Mac and cheese: the indulgent original vs a healthy version
2026-11-05 · 6 min read · Get Lean Today
Mac and cheese is my after-a-long-day food. Instead of a cream sauce I use milk, a little strong cheese and cottage cheese for creaminess, plus broccoli for volume.
Original · 300 g
700 kcal
Protein 26 · Fat 34 · Carbs 70
Healthy version · you save 280
420 kcal
Protein 30 · Fat 11 · Carbs 50
Approximate macros per serving
Why the original is so heavy
A butter-and-cheese heavy sauce.
Gram by gram: usual recipe vs my version
Per serving. This is where the calories actually go.
| Usual | kcal | My version | kcal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Macaroni (dry), 100 g | 350 | Whole-wheat macaroni, 60 g | 205 |
| 20% cream, 60 g | 120 | 1.5% milk, 150 g | 65 |
| Cheddar, 50 g | 200 | Strong cheddar, 20 g | 80 |
| Butter, 5 g | 35 | Cottage cheese, 50 g | 50 |
| — | Broccoli, 100 g | 35 | |
| Total | 705 | you save 270 | 435 |
Reference values, rounded to 5 kcal. Brands differ — check the label.
Ingredients
- Whole-wheat macaroni60 g
- 1.5% milk150 g
- Strong cheddar20 g
- Cottage cheese50 g
- Broccoli100 g
How to make it
- Cook pasta with broccoli.
- Heat milk, stir in cottage cheese and grated cheese.
- Combine with the pasta.
Tip: Sharp cheese gives flavour with less quantity.
Mistakes I made so you don't have to
- Boiling cheese sauce splits it — add cheese last on low heat.
Storing
2 days in the fridge; reheat with a splash of milk.
How to log it
Say or type in the app or Telegram bot: “healthy mac and cheese, 300 g” — calories and macros are filled in for you.
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Weight goes down from a steady calorie deficit, enough protein, sleep and steps. Get Lean Today just makes it easy to see what you eat — it doesn't sell supplements or promise −10 kg in a week.
FAQ
- How many calories are in regular mac and cheese?
- About 700 kcal per 300 g serving.
- Can I eat it while dieting?
- Yes. The healthy version saves about 280 kcal and has more protein, so it fits a deficit easily.
- How do I count my own portion?
- Snap a photo in Get Lean Today and calories and macros are counted for you.