Let's talk about herbs

With the Spring Challenge (click here to find out more information) coming up, I wanted to take a moment to talk about herbs and how you can use them to immediately add flavor and spice to any dish that may otherwise be a little bland. The thing is, eating clean doesn’t have to mean eating food without flavor. In fact, if you play around with herbs it is quite the opposite andyou get a few extra health benefits from a lot of different herbs.

BASIL USE WITH: bell peppers, eggplants, tomatoes, chicken, fish, tofu USE IN: tomato sauces, soups, curries GOOD FOR: clean skin, protecting organs

CHIVES/GARLIC USE WITH: potatoes, asparagus, onions, leeks, chicken, fish, eggs USE IN: garnishes, dips, soups, sauces, scrambles GOOD FOR: alleviating cold systems, digestion

CILANTRO USE WITH: avocado, tomatoes, bell peppers, chicken, fish, tofu USE IN: salsas, guacamole, soups, curries, salads GOOD FOR: detoxing

DILL USE WITH: cabbage, potatoes, cucumbers, fish, shellfish USE IN: omelets, sauces, seasoning for fish/shellfish GOOD FOR: regulating blood pressure, digestion

MINT USE WITH: carrots, eggplant, watermelon, mushrooms, beans USE IN: fruit salads, curries, soups, marinades GOOD FOR: digestion, anti-inflammatory

OREGANO USE WITH: artichokes, eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes, chicken, fish USE IN: sauces, dressings GOOD FOR: supporting your immune system, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, menstrual cramps

PARSLEY USE WITH: mushrooms, peas, tomatoes, cucumbers, chicken, fish, tofu, beef USE IN: sauces, salads GOOD FOR: reducing bloating

ROSEMARY USE WITH: mushrooms, peas, tomatoes, potatoes, chicken, fish USE IN: breads, sauces, pizzas, soups, roasted vegetables GOOD FOR: anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant

THYME USE WITH: carrots, peas, potatoes, squash, chicken, fish USE IN: rice, dips, soups, sauces GOOD FOR: alleviating upset stomaches and coughs

TUMERIC USE WITH: beef, chicken, all types of veggies USE IN: sauces, smoothies, with vegetables GOOD FOR: reducing inflammation, helping your brain and lowering your risk of heart disease