The food you eat should be as healthy as possible, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be flavorful! So what do you do to make it taste great?
Salt is a go-to food add-in for many people, but salt has negative side effects, including hampering weight loss. Luckily, there are plenty of other things to add besides salt.
Where does all that flavor come from? Spices!
There are so many healthy spices to choose from. They make food taste great on their own and in combination with others.
Ready to learn all about them? Here are eight spices to use instead of salt.
1. Allspice
If you haven’t heard of this spice, now’s the time to try it. Commonly used in sweet dishes it can also be used to liven up things like barbecue sauce.
Allspice comes from the Pimenta dioica plant. It tastes like a combination of familiar spices, but it’s only a single spice!
Allspice is commonly used in recipes for things like apple pie, pumpkin dishes, and other desserts. Its use doesn’t stop there, though.
Use allspice to make jerk chicken for dinner. Or throw it in your curries or stews. You can also sprinkle it over vegetables if you want. This salt alternative definitely packs a punch of flavor, no matter how you use it.
2. Garlic
You’re likely familiar with this spice, especially if you’re a fan of garlic bread. This versatile spice can be used in just about any savory dish you want.
Are you a fan of stroganoff? To do it properly you’ll need a lot of garlic.
How about a home-made red pasta sauce? That’s a great place to use garlic, too.
Garlic can be used in many ways. Use it as powder, add it as minced pieces, or throw entire cloves into a recipe, as long as you take the large pieces out later. Garlic goes well with many types of meat and in all sorts of rice, bean, and pasta dishes.
Garlic can even be used in savory-sweet dishes, so let your imagination run wild with this one!
3. Oregano
Oregano is a fantastic spice to use in anything Italian. Its flavor is strong, so a little bit will go a long way.
Oregano is a key ingredient in many pasta sauces. It can be sprinkled on pizza as well. Italian pasta dishes also commonly include this spice.
Oregano is highly versatile, just like garlic is. Add it to pesto sauce, put it on on your burger, or toss your chicken in it. It even works well with side dishes like rice and potatoes.
Whether it’s used fresh or dried, oregano will add so much flavor to your dish that you probably won’t remember that salt is missing.
4. Onion
Onion used in powder form makes an extremely versatile spice. It’s kind of like a cousin to garlic when it comes to versatility. The two are often used together.
Onion can be used in many forms. These include onion powder, onion salt, dried minced onion, or freshly diced. No matter how you use it, onion adds a great flavor to your meal.
You can use onion in just about anything when it comes to savory or sweet and savory dishes. Throw some into soups, sauces, pasta dishes, rice dishes, mashed potatoes, and more.
5. Cayenne
Cayenne is a type of pepper. It’s a pepper with a bit of a kick too, so only use this spice if you don’t mind some heat in your food.
If you do like that spiciness, definitely try this out. Cayenne goes well in soups, burritos, sauces, and even scrambled eggs.
Why not give it a try? It’s guaranteed to make the dish more exciting. Just make sure you start small to the heat isn’t too much for you!
6. Thyme
Thyme may not be used quite as much as garlic or onion, but it still has many uses. Like oregano, it’s a powerful spice, so use sparingly at first if you aren’t sure if you’ll like it.
The chances of you liking it are good, though. Whether used dried or fresh, thyme simply adds a great flavor. It’s commonly found in French and Italian recipes.
How can thyme be used? Add it to soup, potatoes, rice, chicken, or beef.
7. Ginger
Ginger is a unique spice in that it’s used in many sweet dishes as well as savory ones. If you’ve ever had a ginger snap you know that it works really well in desserts.
Ginger is commonly found in ginger cookies, pumpkin desserts, apple pie, and more. It’s also used in beef and broccoli, meat marinades, and other dinner dishes.
Ginger is strong whether it’s used fresh or in powder form, so use sparingly if you aren’t used to adding it to your recipes. And when you’re feeling under the weather, ginger makes a great cold remedy as well.
8. Paprika
This rich red spice is commonly used in homemade macaroni and cheese. It’s a great alternative to salt is you tend to wish store-bought pasta mixes tasted saltier.
Paprika adds a dash of color, as well as a great flavor to your dish. Depending on the type you choose it may taste slightly warm or very hot, so choose carefully.
Where might you have seen paprika? It’s used in both deviled eggs and potato salads. It’s great in many other dishes too.
Try These Healthy Spices Today
Each of these healthy spices can add some major flavor to your dishes, no matter what meal you’re making. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner can be made better all without additional salt.
Replace some of the salt in your diet with these spices to aid your weight loss without giving up flavor. Not only will you benefit from less sodium, but you’ll also experience a whole range of new flavors while doing it!
Are you looking to cut back on your sugar intake too? Check out our article on how it can help you lose weight.