When you think of “healing foods,” certain comfort foods like chicken noodle soup or soothing tea may come to mind. For Dylan Dreyer, co-host of Today’s 3rd Hour and NBC News meteorologist, healing foods aren’t just about comfort but balance and nourishing her family with wholesome, seasonal ingredients.
In a recent interview with EatingWell, Dreyer shared her approach to eating well, her favorite ingredients, and how she prioritizes healthy and comforting meals for her family.
Healing Foods That Balance Comfort and Nutrition
Dylan Dreyer believes in eating a variety of foods in moderation. She thinks it’s important to have a mix of healthy foods each day, while still enjoying treats like ice cream. She wants her kids to eat well-balanced meals too.
Dreyer focuses on a range of foods that comfort and provide healing properties to the body. From seasonal favorites to immune-boosting smoothies, she prioritizes foods that nourish and heal without sacrificing flavor.
Seasonal Comfort Foods for Fall
As the weather gets colder, Dreyer buys lots of cozy fall flavors and healthy ingredients. “Fall is all about apples, pears, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg,” Dreyer says. These ingredients make you feel warm and cozy and are good for you.
For example, cinnamon has been shown to help lower blood sugar levels, while apples are rich in fiber & antioxidants that promote heart health. Dreyer’s fall favorites are versatile enough for everything from savory dishes to sweet desserts, making them ideal for family meals.
Two Veggies That Are Always in Her Kitchen
Dreyer likes to use fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season, but she always has carrots and zucchini in her kitchen all year. Carrots are good for your eyes and immune system because they have beta-carotene, which turns into vitamin A in your body. Zucchini is good for your bones, skin, and heart, so Dreyer uses it often in her family’s meals.
One of her favorite ways to use zucchini is in baked goods like muffins. Dreyer replaces some of the oil in her banana bread recipe with shredded zucchini and applesauce, making a sweet and healthy treat that her kids love. “The kids like it because it’s a little sweet,” she adds while still sneaking in a serving of veggies.
Dreyer’s Favorite Comfort Dish: Chicken Potpie
When Dreyer thinks of home, one comfort dish immediately comes to mind: chicken potpie. This hearty & healthy dish is packed with carrots, zucchini, onions, peas, and potatoes, all simmered in a gluten-free roux made with butter and chicken broth. Dreyer adapts the traditional recipe for her son Calvin, who has celiac disease, using gluten-free flour and puff pastry.
“I sometimes make my crust,” Dreyer admits, “but store-bought gluten-free puff pastry works just as well.” This simple swap makes the dish more straightforward while keeping it healthy and comforting for her family. The mix of protein from the chicken and fiber from the vegetables makes this potpie both nutritious and satisfying.
Immune-Boosting Smoothies for Sick Days
As a busy mom of three, Dreyer is always prepared for cold and flu season. One of her go-to remedies for boosting her kids’ immune health is her Orange-Mango Smoothie, which is packed with vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for supporting the immune system and helps reduce inflammation during illness.
“My kids don’t eat oranges, but when I give them this smoothie, they think they’re getting something fancy because it tastes like a milkshake,” Dreyer explains. Made with simple ingredients like oranges, frozen bananas, and mango, this smoothie provides 171% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C—perfect for helping the family recover from colds.
The Power of Routine in Daily Life
In addition to eating well, Dreyer emphasizes the importance of routine in her day-to-day life. “I think routine is the only way I can stay organized and keep myself from getting stressed,” she says. With early work hours, Dreyer relies on her husband, Brian Fichera, for help with morning prep. “My husband preps my coffee the night before, so all I have to do is plug in the pot in the morning,” she says.
Dreyer’s mornings start with a cup of strong coffee made in her Farberware percolator. Drinking some coffee in moderation can make you feel happier, decrease your chances of heart disease & possibly lower your risk of Alzheimer’s. Along with her favorite Belvita biscuits for breakfast, Dreyer drinks coffee to stay energized for her busy day on Today’s 3rd Hour.
Quick, Nutritious Weeknight Dinners
Dreyer opts for quick yet hearty weeknight dinners to ensure her kids eat a well-balanced diet. Her favorite weeknight go-to is meatloaf mixed with sautéed vegetables like carrots, onions, and zucchini. She tops the dish off with a jar of tomato sauce for a simple, nutritious meal full of fiber and protein.
“Protein is crucial for muscle growth, repair & digestive health,” Dreyer explains, making it a priority for her family’s dinners. Adding fiber-packed veggies like carrots and zucchini also ensures that her kids get the necessary nutrients for a healthy, balanced diet.
Raising Kids Who Love Vegetables
Dreyer is proud that her kids aren’t picky eaters, and she credits this to exposing them to various fruits and vegetables from a young age. “My kids really like broccoli, and they especially love it roasted,” she says. Dreyer roasts broccoli with olive oil and mushroom powder, which adds a savory, umami flavor. Even her husband, who isn’t a fan of vegetables, enjoys this preparation.
Broccoli is packed with fiber and antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for gut health & well-being. Recent studies have also shown that broccoli may reduce cancer risk, making it an essential part of any healthy diet.
Snacks That Balance Nutrition and Fun
Dreyer makes sure her children eat healthy food, but she also thinks it’s important to have a variety of snacks. She keeps fruits like berries, apples, and mango in the fridge because they are good for you. Berries are especially good for your stomach and digestion because they have a lot of fiber.
But Dreyer also includes fun snacks such as pretzels and Cheetos for the kids, and she believes that no food should be denied. She wants her kids to have a taste of everything because they are children. Balance & making sure her kids are eating healthy foods every day is believed upon by Dreyer.
Conclusion:
Dylan Dreyer believes in balancing healthy eating for her family. She makes sure her kids eat vegetables every day and also lets them enjoy treats like ice cream. She thinks it’s important to nourish her family with both comforting & healthy foods.
By using healthy ingredients that are in season, making smoothies that boost the immune system, and preparing satisfying meals during the week, Dreyer makes sure her family stays healthy and happy. She believes that eating well means enjoying your favorite foods while also getting the nutrients you need