Although packed with numerous nutritional benefits, healthy meals can sometimes get boring. This is particularly true if you meal prep, as it’s all too easy to stick with what you know, forgetting that other flavours are out there.
Eating healthy can sometimes be a challenge, especially when it comes to making meals that are both nutritious and delicious. However, there are many ways to add flavor and interest to healthy foods, making them more enjoyable to eat.
One way to spice up healthy foods is by using herbs and spices. These not only add flavor, but they also have health benefits of their own. For example, cinnamon can help control blood sugar levels, turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, and cayenne pepper can boost metabolism. Adding herbs and spices to meals can make them more flavorful and enjoyable to eat.
Another way to add flavor to healthy foods is by using healthy fats. Healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocado, and nuts, can add rich flavor and texture to meals. They can also help you feel full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to a healthy diet. Using healthy fats in cooking and as a topping for meals can make them more satisfying and enjoyable to eat.
Cooking methods can also be used to add flavor and interest to healthy foods. Mixing up cooking methods, such as grilling, roasting, sautéing, or stir-frying, can add a new dimension of flavor to vegetables and other healthy foods. Experimenting with different cooking methods can make healthy foods more appealing and enjoyable to eat.
Acid can also be used to brighten up the flavors of many healthy foods. A squeeze of lemon or lime juice, or a splash of vinegar, can make healthy foods more flavorful and satisfying. This can make them more appealing and enjoyable to eat.
If you want to stay on the health wagon but feel as though you need some more excitement, we’re here to help. Adding a crunch to healthy foods, such as salads and grain bowls, can also make them more interesting and enjoyable to eat. Nuts, seeds, and croutons can be added for texture and flavor.
This guide will take you through six tasty ways to spice up your healthy foods!
Tomatoes
You can’t go wrong with adding plenty of vegetables to your meals. But, if you have the same vegetables time and time again, the taste can start to feel bland. Luckily, vegetables like tomatoes are incredibly versatile.
To turn your tomatoes into a delicious side dish, bake them in olive oil with a dash of salt and pepper. Or, mix this concoction in with wholewheat pasta for a full meal.
If baked tomatoes aren’t to your taste, chop them raw and mix them in with lemon juice and olive oil. Add some cheese and avocado and you’ll have yourself a salad full of flavour.
Chicken
Chicken is a popular favourite amongst meal preppers. It’s easy to cook and can be incorporated into so many different dishes.
If you want to spice up your standard boiled chicken, make your very own marinade to smother it in. Our favourite is a mixture of soy sauce, thyme, garlic and olive oil.
If you want a quick alternative, however, season the chicken with a spice of your choice. We highly recommend turmeric as it’s not only delicious but supports your health, too!
Did you know that many people take turmeric supplements to support healthy digestion? If you don’t like the taste of spice or want to safeguard your intake, these supplements provide the perfect solution.
Salmon
Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to maintain optimal brain function. Just like chicken, it’s another food that’s easy to cook yet so versatile in flavour.
For a quick meal, sprinkle the salmon with a seasoning of your choice before putting it on the grill. This will help to create a tasty crust, giving the salmon some more appeal.
If you’re looking for some sweet flavour, honey-glazed salmon is worth trying. Bake it with pepper and then, when cooked, drizzle it with honey. The honey will glaze over the salmon, giving it a unique sweet kick.
Beans
Beans are high in fibre, but unfortunately, pretty dull in taste on their own. To get all the goodness from beans without becoming bored, incorporate them into the following dishes:
- Chilli
- Tacos
- Bean-based burgers
- Hummus
In most cases, beans can act as a meat alternative, so keep this in mind when thinking about how to spice up dishes.
Potatoes
Potatoes come in a wide variety of forms (some healthier than others!). When cooked correctly, they taste pretty great, but keeping them healthy can be a challenge.
If you’re a fan of making mashed potatoes, consider swapping butter and full-fat milk for lighter alternatives. You can even use Greek yoghurt to create a creamier texture. The same applies when making potato salads or jacket potatoes. Why not swap out full-fat cheese for avocado and beans?
Dark Chocolate
Although healthier than milk chocolate, dark chocolate should still be eaten in moderation. If you aren’t a fan of the bitter taste, combine it with your favourite fruits or nut butter for a scrumptious dessert. Alternatively, you can shave some dark chocolate over your morning oatmeal for a sweet kick.
Last Words
Trying new ingredients is a fun way to spice up healthy foods. Experimenting with different types of whole grains, such as quinoa or farro, or incorporating new vegetables or fruits into meals can add variety to your diet and provide a range of different nutrients.
There are many ways to add flavor and interest to healthy foods, making them more enjoyable to eat. From using herbs and spices, healthy fats, cooking methods, acid, crunch, and new ingredients, these methods can help make eating healthy a more enjoyable experience.
