Most diets out there require a person to restrict their calorie intake and switch their regular meals with meals that can be bland. When food is tasteless, and the person does not like what they have to eat to lose weight, they may lose their motivation and return to their old eating habits. This is where herbs and spices come in handy. The use of herbs and spices in cooking dates back thousands of years, and still today people use these items in their kitchen and in restaurants to create delicious meals.

What many people fail to realize when it comes to dieting is the fact that herbs and spices do not contain any toxins, sugar, sodium, or any other harmful substances that are not only bad for the body but also contribute to weight gain. Thus, the bland meals that are often recommended in weight loss diets can easily be flavored up by simply adding some spices and herbs to the dishes. In addition to offering flavor enhancement, many of these herbs and spices have also been proven to provide added benefits to individuals who are trying to lose weight. Let’s consider some of the most effective spices and herbs that can be added to your favorite dishes to help you lose weight faster and safely.

1. Ginger

Ginger is used in a large variety of dishes and is a perfect addition to any type of weight loss diet. This spice can not only be consumed through meals but also in a variety of drinks, such as teas or ginger beer. Healthy and Natural World explain that the use of ginger for weight management is very popular in Ayurveda medicine practices, dating back thousands of years. They also report that several research studies have been able to prove ginger to be beneficial for shedding excess fat. They continue to report that a recent study found ginger to improve levels of both leptin and blood sugar. Leptin is important for satiety, while stable blood sugar levels help to reduce cravings for unhealthy foods.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice most often used in curry dishes, but can also be utilized in a variety of other dishes. Turmeric contains a natural chemical known as curcumin, which has many potential health benefits and often recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties amongst patients with arthritis. According to Times Now News, drinking a cup of warm water mixed with some turmeric in the morning has a significant number of benefits for people who are having a difficult time maintaining a healthy weight.

3. Black Pepper

We use black pepper in a large number of meals, from breakfast to dinner, without ever taking note that this common spice is actually very good for your waistline. Green Health Matters explains that black pepper is useful for losing weight in numerous ways. Firstly, this common spice can offer a boost in metabolism and also increase the number of calories burnt during physical activity. Furthermore, black pepper is also able to inhibit the formation of fat cells; thus, preventing a person from gaining more weight. Another benefit of black pepper to consider is the fact that the spice can help to enhance the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from foods consumed with this spice.

4. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is often used in the preparation of sweet treats, such as the popular “CinnaBun.” The spice is not only sweet and delicious but also very good for your overall wellbeing. In addition to assisting with the regulation of blood pressure levels, cinnamon is also known to contribute to weight loss in more ways than one. Ideal Bite explains that cinnamon helps to control insulin levels in the body and also reduces blood sugar levels. The spice also speeds up metabolism, reduces levels of LDL cholesterol and helps to increase energy; thus, allowing a person to participate in more physical exercises. Furthermore, cinnamon has also been proven to be effective in burning excess fat in the abdominal area.

5. Cumin

Cumin is a versatile spice that can be used in many different dishes. Its flavor is unique and the spice has a number of health benefits to contribute. Cumin is high in manganese, potassium, zinc, copper, and iron. According to many doctors, this spice is beneficial for reducing the level of stress (high-stress levels are known to cause people to overeat) and to assist with controlling blood sugar levels. By controlling blood sugar levels, a person is less likely to reach for unhealthy foods due to cravings between meals.

Conclusion

Quite a large number of people end up quitting their diet due to the restrictions that are placed upon the food choices they have when it comes to cooking a meal. The food that they are able to consume is often bland and causes them to feel unmotivated and unwilling to continue with the diet. By adding some of the spices and herbs we have discussed in this article, bland meals can quickly be turned into delicious meals that are pleasant to consume. Additionally, these substances also help to speed up the process of losing weight.