Spice Up Your Diet

When holidays are approaching merely thinking about all the goodies that may be on the buffet table can feel like punishment to some dieters causing them to dread the festivities. Dieting shouldn't be about giving up food or flavor, it should be about discovering new foods and flavors that will help us to become healthier.

By design we love food, we need it to nourish our bodies and to keep us strong for daily activities. Many Americans certainly are in need of controlling their intake of food. Dieting does not mean starving or doing without good food, what it means is exercising moderation at the dinner table.

The many spices available can make even the blandest foods more exciting. Chicken is a popular diet food because it is a lean meat that is easy to prepare and adapts well to many different recipes. Seasoned chicken tastes great in salads, Mexican dishes, white chili, stir-fried foods and lunch wraps.

Before broiling add a little blackening seasoning for a great way to put a little punch in your meat dishes that will give it great taste without adding calories, oils or marinates. Italian seasoning will add flavor to many of your favorite recipes without adding the extra calories that you are trying to avoid.

Lean beef can be grilled, roasted, barbecued or stir-fried to add to nutritious low calorie meals. Fish such as salmon, tuna, and trout are packed with vitamins, minerals and omega 3 fatty acids.

Concentrate on whole grains, they should be the primary source of fiber in your diet. Our bodies need fiber almost as much as it needs water. Vegetables can be prepared in many ways and can even be added to recipes without being detected by picky eaters.

Enjoy an occasional treat when dieting but take smaller servings. The key to dieting is about portion sizes and moderation. With desserts it's easy to lower the calories and unhealthy fats without sacrificing texture or taste.

Low calorie dips served with vegetables, make a great substitute for the chips and dips that we are most familiar with. Cucumbers, green, red, and yellow peppers, broccoli, carrot sticks, and celery all offer that satisfying crunch that everyone enjoys.

A variety of low calorie snacks that are packed with flavor can help you through the worst cravings and can make a big difference in your dieting success. Fresh crisp apples, juicy oranges and bananas are also easy snacks packed with vitamins to keep you feeling full longer.

For a successful dieting experience consider using new and different spices to flavor your meals.