A Walk on the Spicy Side

Enhancing Holiday Flavors with Herbs

By Suzanne Tabor and Dr. Aaron Tabor

The holidays are almost upon us – and what a wonderful time of year it is! A season to give thanks, break bread (and enjoy pumpkin pie!) with loved ones and celebrate in grand tradition. Unfortunately, for too many Americans, the holidays also signal the beginning of their annual winter holiday weight gain. Ready to make this the year that only the turkey gets stuffed? Then consider adding some spice to your life!

Medical research has shown that eating too much saturated fat and cholesterol puts you at a higher risk for heart disease. In addition, being overweight increases your risk for other conditions and diseases, such as diabetes. By using fat-free spices and herbs to season your food, you can enhance the flavor and thus enjoy a low-fat diet. There's no need to feel deprived when you are eating a delicious treat such as low-fat plain yogurt mixed with cinnamon, ginger and sliced fresh apples instead of a rich, fatty dessert! Using spices and seasonings in your meal and snack preparations is a great way to add flavor without adding fat and calories. For example, if you season your baked potato with a dash of plain yogurt and sprinkle on some chopped chives, you'll be able to enjoy a delicious potato dish, and you won't even miss the saturated fat and extra calories that comes with a standard topping such as butter or sour cream.

The good news: You don't have to spend a fortune buying fresh herbs every few days. Stock up on some basic ground spices, and save the fresh herbs for special occasions (such as Thanksgiving and Christmas!).

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