A baked potato smothered with melted cheese ranks high on the list of comfort foods. While this side dish can certainly rack up the calories, there are ways to make your spud healthy. Opt for low-fat cheese and eat the whole potato -- skin and all -- to get the maximum amount of dietary fiber.

You have good intentions about healthy meal planning, but at the end of a long day, a box of macaroni and cheese is the path of least resistance. Before you can adopt new eating habits, it may help to visualize a healthy meal and learn about the recommendations compiled by nutrition experts.

A chili rich in beans and tomato paste, served over rice or with biscuits, boasts a high carb count. But, if you pare down the recipe to its essentials -- meat and spices -- you've got a low-carb meal sure to satisfy. Vary the meat, sauce and vegetable ingredients to create different versions of this Crock-Pot meal.

Ready-to-eat food are foods you don't need to cook food that has already been cooked. You store these on your pantry shelf, or in the refrigerator or freezer, until you are ready to use them. Although ready-to-eat food is convenient, some require special handling to ensure food safety.