Herbs are an inexpensive and easy to use assist for those looking to lose weight or just eat healthier. No, there’s nothing fat-melting or magical about them. They simply help one easily reduce fat and calorie intake by assuring food tastes great without heavy sauce or dressing. When sauces or dressing are still desired, they can be created by adding herbs to healthy choices such as olive oil, gourmet vinegar or Greek yogurt – which each have their own additional health and weight loss benefits.
Fresh herbs should be used shortly after harvest for their best flavor and nutrition, but dried herbs hold an abundance of concentrated flavor and nutrients for several months when kept in airtight containers. Stock your pantry, windowsill or garden with these most common and flavorful herbs to perk up a wide range of dishes:
- Basil
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sage
- Mint
- Cilantro
- Rosemary
- Tarragon
- Parsley
- Chives
Tips for Dried & Fresh Herb Use
- Dried herbs – use 1/3 as much as fresh, as flavor is more concentrated. If cooking more than 10 minutes, use dried herbs or add fresh in last few minutes of cooking.
- Cilantro, Chives and Parsley are most flavorful when used fresh, not dried.
- Toss fresh herb leaves with salad greens or crush and add to olive oil/vinegar dressing.
- Herbal Teas are tasty replacements for high calorie soda and juices
