We all talk about switching over to a better lifestyle, including more exercise and healthy meals, but many of us find those changes difficult to actually make. One reason is that our food choices become habit and we’re attached to our favorite meals. It’s hard to imagine that healthy meals can taste as good or feel as fulfilling.
To some degree, this idea is rooted in truth. Sometimes healthier foods can seem bland or boring after a lifetime of deep-fried restaurant food. But preparation is a big reason for that. There are plenty of things you can do, to make your healthy meals more tasty and exciting, such as…
Experiment with herbs and spices. These require very little effort but pack big rewards in the taste department – but without adding extra calories.
Try some citrus. The juice or “zest” (finely grated rinds) of lemons, limes, and oranges packs major flavor into meats, salads, stir-fry, and other dishes.
Add crunchy texture. This texture makes meals feel more satisfying, and depending upon what ingredient you use for the “crunch”, you’ll add nutrition too. Try nuts, sunflower seeds, chickpeas, or a sprinkle of granola to spruce up plain dishes.
Grow a few of your own ingredients. You don’t have to become Farmer Brown! But you might be amazed at how much better fresh tomatoes taste, than the store-bought varieties. And almost anyone can grow a small herb garden in a windowsill or in containers on a patio.
Use marinades. Marinating your meats for a few hours before cooking boosts the flavor without adding a ton of calories. Look for marinade ideas based in vinegars or citrus juices, with herbs and spices for flavor.
Make your own salad dressings. It only takes about five minutes to whisk together a quick dressing, and you will be amazed at the taste difference versus bottled varieties. You can avoid all sorts of additives, too.
Add fresh greens to dishes. You know you need to eat more fresh greens, but let’s assume that you find them boring. You can stir them into stir-fry, an omelet,
Designate one night per week to try new recipes. You can adopt a rotating, international-food theme, or just make it random. The point is to make a habit of trying new flavors and ideas. We guarantee many of these dishes will be a hit, and will make their way into your regular meal rotations.
Of course, all the “fun” tips in the world will be of little help if you aren’t sure what you should be eating. For advice on healthy meals, particularly with regard to weight loss, give us a call. We can help you identify your nutritional needs and set you up with an eating plan that addresses your goals.
