Herbs and spices can do a lot to add flavor up an otherwise bland dish. Learn the ins and outs of cooking with fresh herbs from the following helpful tips.
In our culture filled with drive through windows, sugary sodas and highly fattening and greasy dishes, great taste has become highly associated with unhealthy foods. As you explore new foods and cooking methods during your medical weight loss program, you may discover that there is an entire world of healthy flavors that can help you along your weight loss journey.
When you have the right ingredients eating healthy can taste great. To kick up the flavor of your dish without adding calories, start exploring herbs.
There are hundreds of herbs and spices out there, and each holds its own unique flavor. Here is a quick list of a few of the most popular herbs and spices:
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Basil
- Cumin
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Black pepper
- Chives
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Chili powder
- Paprika
Each of these are either spicy or savory, and there are a few that are also quite sweet. There are herbs that pair well with fruits for healthy desserts, and spices that will add a burst of flavor to a healthy dinner plate. You can find these culinary staples dried at your local food store, along with many others that you can explore.
Getting started with herbs and spices is easier than you might think. Here are a few tips to have in mind as you flip through some new herb-infused recipes:
- Get them fresh: The fresher the herb the greater the nutritious benefits will be. Dried herbs still pack flavor, but without much of their former healthy attributes. To use fresh herbs just chop them into small pieces and follow the instructions on your recipe.
- Grow your own: Fresh herbs are inexpensive and simple to start growing. You may be surprised to realize how quickly growing your own herbs will pay off if you cook with them regularly.
- Cut and Freeze: Instead of drying out your fresh herbs or buying your own pre-dried herbs, consider freezing the herbs to make them last longer. Frozen herbs maintain the health benefits of fresh herbs and are just as convenient as the dried variety, as they are ready to use at a moment’s notice.
Before you add anything to your medical weight loss diet, make sure that you stop and consult your weight loss doctor. In most situations, fresh herbs and spices are a healthy addition that can really add some zest up your existing dinner plans.
