Spice It Up

Let's explore world cuisine as a way to help you meet your diet-based goals.

But there's a world of food choices out there to spice up your diet and please your palate!

You can use the flavor tricks of many cuisines. Just leave out the heavy fat or excess salt that sometimes goes along with these tasty options.

Authentic Mexican food (unlike the cheese-heavy Tex-Mex choices) focuses on fresh herbs and spices. Cilantro is an herb used in a lot of Mexican cuisine. To some people who aren't used to the taste, cilantro can taste odd. But most people love its clean, zesty flavor.

Lime is a must for Mexican cuisine. The bright, citrus flavor is used for seafood, meat, and bean-based meals. Even eggs get a spritz of lime!

Tomato based sauces are healthy and full of vitamins. Try grilling fish, then topping it with a sauté of onion, mild peppers, diced tomatoes, and cilantro. Add some spicy pepper if you like a bit of heat!

Japanese cuisine focuses on simple but savory broths and sauces. Dashi is the starter broth for many Japanese dishes. It's made from kombu, or seaweed and bonito, or fish flakes. You can buy prepared packets of dashi. Just add water. Try steaming a fillet of mild fish atop dashi broth. If you're lucky to live next to a Japanese restaurant, sushi and sashimi are healthy treats. But they can be pricey.

Greek and other Mediterranean cuisines are thought of as among the healthiest. It has an olive-oil base and focus on fresh fruits, veggies, and fish. It's a heart-healthy option that's full of flavor. Olives add a briny touch of flavor to most dishes. Try making a flavor base of garlic, sun-dried tomato, onion, olives, and lemon zest to top broiled seafood. Add a touch of feta cheese for extra flavor.

Persian cuisine is rich in history and flavor. This aromatic cuisine focuses on grilled meats and savory stews. Perfectly cooked rice is the center of many meals. Dried fruits, such as cherries, are mixed into savory dishes, adding a welcome depth and freshness to meals. Persian food is complex, and it takes time to prepare. If you aren't an expert cook, seek out a Persian restaurant near you. Ask the waiter about the dishes and what's recommended.

Korean food has become well known in the United States. It's a meat-heavy cuisine, but also uses lots of fresh veggies. The flavors of Korean food go a long way. Its famous chile sauce is at once sweet and spicy. It's a great addition to many foods, such as eggs, fish, and tofu. Kimchi is the pungent, garlic infused side dish that's always on the table. Kimchi is fermented cabbage. It's rich in vitamin C and packs a punch that'll wake up your taste buds!

Need some more ideas or have questions? Send your care manager a message!