is upgraded when you make it in your slow cooker. This recipe in particular is great for busy days, because you can have it cook during the day then enjoy the rich flavors after you get off work.

The Petite Cook

Sweet Potato Chicken Cottage Pie

Chicken takes the place of red meat, and sweet potato takes the place of white, for a hearty, healthy meal.

Brit + Co

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

This Whole 30-approved loaded baked potato soup recipe is delicious and is a healthy comfort food that you won't be able to turn down. Add all your favorite baked potato garnishes right on top and you're in store for a delicious meal that goes with rainy days *and* chilly evenings.

Brit + Co

Mushroom Risotto

This easy mushroom risotto recipe will take your kitchen by storm. Once you've made it, you'll already be planning your next risotto dinner.

Brit + Co

Meatloaf

Meatloaf immediately takes us back to our mom's kitchen, eating hot meatloaf at dinner and a cold meatloaf sandwich for lunch the next day. It's already hiding some carrots, but feel free to mix in any other veggies you'd like to.

Vikalinka/Brit + Co

Chicken with Garlic Mushroom Sauce

Comfort foods like this chicken with garlic mushroom sauce recipe are a definite way to create cozyvibes at mealtime.

Cook's Hideout

Cauliflower Risotto

Risotto is delicious, but it can be a pain to make. This cauliflower version isn’t just healthier — it’s easier to cook, too.

Whole Food Bellies

Whipped Feta and Cauliflower Mash

Skip the mashed potatoes in favor of mashed cauliflower. It’s a creamy, rich-tasting side dish that’s lower in carbs, flavored with feta and herbs so you’re left feeling satisfied.

Cook Nourish Bliss

Sweet Potato and Kale Brown Rice Casserole

Many of us grew up on cheesy rice casseroles, and this recipe offers up a healthier take. It’s made with nutritional powerhouses like sweet potato, kale, and brown rice.

Brit + Co

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

The slow cooker beef strroganoff makes this comfort food recipe worlds easier. Not to mention, this dish is *so* full of flavor. Add even more vegetables to get in that healthy kick you're seeking.

Half Baked Harvest

Crockpot Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Craving a spicy kick to your chicken tortilla soup? Add jalapenos, cumin and red enchilada sauce for a flavor you won't forget.

Kirbie's Cravings

Cauliflower Gnocchi

Cauliflower gnocchi isn’t just a lighter version of the classic comfort food recipe – it’s a praise-worthy dish on its own, especially when it's topped with colorful kale pesto.

Vodka and Biscuits

Whole30 Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s pie gets a lil' bit of a lighter makeover in this comfort food recipe. It’s a dairy-free take on the classic that opts for grass-fed meat instead of the usual.

Well Plated

Spaghetti Squash Boats with Chicken

Spaghetti squash replaces pasta while chicken and bacon add some big flavors to the mealtime mix for a cozy dish that’s healthy, but truly satisfying.

Wry Toast

Skillet Chicken Parmesan

Lighten things up by baking the chicken instead of frying it, and serving it on a bed of greens instead of pasta for a healthy comfort meal.

Emilie Eats

Sweet Potato Spaghetti with Lentil Sauce

Spiralized noodles are all the rage when it comes to healthy food, and they come in real handy in this dish. Topped with a chunky lentil-based Bolognese, this a cozy meal full of essential nutrients.

Killing Thyme

Vegetarian Italian Wedding Soup

A cozy bowl of soup is the perfect meal on chilly days. This Italian wedding soup is comforting, but not heavy — it uses vegetarian meatballs instead of red meat.

Healthy Seasonal Recipes

Healthy Sloppy Joes

These sloppy Joes don’t come from a can – they’re made from scratch, without any added sugars.

Baker by Nature

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Sometimes you just need a hands-off meal, but don’t want to rely on getting takeout. This slow cooker turkey chili is just the thing — loaded with veggies, beans, and lean ground turkey to keep you full and satisfied.

The Sassy Life

High Protein Mac n' Cheese

Sometimes our favorite comfort foods just need a little nutritional boost. This mac n' cheese uses protein-enriched pasta, then makes a cheesy sauce from light shredded cheese and fat-free cottage cheese, so you get a ton of protein and flavor, with less fat and calories.

Ambitious Kitchen

This post has been updated.

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