Spice is Nice

Tracking calories has made me really realize how magical spices are.

If you're using straight herbs and spices, not pre-made mixes or 'seasoning's, they add practically no calories, no salt, and TONS of flavor.

I personally like hot spices - which is a lucky thing, because sri racha or tobasco put on a wrap is just as satisfying to me now as mayo used to be before I started tracking. And an herbal tea made with tons of peppermint and some dried rosemary and lemon peel is just as fun a drink as a hot cocoa used to be to me.

Not just hot spicy though - I find properly seasoning entrees with spices like rosemary, thyme, lemon balm, oregano, cloves, etc - can make a boring dish actually something to look forward to.

I knew a wine snob once. He told me that in American culture, very sugary drinks like cocktails or sweet wines are more popular than dry wines and strong beer because we were raised in a food culture that emphasizes the sweet (and the salty) far more than any spices or bitterness. He was kind of an annoying guy but this point he made about our culture's obsession with these two flavors stuck with me.

If you're having trouble getting into calorie counting food, remember that there are other, really interesting, exciting flavors that aren't sweet or salty that have almost no caloric value (and if you're worried about sodium, low sodium).

What are your favorite ways to replace sweet/ salty/ greasy high-calorie options with herbs and spices?