We wouldn't be surprised if you are sometimes bewildered by all the advice available about which food is best for losing weight and maintaining fitness. It can sometimes seem as if food is an enemy. But there are plenty of natural products on your side.
Take fresh herbs and spices, for instance. They're nature's fat-free condiments and they come packed with bright, clean tastes that really enliven low-fat dishes.
Here are some tips for getting the most out of herbs and spices:
Most fresh herbs only need a minute or two to heat up and release flavor. So they taste best when added towards the end of the cooking process. The same is true of some spices like cinnamon or black pepper, which can taste bitter when subjected to high heat. Add the spices towards the end of the cooking process. On the other hand, dried herbs, especially bay leaves, are best added early in the process.
As you add dried herbs to a dish, remember to crush them between your fingers to release their essential oils and flavor.
Fresh basil leaves provide the crowning touch to a healthy, well-balanced salad of red lettuce, sliced tomatoes, red onion and low-fat, part-skim mozzarella cheese. Drizzle sparingly with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
