More Flavor, Fewer Calories

I am sure I will write more on this subject, but I've spent some time reflecting on many ways to add flavor without calories. This was an excellent topic for dinner conversation with friends who are also trying to lose weight.

Here are my basic suggestions:

Fresh Herbs:

Fresh herbs are a great way to enhance flavor and dazzle your taste buds. My favorite herbs are chives, parsley, dill, basil, mint and cilantro. I am just starting my garden and it will include many fresh herbs this year.

Some suggestions include:

Potatoes: add dill, chives, parsley or any combination of the three

Pasta: try dressing fresh pasta with copped Italian Parsley and olive oil with a little cracked pepper, salt and freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Mac & Cheese: add dill or chives or chili powder for heat

Tomato Salad: Dice ripe tomatoes, add basil, fresh mozzarella, basil, then drizzle with olive oil and salt

Peas: add fresh peas and mint to a salad

Vinaigrette: I plan on writing more about vinaigrettes, but you can combine your favorite vinegar and oil with lemon grass, chives and lemon or lime zest and a pinch of sugar

I'm sure you can come up with your own favorite combinations.

Citrus Juice & Vinegar

Citrus juices and vinegar are great ways to add flavor without calories. Both are acid and can be strong. Consider balancing acid juices with something sweet.

I love vinegar on fish, spinach and potatoes. I gained the love of vinegar from my mother.

Salad with straight lemon or lime juice is wonderful.
Squeeze some lemon over watermelon. It is amazingly refreshing.

Mustard

Mustards have zero to 5 calories per serving and are packed with flavor. Try something besides yellow mustard or Dijon. I love some of the brown or "deli" mustards, including coarse ground mustard.

That should be enough to get you started. I will return to some of these topics in greater detail. Until then, enjoy these low calorie flavor enhancers!