How can I flavor foods without adding calories?
Q: Do you have any suggestions on how to flavor foods to make healthy eating taste better?
A: Avoiding calorie-rich toppings is no easy task, but to be successful you must replace bad choices with healthier options that still allow you to enjoy foods.
The following are six products you can use to make a healthy diet more interesting without the risk of packing on the pounds.
Cinnamon
Made from the bark of trees, cinnamon is not only a healthy way of flavoring food, but it is also linked to a long list of positive effects on the human body.
Benefits are so numerous they read like a medical encyclopedia, and everything from stabilizing blood sugar levels to lowering the risk of heart disease has been claimed by fans of this awesome spice.
Regardless of whether the hype is true, one thing is for sure, cinnamon can be a great addition to many recipes.
It’s especially good with an equally healthy bowl of oatmeal.
Hot sauce
If you like spicy foods, hot sauce is an excellent choice because it’s low in sodium, calories and artificial ingredients and it has a strong taste that can make boring food more interesting. There have also been studies suggesting peppers - the main ingredient in hot sauce - accelerate fat loss by heating up the body and providing a spark to ignite the metabolic fire.
Avocado
Avocado is a great way to add taste to your diet because it can be put in salads or substituted for cheese on any sandwich. You can even make your own healthy guacamole with a little bit of creativity by adding a little lemon, onions and garlic. Avocado is rich in monounsaturated fats and is healthy for your heart, making it another top food choice and an excellent way to include fat while substituting for other more calorie-dense foods.
Horseradish
With zero fat and only six calories per serving, horseradish is an excellent choice for spicing foods. It has also been linked to several healthy benefits, including lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. This powerful root also contains several key minerals, including zinc, calcium, potassium and magnesium, which are essential to a balanced diet. Horseradish can also be made into a cream sauce, and it is great on beef, fish or other meats. It is an excellent spicy substitute for mayonnaise.
Parmesan cheese
Don’t shoot the messenger, but, unfortunately, most cheeses are unhealthy. If you must have your fix, parmesan is the best choice. Parmesan is high in calcium and protein, and contains zero carbs and only one gram of fat per tablespoon. If eaten in moderation, parmesan cheese can be a great choice to add taste to meals.
Balsamic vinegar
A favorite of fitness professionals, balsamic vinegar has only 14 calories and three grams of carbs per serving. It’s also a great way to season salads, and it is an important ingredient in many healthy recipes. Balsamic vinegar also contains acetic acid, which is believed to slow the digestion of carbohydrates, reducing fat retention and keeping blood sugar levels stable, making it a great dietary addition for anyone who would like to lose weight and get in shape.
Eating healthy is one thing, but avoiding calorie-rich toppings we have all become so accustomed to is a another story. So be sure to include the products above on your grocery list and begin flavoring foods with better choices.
