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Posts tagged with: calorie-free

Calorie-free ways to make your water taste better

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Water is so so important, as I know you’ve heard over and over again. Not only is it important to help you maintain optimal health, lubricate your joints, promote proper digestion.. but it also really helps with weight maintenance or losing weight, staving off headaches, avoiding cravings, and helping with mood. Wow, right?!

I know that when I haven’t been drinking enough water, the first thing I want is sugar. ANYTHING SWEET, and NOW! Use that as a sign and gulp down 4-8oz of water, wait 5-10 minutes, then grab a healthy snack if you’re still feeling hungry.

I know the old saying that everyone should drink 8 glasses of water per day, but that varies so much depending on your weight, activity level, and even the weather. A good goal to aim for is half your body weight, in ounces. So if you weigh 150 lbs, then you’d want to drink at least 75oz of water per day. Add in MORE if it’s a really hot day or if you’ve done a super sweaty workout.

Getting bored of the same old glass of water? Add some flavour!

Calorie-free ways to fancy up your glass

  • a wedge of lemon or lime
  • a slice of orange
  • a slice of cucumber
  • a sprig of mint
  • some berries
  • frozen grapes
  • cubes of watermelon
  • a bit of freshly grated ginger
  • use sparkling water

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calorie-free additions to make your food taste great

herbs and spices

Are you getting bored with the same old same old thing to eat?
Here are some ideas to add lots of flavour without adding any significant calories.  I like to call these my FREE foods. Big flavour, no guilt!

Herbs and spices – I love love love cinnamon. I’ll sprinkle it on sliced apples, in my yogurt, and in my oatmeal. Toss herbs and spices them into and on everything! Chicken with rosemary is great.  I use this Southwest mix on my roast veggies as well as grilled meats, instead of using a commercial (high-sugar!) BBQ sauce: 
Smoky Southwest Seasoning (add to meats and veggies before roasting or grilling)
1 Tbsp chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp coriander
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp sea salt

Red pepper flakes (ok, this falls into the herbs and spices category, but I loooove them.  Red pepper flakes are fabulous in scrambled eggs, and on top of mashed avocado on toast.

Lemon or lime juice – add a squeeze to fish or on top of any food that you want to add a little pick-me-up, or drop a wedge into your water.

Mustard – add to sandwiches or dressings for a big punch of flavour

Tabasco or Sriracha hot sauce – so good in eggs or with a bit of Braggs liquid aminos (a gluten free alternative to soy sauce) in a stir fry.

Garlic and ginger – add one or both to roast or pan-fried veggies

Salsa – while this isn’t calorie-free, it’s very low in calories, and you’ll only be using a little bit.  Add a spoonful to scrambled eggs, use as a sandwich spread, or as an alternative to salad dressing.