Counting spices/herbs/teas?

Angylgrrl

Hello all! I was wondering what your thoughts were on counting calories on things such as dried herbs, spices, and tea bags? I don't mean any of the pre-made spice mixes with lots of salt and stuff, but things like dried basil, oregano, smoked paprika, etc.

I also really enjoy the Lipton Cold Brew Iced Tea. I drink it completely unsweetened. I drink mostly water throughout the day, but I feel like it's a nice change. Would you count that under the meals/snacks, or would you just count it as more water since it is not being sweetened.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

ZyheeMoongazer

My general rule of thumb is if it has less than 10 calories and no sodium I don't track it. Sometimes I track my tea, but that is only to make myself more aware of how much caffeine I am drinking in a day.

Angylgrrl

Bump.

hiddensvelte

Don't drink tea(s), but I don't count the others unless I'm creating a recipe. For example, tonight I added parsley to my carrots and had olive oil and basil on some spaghetti. Calories and nutrition from herbs and spices typically <2 for each one in a recipe. It's really not worth the effort, consider fresh herbs to be a bonus.

rachelbethany

I often count them just so I can know how much iron and certain vitamins I'm getting. I like to be sure I meet all my vitamin/mineral requirements, and if I know I'm not going to, I'll take a multivitamin that day. You might be surprised at how much iron is in fresh basil. I love knowing that stuff, haha!

doubglass

Don't bother, you will burn more calories just reading the label.