Superb Spices

Delicious, healthy and calorie-free! Spices and herbs are capable of not only adding delicious calorie-free flavors to our food, but they offer health benefits too. Surprisingly, they are packed with more antioxidants than many fruits and vegetables. Herbs and spices seem to be like fruits and vegetables in that their health benefits accumulate over time–so the more you eat them, the better. This time we are focusing on chili peppers, ginger and rosemary. Be sure to sprinkle ‘em wherever you can.

Chili peppers (One of The Nutrition Twins® personal favorites–it adds a spicy kick to anything!)

Studies suggest that chili peppers may decrease appetite and slightly increase metabolism. To reap the weight loss benefits of chili peppers, the key is to season foods with it rather than with high calorie and high fat condiments, like butter, mayo and sour cream.

• Instead of grated parmesan on pastas, use chili peppers
• In lieu of butter on corn and potatoes, sprinkle chilies
• Use less cheese on pizza and on Mexican dishes too, replace with chilies
• Instead of mayo on sandwiches sprinkle chili peppers or spread Gourmet Garden’s squeezable fresh chili pepper

Ginger

Ginger appears to boost immunity. Get ginger on a regular basis and you may just be less susceptible to colds and flu. If you do feel an illness coming on, it is an especially good time to get a little extra ginger.

• Add ginger to tea. Tea is packed with antioxidants and can help soothe the throat if you are feeling under the weather.
• Making a stir-fry? Ginger adds a delicious twist.
• Eating sushi? Don’t forget the ginger!
• All veggies go well with ginger. Try our client's favorite combos--ginger with carrots and green beans.

Rosemary

Add rosemary to your diet as often as possible. The anti-cancer properties seem to be similar to that of fruits and veggies and they also seem to be cumulative over time.

    * * Sprinkle rosemary in Italian dishes and pastas
      * Shake over veggies
    * * Add to Barbeques
      * Bored with chicken? Here’s how to revolutionize it--Coat a chicken breast in rosemary and then broil it.