Some people think health-conscious food is boring or bland. (Open any pre-packaged portion control meal from the freezer section at your local grocery store and you'll see why.) But the truth is, flavor doesn't always come with extra calories.
Here are a few of our favorite ways to build flavor without adding heavy fats or oils (although some can be exactly what the doctor ordered). Check out the list and see what you might add:
Heat
Even though you might not want to chew on a chili, that doesn't mean you have to shy away from heat. Flavor and satisfaction often come from heat and a little can go a long way. Try new seasonal flavors from your local grocer or grow your own. Try toasting or roasting peppers for extra zip. In addition, spicy greens can also give you something different without the worry of rubbing your eyes with chili oil on your hands!
Acid
Acids are sneaky. Even though it's easy to think about using things like lemons and limes in your cooking, other citrus like oranges or even a basic vinegar can really pack a punch. They're what give most store bought dressings and sauces their kick, so make them work for you too!
Herbs
Herbs are calorie free for the most part and are a sensational way to add a serious zing. Just make sure to bruise tough ones like rosemary to get the most bang for your buck. Plant your own and go crazy with those intense flavors!
Char
Grilling, either indoors or out, is a great way to add something special to your food.
Salt
Although weight loss doesn't usually go hand in hand with salty foods, a sprinkle of good salt (heck, even basic kosher salt) can change a ho-hum dish to a holy moley dish!
Do you have a favorite way to add flavor to your meals? A perfect combo the world needs to know about? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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So basically, eat Thai food! :)
@Operator: why? Thai food doesn't really use anything on here more than about any other cuisine (and coconut milk is pretty fat).
I don't think most people are close minded about these things in terms of being calorie conscious. Anyone who knows how to cook beyond microwaving a meal knows salt, char, spice, etc will give flavor. A boiled piece of chicken will taste pretty gross but the same chicken ,even unseasoned, on a grill is pretty tasty. But its very hard for those tasty char marks or chipotle rub to stack up against some creamy mac and cheese or buttery breads or whatever other higher calorie options its up against. These help, but by no means are saving graces of eating healthy.
Intensely flavoured or highly aromatic ingredients such as capers, olives, anchovies, fermented black beans, parmesan cheese, saffron, truffle oil, zeresk berries, sun dried tomatoes, dried mushrooms - the list is endless! No need to worry about calories as you only need very small amounts.
CINNAMON! works every time.. I add it to cereals, oatmeals, cookies... whatever!
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I add roasted garlic to mild-flavored things and it provides a buttery flavor. Also, always use a more flavorful cheese, so you can use less. Rather than mixing a cup or two of a mild grated cheese into something, sprinkle an extra sharp cheddar or parmesan over the top.
And go ahead and have your mac and cheese, but sub low-fat Greek yogurt or cooked winter squash for some of the cheese, so that it tastes creamy and rich.
@Fulinlin - I'm Thai American, so I felt inclined to plug my heritage's cuisine! And oh ya RIGHT, coconut milk is in EVERY single Thai dish. Come on.
Heat - Thai food is well known for being spicy (nam prik pla, curry, etc).
Acid - Again, lots of lime and other citrus in Thai food.
Herbs - Again, lots of herbs (cilantro, thai basil, mint, etc) in Thai food.
Char - Lots of grilling (Gai Yang, moo yang, etc) in Thai food.
Salt - Once again, Thai food is salty (soy sauce, fish sauce, shrimp paste, etc)
All are present in abundance in Thai food (and other SE Asian cuisine), not to mention Thai food is extremely delicious AND nutritious.