Spicing Up Your Diet

I think we have all been there. We try our hardest to stick to our diets, right? Most of the time we succeed, because the food tastes good. Then there are times that we prepare a meal that is just kind of blah.

Any easy and inexpensive solution to food that is on the bland side is… drum roll please… spices. Using spices is a great way to improve any dish, whether you are dieting or not. It’s time to get creative, in the kitchen, girls!

If your spice rack only contains a few basic spices, don’t panic. Even basic spices can make a big difference, in a recipe. But, you may want to consider doing a little research and picking up a couple of ‘new to you’ spices, the next time you shop.

The best thing about spices is that they contain no calories. Think about them as a diet bonus.

Ground spices are probably the most convenient to use. They are best used in recipes with short cooking times, because their flavor is released more quickly. The same goes for the more mild spices like parsley and basil, which do best when added toward the end of cooking time.

Whole spices work the best in slow cooking recipes such as soups and stews. This is because it takes longer for their flavors to be released. Many whole spices can even be toasted. Good candidates for this are sesame seeds, fennel seeds and white peppercorns.

What a great idea!

If you find a diet recipe delicious enough to prepare a double batch, keep this in mind. When doubling any recipe don’t automatically double the spice. Start by adding 1-1/2 times the called for amount. A lot of times that is plenty. Remember you can always add more, but if you add too much… you’re in trouble. You’ll end up with a dish that even the dog won’t eat.

Do you have a great diet recipe that’s even greater because you jazzed up with spices? I’d love for you to share it here, with all of us. We’re waiting on the edge of our seats.

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September 25, 2008 | Filed Under Diet | 4 Comments 

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