Flavor is what makes our food taste good and keeps us coming back for more. Have you ever over-indulged on a meal or beverage that was bland and boring? Probably not. We look for exciting tastes and flavors to satisfy our picky pallet.
Enhancing Flavor to Help with Weight Management
Many people who try to manage their weight often complain of bland, flavorless “diet” food. What comes to mind? Probably the same old boring salads, grilled chicken breasts and simple meals that we prepare just to get us through mealtime. How dull! When we get used to eating the same tasteless food repetitively, we are more likely to indulge in cravings just to break the habit.
While most foods and treats are fine in moderation, over-indulgence can pack the pounds back on and completely derail our weight management efforts. The key to success? Diversify your diet with enough flavor to keep things fresh, exciting and new.
Flavor-enhancing Tips
How can you boost flavor in “diet” foods and beverages? Consider these tips:
Dress-up Your Water
Add real pieces of fruit to your glass or bottle of water such as lime, lemon, strawberries and watermelon. You can also try cucumber and melon for a fun combination. If you don’t like adding texture to your water, shoot for zero or limited calorie mixers that you can buy in the beverage aisle of your grocery store.
Spice it Up!
Rather than load-up your proteins with high-calorie toppings, aim for flavor through the use of spices and seasonings. Consider investing in a new spice set that comes with flavors from all across the board. Basil, oregano, chili pepper flakes, garlic salt, Cajun seasoning, cumin, ginger, mustard seed… you name it! There are literally hundreds to choose from.
Method of Cooking
Don’t just settle for one method of cooking such as your saute pan or your oven. Branch out! Cook fruits, veggies and proteins on your backyard grill or try a rotisserie oven. Unique cooking methods give your foods different flavors.
Vary Your Cookbook
This is perhaps our most important tip: diversify your plate and eat a variety of different items from each of the food groups. Are you trying to eat more veggies? Don’t just leave it at broccoli and spinach. Add bell peppers, cabbage, carrots, Bok choy, broccolini, sweet potatoes and cauliflower. Tired of eating chicken breast all the time? Incorporate ground turkey, salmon, lean cuts of beef and a variety of different seafoods into your diet. Don’t limit your pallet.
You are more likely to succeed in weight management nutrition if you venture outsize the box and incorporate a variety of different flavors in your foods. Get creative, brainstorm with others, and bon appetite!
