6 Foods That Boost Flavor Without Adding Calories
Many restaurant dishes taste delicious because they’re packed with way more butter, salt, and oil than you would ever add if you were cooking at home. Luckily, there are ways to get rich, complex flavor without packing on the calories and sodium. Try these low-fat additions to make your dishes sparkle.
MORE: The Most Amazing Veggie Dishes EVER
Miso Paste
There are many different tastes and textures in miso paste varieties, but they will all give a rich, salty kick to your dishes. Try it in a marinade, like this miso-glazed salmon recipe.
Chicken Stock
A kitchen isn’t fully stocked without stock, which can be used over proteins, grains, veggies, and in sauces and soups. Every recipe becomes a little warmer and more “homemade” tasting with stock. You can make it yourself or buy it in a store (here’s one brand we love).
MORE: How to Make Herb Salts in 30 Seconds
Herbs Like Mint or Basil
If you’re one of those people who just can’t get behind the taste of water, take a cue from the bartender: You can steep herbal leaves in your H20 overnight for a glamorously refreshing (and pretty!) way to rehydrate.
Scallions, Shallots, Leeks, and Ramps
You already know that starting a dish with garlic and onion gives it a rich, delicious base—and makes your kitchen smell amazing. Swap out those aromatics for others in the bulb family, like shallots or leeks. They are just as easy to work with and are also packed with vitamin C and other antioxidants.
Spices
A study has found that low-fat meals flavored with spices taste just as good as their full-fat alternatives. Experiment with your whole rack—oregano, paprika, dried basil—in pastas, salads, and on protein to feel both satisfied and extra-fancy. Here are some easy DIY blends to try.
Lemon and Lime
Your dish is done? Squeeze a bit of lemon or lime on top of the plate before you dig in. It acts to brighten all the flavors in your recipe—almost like salt, without the added sodium.
MORE: 5 Ways to Make Any Baking Recipe Healthier
- DON'T MISS
- 5 Anti-WEIGHT LOSS ingredients in your kitchen and what to use instead
- Dont let the season determine your weight!
- Tone your back muscles and burn calories
- Weight-Loss Success Story: Kathleen Ross Lost 229 pounds
- Eat more meals to lose more weight
- Lose weight by making simple changes
- How to identify a healthy weight loss diet?
- Suppertime tip to reduce your belly bulge
- 3 Weight-Loss Myths You Keep Falling For
- Things to avoid when it comes to weight loss
