8 tricks for healthier chili

There's little more comforting than a warm bowl of chili on a cold winter night. This hearty stew is a favorite among foodies because it’s savory and warm and offers a multitude of variations. The best news is that chili can be good for you, too.

The meat and bean combination creates staying power in the stomach, holding you over until the next meal, while certain ingredients, like garlic and onions, offer nutritional benefits. A dish that’s good enough to get its own holiday—National Chili Day, on the fourth Thursday of February—is certainly worth celebrating. We talked with Alyssa Anderson, RD, a dietitian in Salt Lake City, Utah, to learn why chili is good for you and what you can do to boost the benefits even more.