Fall. The season brings thoughts of cozy sweaters, football games and comforting food from an old family cookbook. And while sweaters can thrive through multiple seasons and football will likely last forever, how we cook food continues to evolve. But I think we’d all agree that more often than not, the smell and taste of the original dishes are far better than their remakes. There is an exception to the rule however, and I found it in a chili recipe.

Traditional homemade chili can include everything from bacon and beef to loads of brown sugar and sour cream. Instead, swap out the beef for organic ground turkey. Use low sodium diced tomatoes and an organic green pepper. For the toppings, use part-skim mozzarella cheese and fat free sour cream rather than the full fat equivalents. And for the Fritos, you can use organic pita chips as a replacement; but some traditions shouldn’t be touched.

By trying the recreation below you’ll be cutting the calories by about 300 per serving, getting loads of protein, two servings of vegetables and still retaining the taste and smell of the classic dish.

INGREDIENTS

1.5 cups red beans
½ large onion
1 large green pepper
1 lb. ground turkey
3.5 cups diced tomatoes (28oz)
½ tsp salt
1/8 tsp paprika
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1 bay leaf
2 Tbsp chili powder
Shredded cheese
Sour cream
Fritos

DIRECTIONS

Brown the ground turkey with green pepper and onion in large pot. Add tomatoes, beans and all seasonings. Simmer for two hours stirring every 15 minutes. Serve with sour cream, cheese and chips if desired. Makes 4 servings.

*Original recipe from Great-Grandma Mary Spott circa 1925. New recipe compliments of Larry Chlebeck

Rachael Amarante is a certified fitness trainer and nutrition enthusiast. For more tips on organic living, creative workout ideas and healthy recipes for you and your family, check out her blog,