Herbs and Spices that Help You Lose Weight

Who said eating healthy had to be bland and boring? Knowing the right herbs and spices to add to your cooking can give it loads of flavor and extra nutrients — plus they can boost your metabolism to help you lose weight. Sounds like a win-win to me. Here are some of the best herbs and spices to start working into your recipes to help you drop those extra pounds:

#1 Turmeric

Turmeric contains the incredible curcumin antioxidant, and it serves as a warming spice. Warming spices increase your body heat which helps speed up metabolism. It’s easy to work into your meals for an added boost of healthy goodness. Sprinkle it into soups, stews, marinades, chicken, or even mix it into your scrambled eggs. Turmeric is also studied as anti-inflammatory.*

#2 Cinnamon

Interestingly, you’ll find cinnamon in many desserts, but all that sugar along with it doesn’t help. Try sprinkling cinnamon onto your oatmeal, in your coffee, on top of yogurt or sweet potatoes. It has been shown to support healthy blood sugar*and help you feel fuller longer while adding a sweet enough taste that can help quell your cravings.

#3 Cayenne

Another spice that raises your body temperature and boosts your metabolism is cayenne. Use it on your meats, in soups and sauces, or even for your salad dressing for an extra pop of spice. or like I do in your morning lemon water.

#4 Cumin

Recent studies* have shown cumin can help you burn more body fat. It adds a delightful smoky flavor that you love in Mexican cuisine. It’s also used in Chinese and Indian cuisine too. Try experimenting with it to take your cooking to the next level with rubs and marinades or make a new salad dressing that will have you craving salads regularly.

#5 Ginger

Ginger is an excellent anti-inflammatory. It’s also great for its thermogenic properties like turmeric and cayenne. Fresh ginger is best grated right into the foods you cook. You can also slice it and add it to your tea for a post-meal soother.

If you don’t have fresh ginger, ground ginger also works well.

#6 Garlic

Savory and pungent garlic is very popular as it works well in most recipes, but eating more of it will also help you to burn off more fat. It’s actually best to eat it raw, but if that’s too spicy for you, adding it to everything you cook still has plenty of health benefits.

#7 Black pepper

Go ahead and add a little more black pepper on top of your eggs, meats, and even salads. Black pepper blocks the formation of new fat cells to stop weight gain before it begins. Plus, it helps bring out the flavors of your food naturally. Each of these spices is easily accessible and fit well into most recipes. Between these seven options, you can always have at least one in every meal you have. Get cooking now with these herbs and spices, and you’ll be on your way to losing weight more naturally and extra flavorful food.

Cauliflower Steaks with Ginger, Turmeric, and Cumin*

Serves 3

Handful of cilantro, chopped – if you like cilantro

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Remove the leaves and trim the stem end of the cauliflower, leaving the core intact. Using a large knife, cut the cauliflower from top to base into three 3/4-inch-thick “steaks.” Season each steak with salt and pepper on both sides. (Reserve any loose florets for another use.)

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the cauliflower steaks until golden brown, about 2 minutes on each side. Gently transfer the steaks to a baking sheet.

Whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ginger, cumin, and turmeric. Brush or spoon the mixture onto the cauliflower steaks.

Roast in the oven until tender, about 15 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and serve.

Per serving, based on 3 servings. (% daily value)

Did you know there are 7 spices to aid your Healthy Journey

Herbs and Spices that Help You Lose Weight

#1 Turmeric

#2 Cinnamon

#3 Cayenne

Another spice that raises your body temperature and boosts your metabolism is cayenne. Use it on your meats, in soups and sauces, or even for your salad dressing for an extra pop of spice. or like I do in your morning lemon water.

#4 Cumin

#5 Ginger

Ginger is an excellent anti-inflammatory. It’s also great for its thermogenic properties like turmeric and cayenne. Fresh ginger is best grated right into the foods you cook. You can also slice it and add it to your tea for a post-meal soother.

If you don’t have fresh ginger, ground ginger also works well.

#6 Garlic

Savory and pungent garlic is very popular as it works well in most recipes, but eating more of it will also help you to burn off more fat. It’s actually best to eat it raw, but if that’s too spicy for you, adding it to everything you cook still has plenty of health benefits.

#7 Black pepper

Cauliflower Steaks with Ginger, Turmeric, and Cumin*

Serves 3

1 large head cauliflower

Salt and pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

Handful of cilantro, chopped – if you like cilantro

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Remove the leaves and trim the stem end of the cauliflower, leaving the core intact. Using a large knife, cut the cauliflower from top to base into three 3/4-inch-thick “steaks.” Season each steak with salt and pepper on both sides. (Reserve any loose florets for another use.)

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the cauliflower steaks until golden brown, about 2 minutes on each side. Gently transfer the steaks to a baking sheet.

Whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ginger, cumin, and turmeric. Brush or spoon the mixture onto the cauliflower steaks.

Roast in the oven until tender, about 15 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and serve.