spice it up

The holiday excitement has passed, and for those of us living in cold climates, it can seem that spring breezes and sunshine are an awful long ways away. Winter can be a tempting time to hibernate and fall into an eating rut. We begin to crave warm, comforting foods, and if were not careful, we can easily add an extra layer around our waistline. Move over macaroni and cheese! Instead of rich, indulgent fare experiment with spices that will keep winter doldrums at bay – and warm you from the inside-out.

Below are three of my favorites – but don’t feel limited! Visit a grocery store that sells spices in bulk, so you can try a small amount before commiting to a whole jar.

Cardamom: 

You probably will recognize this fragrant Indian spice from chai teas and lattes. Cardamom is touted for its digestive health benefits as well as being a metabolism booster. I love sprinkling it in smoothies and oatmeal to warm me up in the morning. Many claim adding it to coffee (before or after brewing) helps reduce its acid-forming properties. You can also try it in this fig chutney recipe.

Curry:

Curry powder is a mixture of many herbs and spice as in mostly known as being a staple in Indian cuisine. Tumeric is one of the spices found in it that gives it a distinctive yellow color, and also lends many health benefits including powerful anti-oxidant properties in addition to reducing inflammation and joint pain. I think it works well in a variety of meat and vegetable dishes.

Cayenne:

Definitely not for those with a mild pallete! Used in spicy dishes, Cayenne is also a great source of vitamins A, C, E, and B6. A little goes a long way; try adding a bit to soups, stews, or chili. When I feel a cold coming on, I like to add a pinch to my morning lemon water for an immunity boost – and to help clear my sinuses!