8 Healthy Condiments

Lets talk condiments... this topic can be pretty tricky since there are SO many out there. From ketchup to salad dressings you can find the right flavor to change up those healthy foods you are eating. You DON'T and SHOULD'T have to eat bland foods just because you think your new clean eating diet says so. It totally doesn't so please, PLEASE don't kill yourself trying to cut out all flavor.  Sure, if you really want to move the needle on the scale, you're going to have to cut out a lot of fat, sugar, and sodium, but that doesn't mean your new regimen of steaming, blanching, and boiling has to condemn you to a life of bland eating. Many condiments can spice up your cuisine without adding any calories, and in some cases, they can even accelerate your weight loss! Here are eight of our favorites.

 1. Ketchup

 Until recently, ketchup had been the king of the condiments. Americans have found very few meals that couldn't be improved by being drenched in tomato-ey goodness. And ketchup has quite a number of healthy properties. It's chock-full of lycopene, one of the most potent antioxidants around. The only problem is that most brands are also chock-full of sodium, high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), and sugar, which substantially defrays the health benefits of the tomatoes. But more and more ketchup manufacturers are offering low-salt, low-HFCS brands; and if you can get your hands on them, you can drench your favorite meals with nutritional impunity. Or for the culinarily inclined, you can make your own ketchup and add the amount of sugar and salt that is right for you.

Bottom Line: Look for organic brands that are low in sodium, contain no high-fructose corn syrup or buckets or sugar.

 2. Mustard

 This sharp paste made from the crushed seeds of the mustard plant comes in colors ranging from yellow to brown and in sharpness ranging from tangy to eye-watering. Mustard has practically no calories or fat to speak of, and even if it did, a little goes a long way. After all, it is one of the only condiments to be weaponized. It is worth checking the labels as some are high in sodium and others can add sugar or oil for flavor and texture, but generally, mustard can be consumed guilt free—as much as your palate can handle. There are lots of gourmet varieties with ingredients like horseradish, white wine, or jalapeños added for extra zest.

Bottom Line: READ THE LABELS! Also this is a FREE food for the 21 Day Fix!

 

 3. Salsa

 In the last decade or so, salsa has overtaken ketchup as the number-one condiment in America. There are literally thousands of different kinds of salsas, though most contain tomatoes, onions, and peppers as their base. Very low in calories and high in flavor, salsas are a great accent to any dish, but as with all commercially prepared items, attention should be paid to the levels of sodium and high-fructose corn syrup. It's a pretty easy thing to make yourself. A simple pico de gallo can be made by combining diced tomatoes and onions with minced cilantro and jalapeño and marinating those ingredients in lime juice. Make a big bowl on Sunday and have a healthy snack or sauce all week long!

Bottom Line: Stay away from jarred salsa. In the fruits and veggie section in your grocery store, they normally have FRESH salsa. Check the ingredients to make sure there are no added sugars or crazy sodium levels but many times there are just fine. Or make your own. Its simple and YOU can control what it is in!

 4. Hot sauce

I really don't use this condiment as much BUT I always have it in the house just in case! A little bit of hot sauce gives a ton of flavor with practically no calories, and the capsaicin (the "burning" component in chili peppers) is even believed to boost your metabolism. As always, keeping an eye on the sodium content is advisable.

Bottom Line: If you want HOT, use it!

 

 5. Soy sauce

 Needless to say, this isn't a very good part of a low-sodium diet, but there are low-sodium versions available (although low-sodium soy sauce has through-the-roof levels of sodium compared to most other foods). Some studies have shown that soy sauce contains even more antioxidants than red wine and, as a result of the fermentation process used to make it, high levels of probiotics. It doesn't have all the health benefits found in other soy products like edamame or tofu, but as a substitute for salt as a seasoning, you get a lot more nutritional bang for your buck.

Bottom Line: Don't drowned your food in it. A lot goes a long way when it comes to soy sauce. Limit using it to every other week and you will be good to go.

 

 6. Vinegar

 Vinegar comes in many different varieties—malt, wine, rice, cider, sherry, balsamic, and on and on. The word itself comes from the French vin aigre, or "sour wine." But unlike wine, vinegar has no alcohol and, depending on the variety, very few or zero calories. But it does have plenty of zip and tang. I find that a dash to my favorite soup or a sprinkle on my sandwich or salad adds lots of flavor without adding salt, fat, or sugar. In fact, studies have shown that vinegar helps stabilize blood sugar levels, and in one study, a test group of people who drank two tablespoons of vinegar before meals showed more weight loss than the group who didn't.

Bottom Line: USE IT! Its considered a FREE food in the 21 Day Fix!

 

 7. Yogurt

 Yogurt has the most calories and potentially the most fat of any of the condiments on this list. Full-fat yogurt, in fact, can have milkfat levels as high as ice cream. But low-fat and nonfat varieties serve as great substitutes for mayonnaise or a creamy dressing without adding too many calories to your dish. And with high levels of L. acidophilus and other probiotics, yogurt can also be very beneficial to your digestive system. Try mixing some plain nonfat yogurt with your favorite herbs or a little mustard or curry as a salad dressing or dipping sauce. Or try goat's-milk yogurt for some flavor variety.

Bottom Line: Go for Plain Greek Yogurt. I love Chobani and think it tastes the best out of all brands. Check it out the next time you are in the grocery store. At first I hated it but slowly my taste buds changed and now I use it a lot! Even in muffins! Check out this recipe>> Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

 8. Curry

 In different parts of the world curry can mean almost any number of combinations of savory spices. Besides the powder derived from the curry plant, curry powders and paste can contain many spices, including turmeric, coriander, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, and fenugreek. There are commercially prepared curries from all over the world, from India to Thailand to the Caribbean. Keep an eye out for salt and fat content, and you'll be on your way to giving your sauces, meats, fish, and vegetables a hit of amazing flavor without adding calories.

Bottom Line: Read the labels! Go for the brands with no salt or fat content in them!