Spice It Up!
By Jamin Mendelsohn
When you’re on a Reboot, it can be easy to fall into patterns of making the same juices every day or the same veggie dishes.
You know how it goes… You figure out what you like, you know the ingredients and it’s just easier that way! Well, I’m here to tell you that a Reboot is actually a great time to Spice It Up and experiment with different, natural ways to season and add flavor to you food! You may not realize, but many spices, herbs and even some condiments are not only OK on the Reboot, but we encourage you to go for it!
Your Reboot can and should be a time of taste exploration, not taste deprivation!
Spices – there are so many spices out there and they can make your standard veggie dishes much more exciting!
Cinnamon – is a great addition to some fall-flavored juices and breakfast dishes like the Apple Peach Bake. It can also add an interesting kick to steamed spinach with golden raisins! All this, and it has been shown to help keep blood sugar in check too.
Sea Salt or Himalayan Salt – Sea Salt and Himalayan Salt tend to be less processed than regular table salt. These salts can help enhance the flavors of your food, but remember a little goes a long way! Especially when you have been Rebooting, start with a small pinch and really taste the difference.
Pepper (Black, Cayenne) – Great for adding depth to flavor and kicking up the spice levels! Look for whole black peppercorns that you can grind right before use. Try some sprinkled over roasted veggies. Add a dash of Cayenne to your tomato-based juice or gazpacho.
Herbs – Pretty much any fresh herb is Reboot-friendly! This is a great thing because herbs like rosemary and thyme add incredible savory taste to veggies and soups, and the following leafy herbs are great in both juices and foods.
Cilantro – This leafy herb juices well and adds a unique flavor. It also tastes great in a homemade tomato salsa with fresh garlic.
Parsley – Fabulous addition in juice, and adds an overall freshness to any dish. Parsley is also a good source of folic acid, which may help lower the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancers.
Mint – Fresh mint is so fragrant that just smelling it brings a smile to my face. Not only that, but it adds real dimension to juice – one of my favorites is Watermelon, Romaine and Mint! Mint is rich in plant-based omega-3 fats – an important nutrient for healthy hair, skin, and nails that has powerful anti-inflammatory activity.
Condiments – I find certain condiments to be absolutely essential to Rebooting! These are some of my favorites.
Grain Mustard – Mustard can be used to create delicious salad dressings and can also be used as a marinade for cooked vegetables. Try spreading some on a Portobello mushroom before roasting it! When picking out a mustard, check to be sure there are no added sugars.
Tamari / Nama Shoyu / Low-Sodium Soy Sauce – Each of these ingredients can be used in Asian-style salad dressings or drizzled over steamed greens. Tamari contains much less gluten than regular soy sauce and there are gluten-free versions available. Nama Shoyu is a Raw soy sauce for anyone looking to do a raw diet. Otherwise, always go for the low-sodium version!
Apple Cider Vinegar – Such a versatile ingredient! Great to include in salad dressings and vegetable marinades.