Lose Weight with Flavorful Food!

July 30, 2008

You might think a bland diet would help you lose weight, but a new study shows just the opposite. Eating highly seasoned foods can help you feel full sooner, and eat less. The study used non-caloric salty or sweet “flavor crystals” that aren’t yet commercially available. The flavors included cheddar and parmesan cheese, onion, horseradish, ranch dressing and taco, and cocoa, spearmint, banana, strawberry, raspberry and malt. Overweight people using the crystals lost an average of 30.5 pounds in six months, compared to just 2 pounds for people not using the crystals. Both groups were allowed to diet and exercise if they were already doing so.

The researchers speculate that generous use of seasonings improves the taste of bland but healthy foods like tofu and some vegetables, encouraging a change toward healthier eating habits.

You can do the same sort of thing yourself by adding flavors, spices and herbs to your food. Try sun-dried tomatoes, dried cranberries or blueberries, black or green olives, fennel, cumin, or cardamom seeds, flavored vinegars, pickles, curry, cinnamon, hot peppers, grated parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, or dry seasoning mixes like onion soup or ranch dressing.

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: There is no reason eating healthy food has to be boring. Experiment with sweet and savory flavors when preparing food. As this interesting research shows, not only can spices and seasonings make “health foods” more palatable, they may also help you maintain a healthy weight!

QUICK TIP: According to Jean Carper, herbs and spices can kill harmful bacteria and protect cells. Learn More

Written exclusively for Stop Aging Now, the authority on anti-aging research, anti-aging nutrition, and anti-aging supplements.