Cozy Comfort: 5 Classic Winter Dishes Lightened Up for Women Over 60 | Sixty and Me

Are you looking for some classic winter dishes to cook up? When winter rolls around, we tend to want warm and hearty dishes. But rich casseroles and heavy cream sauces can sometimes feel too indulgent as we get older. Did you know that you can still enjoy comforting winter dishes but with lighter ingredients while keeping all the flavor?

Why Lighten Up Classic Winter Dishes

Metabolism slows down as we age, and digestive problems may arise, especially when we are over 60. Have you noticed that your stomach is more sensitive than before? Things that you used to eat feel heavy and irritate your belly?

Many winter dishes rely on rich creams, butter, or heavy starches. Did you know that many of these ingredients can easily be replaced without sacrificing flavor?

Tips for Cooking Lighter After 60

The trick is in swapping ingredients smartly. 

• Choose healthy fats like olive oil and avocado instead of butter.
• Use herbs and spices to add flavor and diminish salt content.
• Watch portion sizes. A little comfort food goes a long way.
• Keep hydration in mind. Soups and stews can help you stay hydrated during cooler months.

Let’s take a look at some classic comforting winter dishes lightened up for women over 60.

Lightened Classic Winter Dishes

Here are five classic winter dishes with revised ingredients to lighten the caloric intake and ease digestion.

Butternut Squash Soup

A bowl of butternut squash soup is winter in a bowl, right? But traditional recipes often rely on heavy cream or butter. Let’s take a look at how you can easily lighten up your next batch of butternut soup. 

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste

Directions:

• Roast squash at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes until tender.
• In a pot, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
• Add squash and broth, then simmer for 10 minutes.
• Blend until smooth. 
• Stir in Greek yogurt and season to taste.

Butternut squash has vitamin A and is excellent for eye health. It’s also a great source of fiber to ease digestion. 

Lightened Chicken Pot Pie

This lightened chicken pot pie recipe offers the same creamy comfort, but with lighter ingredients.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup chopped celery
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups low-fat milk
• 1 lb boiled chicken breast, shredded
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3–4 sheets phyllo dough (gluten-free if you wish)

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Sauté celery and carrots in olive oil for 5 minutes.
• Add flour, stir, and slowly pour in milk to thicken.
• Mix in chicken and peas and season with salt and pepper.
• Pour into a phyllo-lined pie dish and top with phyllo sheets brushed with olive oil.
• Bake for 20 minutes until golden and crisp.

This recipe is lower in fat than the classic version, full of vegetables, and is high in lean protein.

Creamy and Light Mac & Cheese

This mac & cheese recipe is creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, with fewer calories.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz whole-grain or chickpea pasta (e.g Barilla Chickpea Penne Pasta)
• 1 small cauliflower, chopped
• 1 cup low-fat milk
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

Directions:

• Cook pasta according to package directions.
• Steam cauliflower until soft, then blend with milk and mustard.
• Stir in cheese until melted.
• Combine with pasta and transfer to a baking dish.
• Optional: Top with breadcrumbs and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

Chickpea pasta boosts protein, is gluten-free, and has fewer calories than traditional pasta. Adding the cauliflower adds fiber and antioxidants.

Filling Turkey Chili

A cozy, protein-packed dish with a subtle sweetness from pumpkin. 

Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup pumpkin purée (unsweetened)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 2 cups low-sodium broth
• Optional: grated cheese and green onions

Directions:

• Sauté the onion in olive oil. Add turkey and cook until browned.
• Stir in pumpkin, tomatoes, beans, and spices.
• Add broth and simmer for 25 minutes.
• Sprinkle grated cheese and green onions to decorate.

This turkey chili is high in protein and fiber, low in saturated fat, and rich in vitamin A.

Cozy Lentil and Spinach Stew

Packed with plant-based protein, this stew is hearty, low-fat, and easy to digest.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 cup dry lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups baby spinach

Directions:

• Heat olive oil in a pot, sauté the onion and carrots until soft.
• Add lentils, broth, and spices. Simmer 25–30 minutes until lentils are tender.
• Stir in spinach just before serving.

This stew is high in iron, fiber, and antioxidants. Excellent for heart health and sustained energy. 

Tip: Add a sprinkle of feta cheese for extra taste.

Read more: A Recipe for Eggplant Delight and the Secret of Eating Healthfully While Saving Money.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you enjoy cozy winter dishes? How do you lighten classic recipes? Will you try one of our recipes? We would love to hear from you. Tell us about it in the comments below.