Look, there’s only so much plain chicken a person can take, am I right? When you have health goals, naturally, you will find yourself reaching for lean, green, nutritionally dense options, but that does not necessarily need to be boring. I love food so much that I refuse to waste my time eating something that does not satisfy me. That is why I am the seasoning queen. Seasonings are like the estranged cousin of the nutrition world. It seems like they are always left out of the conversation and forgotten about, but seasonings can transform a bland dish into something bursting with flavor. You do not have to compromise on taste to meet your goals, you just need to get a little creative. Today, I’m sharing some tips and personal seasoning favorites that are sure to rock your tastebuds.
Tip #1: Ditch the measurements.
When your food tastes lackluster, you’re not motivated to eat it. Measurements have their place in nutrition, but they don’t belong in your seasoning unless you create a specific homemade blend. Take the idea of “season to taste” literally and have some fun crafting delicious combinations.
Tip #2: Season your veggies.
Don’t forget about your vegetables. They need love too! One of my secrets to a perfect salad is to season and sauté some of the veggies. The flavors and juices release to make a dressing-like sauce that brings so much life to the meal.
Tip # 3: Don’t be afraid to invest.
Since seasonings provide endless possibilities to vamp up your food, they are worth the investment. Don’t be afraid to splurge a little. Those $3 to $5 seasonings go a long way. So get yourself a nice spice rack and fill it with flavors that make you excited to chow down. And if you need some ideas, check out some of my absolute favorites below!
Elizabeth’s Favorite Seasonings
I have a slight obsession with Trader Joe’s seasonings, and for a good reason. They are out-of-this-world delicious. I love using different combinations of these seasonings on my eggs. The flavors pack a punch and make me feel like I’m eating at a gourmet restaurant. Here is a list of my Trader Joe’s go-to’s:
- Everything but the Elote Seasoning Blend
- Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend
- Chile Lime Seasoning Blend
- Mushroom & Company Multipurpose Umami Seasoning Blend
- Onion Salt
Another favorite (and also a pro-tip!) is using steak seasoning on any protein source. When I’m not sure what to do with chicken or pork, I’ll tenderize it, slather on some steak seasoning, and bam! Flavor explosion.
Pappy’s Choice Seasoning is a household favorite that I definitely recommend.
Finally, I would be remiss not to mention the most delicious salt and herb blend you will ever taste: Phat Salts. The herbs used are grown in Oakland by The Phat Beets Produce Youth Crew, where they hire and empower youths from the PBP Fresh Fellows Program, the Healthy Hearts Program at Children’s Hospital, and through the North Oakland Restorative Justice Council. I love the mission behind this company, and the taste is absolutely fantastic.
With the right seasoning, you can stick to your health goals without compromising on taste. I hope these tips and suggestions inspire you to try some new flavors and spice up your life in the kitchen!