You’re well on your way to good health, manageable weight, and an overall sense of well-being. Congratulations! Following a plan, like the HCG diet, requires some degree of self-discipline and creativity when it comes to meal planning, and after a while, you might start to run out of ideas for the Second Phase or even have some difficulty with strategizing the reintegration of certain foods during the Third. Since HCG weight loss is one of the top rated weight loss programs, I strongly recommend to everyone. So having as many menu ideas as possible will benefit you throughout the rest of the duration of the diet as you phase into the permanent lifestyle changes. And what better way to enhance the advantages of taking the HCG diet drops than to supplement naturally with herbs and spices that are incorporated into your daily cooking? So here’s a look at some of the most popular and healthiest herbs and spices along with some tasty recipes.
- Cilantro: This is the “secret ingredient” that gives salsa its flavor; plus it makes a great garnish for stews and meat entrees. Not widely known, cilantro also has a calming effect similar to that of lavender and can be used to improve your quality of sleep. This herb also rids the body of toxins and free radicals.
- Peppermint: This delicious and easy-to-grow plant is used for so many ailments from upset stomach to insomnia. It’s also a great remedy for menstrual cramps, BUT if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, do not ingest because it causes uterine muscle to relax, which increases the risk of miscarriage. Otherwise, brew as a tea to enjoy for its flavor and medicinal qualities.
- Curry: This spice can be combined with turmeric, cumin, and other spices to make an excellent rub for meat, poultry, or fish. Moreover, it possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer qualities.
- Turmeric: Turmeric is often blended with curry, cumin, and cardamom in many Indian dishes. With consistent use, it alleviates both joint and intestinal inflammation and possess cancer-fighting properties.
- Cumin: This spice adds delicious flavor to beef, sauces, and stews. It aids in digestion and helps with maintaining balance if one is suffering from diabetes, though with constant use and in large amounts, like a capsule.
- Oregano: This powerhouse of an herb is a mainstay for sauces, dips, and dressings. (Try mixing with olive oil with other herbs and spices for instant salad dressing) It’s also packed with fiber, omega 3’s, and minerals; so feel free to throw it in the salad.
- Rosemary: This herb is widely used in vegetable dishes and soups. It’s also been known to boost the immune system to help fight off the flu or common cold and to calm an irritable stomach.
- Basil: Basil pairs very well with tomatoes for a flavorful sauce or a tasty bisque soup, but it also acts as an antibacterial agent by clearing out bad bacteria while not harming the good bacteria that necessary for digestive health. It also helps with the heart’s well-being.
- Sage: Great for chicken, turkey, and pork chops, this herb contains a good amount of antioxidants and when used over time, helps relieve inflammation.
- Ginger: This spice is not just for cookies but also pairs well with soups, teas, and even fish. Its cancer-fighting properties have raised interest in various circles of doctors and researchers.
- Nutmeg: Although baking is not necessarily an option while on the HCG diet, this spice can be added to enhance the flavors of teas, steel-milled oats (for hot cereal) and pumpkin. Nutmeg is excellent for detoxifying as it facilitates healthy kidney and liver function.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon is very versatile for flavoring fruits, teas, and coffee and acts as the greatest partner in the weight loss journey. It is known to help boost metabolism, manage cholesterol levels and fight inflammation.
- Parsley: You will want to consume this commonly used garnish. It consists of Vitamins C and K as well as B vitamins, which are excellent for heart health, not to mention its effect on inflammation and the body’s immune system.
- Fennel: This highly underrated ingredient can be used in just about any dish without overpowering the flavor. Furthermore, it’s chock full of Vitamin C.
- Thyme: Not only does this herb add the perfect flavor to poultry and some vegetables, it’s also packed with antioxidants which helps the body to rid itself of free radicals. Additionally, thyme has antibacterial and antifungal qualities to further enhance immunity.
- Red Chile Pepper or Cayenne: Capsaicin is the magical ingredient that gives theses spices their kick. While great for Buffalo wings and most Hispanic dishes, this spice ironically is highly recommended for soothing digestive issues. It also works well for a detoxifying cleanse.
As you can tell, there would not be any need for taking vitamin or mineral supplements if you integrate these herbs and spices into your cooking. You can reap the healthful benefits from both these ingredients and the HCG drops. This potent combination is sure to aid in meeting your goal for weight loss and overall improved health. Here are a few recipes to enjoy that contain combinations of the herbs and spices mentioned above along with a few others.
Cajun Grilled Salmon
½ tsp. Cayenne pepper
½ tsp. Paprika
½ tsp. Salt
½ tsp. Garlic powder
24 oz. of Salmon
Combine all seasonings together in a small bowl to make a rub. Then rub the seasoning mixture over either sides of the salmon fillets (or just on one side, if you’re sensitive to the heat of Cayenne). Grill for five minutes on one side, flip over, and then grill for another five minutes or until completely done (flaky) depending on the thickness of the fish.
Salsa like No Other
2 to 3 Roma or Beefsteak tomatoes, quartered
¼ cup of cilantro
¼ cup of oregano
1 green chile pepper sliced or chopped
1 to 2 jalapeno peppers (depending on taste)
1 Habanero or Poblano pepper (optional)
1 cup of white onion sliced
3 cloves of garlic sliced
Sea Salt to taste
Place all ingredients in a blender on the “chop” setting. Periodically push the button until desired consistency is achieved. (Thick and chunky is best!) Stir with a long spoon to mix thoroughly and serve.
Seasoned Cornish Hens
4 small Cornish Hens completely thawed out
1 whole garlic (cloves peeled and separated)
1 tsp sage
1 tsp thyme
½ tsp sea salt
1/8 cup olive oil
¼ to ½ cup of parsley chopped
Combine seasonings together in a small bowl and set aside. Take a basting brush and brush olive oil over the Cornish hens inside a shallow baking dish. (You might need to place two hens per dish.) Next take the seasoning mixture and rub over the hens. The take the chopped parsley and sprinkle over to garnish. Place garlic cloves (about four or five, depending on taste) around the base of each hen. Bake for two to three hours or until hens are completely done. (165º F on a meat thermometer)