Speaker 1: 0:00

Hey sister, welcome to the Power on Plants podcast. Are you tired of staring into the fridge wondering what to eat so you can just feel better? Do you want to avoid spending hours in the kitchen making complicated meals in the name of health? Would you love to leave fatigue behind and finally have the energy to do all the things you want to do? Hi, we're Jared and Anita Roussel, christ followers, healthcare professionals, parents of four and big fans of great tasting food.

Speaker 1: 0:28

We, too, tried exercising more, eating natural and clean foods, but we still found ourselves struggling with what we thought were changes that come with age or bad genes, and we weren't finding answers to traditional routes. So we dug into the research and created our secret nutritional weapon sustainable plant-based living. The truth is, you can eat more whole plant foods, and it's not hard. You just need the way. That's realistic and delicious, so you never feel deprived. If you're ready to enjoy your meals, no longer be held back by your health struggles and actively live your life, then you're in the right place. So grab your favorite plant-based cup of life. Then you're in the right place. So grab your favorite plant-based cup of happy pop in those earbuds and let's get started. Hey there, sunshine and welcome to Power on Plants, where we're dedicated to helping you actually enjoy eating whole plant foods so you can finally feel great and fully live. I'm your host, anita Roussel.

Speaker 2: 1:25

And I'm Jared Roussel. We're excited you're joining us today, because we're diving into a topic that often gets overlooked but is absolutely crucial for making plant-based meals incredibly healthy and making them taste great and feel exciting, and that's herbs and spices.

Speaker 1: 1:40

I'm all about it. We're not just talking about a pinch of salt or a dash of pepper here. We're encouraging you to embrace a big variety of flavors and reap the amazing benefits that herbs and spices have to offer. What we found in working with so many clients is that many people are a little shy with herbs and spices using just a tiny sprinkle. So we're here to tell you today be bold.

Speaker 2: 2:06

Exactly. For too long, herbs and spices have been considered simply garnishes or not thought of at all. Actually, I remember growing up in the South and the only time I ever saw parsley it was that little sprig of curly parsley sitting on the side of your plate at a restaurant, just straight up decorative, and nobody ever ate it. That's so sad. So what we want you to consider here is what nutritional powerhouses and flavor bombs herbs and spices are. They can completely transform your cooking. Plus, they're an essential part of a healthy, whole food, plant-based diet.

Speaker 1: 2:39

So let's start with the flavor aspect. Think about it. Start with the flavor aspect. Think about it. A simple lentil soup can go from bland to extraordinary with the addition of spices like cumin and coriander, turmeric and a bay leaf. Or a basic tofu scramble can become a southwestern fiesta when you add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika and oregano.

Speaker 2: 3:02

Yes, that's so true, and it's not just about adding one spice. It's about something I see you sharing with others all the time, anita layering flavors and finding the combinations that excite your taste buds. For example, think about the difference between a plain baked sweet potato and one that's been roasted with cinnamon, nutmeg and even some cloves. The difference in flavor is night and day, I know. I love it when you roast them this way and when you use your spices. Remember that variety is key. Don't just stick to the same two or three spices you always use.

Speaker 1: 3:33

Exactly. You want to experiment with spices. That's the fun part. Think about the cuisines that are known for their bold flavors, like Indian food that uses a lot of different spices together. Think about in a curry, they don't just use one spice, they might use five, six or even more, all blended together to create something amazing. Or consider Mediterranean cooking, with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, oregano and basil. Those are the staples there. These herbs not only add incredible flavor, but also bring a sense of sunshine and freshness to your dishes.

Speaker 2: 4:10

And the best part is, as you explore these different flavor profiles, you're also boosting the nutritional value of your meals in a big way. Let's examine some of those health benefits. This is so important because herbs and spices are packed with antioxidants, which are compounds that help protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can contribute to aging and various diseases. Turmeric, for example, is a superstar. It contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound that has been linked to numerous health benefits, including improved brain function and a lower risk of heart disease.

Speaker 1: 4:44

I love turmeric and remember it's always best to combine it with black pepper, as this will boost the absorption of the spice by around 3000%. This again shows how beneficial for health that combining the different spices can be, and ginger is another great example. It's known for its anti-nausea properties, but it's also a very strong anti-inflammatory, and it helps with digestion too. Think about it Even something as simple as cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar levels. We need to be sure that we're eating a much wider variety of herbs and spices and adding more of each one when we use them as well.

Speaker 2: 5:26

That is so true. Now I have to bring up garlic here. I know it's technically a vegetable, but we often use it like a spice. Garlic is a great source of allicin, a compound that has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It's a natural immune booster that should be in all of our meals daily. I recommend it all the time to my patients.

Speaker 1: 5:45

And you know that I couldn't agree more because I am a huge garlic fan. Isn't it amazing how many herbs have specific health benefits? For example, parsley is a good source of vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting, and mint can help soothe an upset stomach. And think about rosemary. It's been linked to improved memory and concentration.

Speaker 2: 6:09

So again, the important thing here is that using larger amounts of spices and a larger variety will increase the benefits. A tiny sprinkle of turmeric won't have the same effect as a full teaspoon in a dish.

Speaker 1: 6:21

Exactly and don't be afraid to combine herbs and spices. In fact, understanding how to combine flavors is so crucial to enjoying a plant-based diet that we dedicate an entire section of our accelerator course to mastering flavor profiles. We really break down the science of taste and how to create balanced, delicious meals filled with the flavors that you'll love.

Speaker 2: 6:45

When it comes to having meals you love that are optimally healing. This really is life-changing Now. If you're feeling a little lost and just aren't sure where to start with combining herbs and spices to create the most tasty whole food plant-based meals, we have you covered. Check out Anita's cookbooks at poweronplantscom slash cookbook. They are both packed with recipes that showcase delicious and easy to follow spice combinations.

Speaker 1: 7:13

We regularly hear from those who are using our recipes how they are finally eating a whole food plant-based and loving it. And another great way to start incorporating more herbs and spices is to make your own spice blends. It's so much cheaper than buying pre-made blends and you can customize them to your own taste preferences. Plus, you know exactly what's going into them no hidden additives or preservatives or anti-caking agents.

Speaker 2: 7:42

You can find tons of recipes online for spice blends like chili powder, curry powder, italian seasonings and even pumpkin pie spices. Just be sure to store them in airtight containers in a cool, dark place to preserve their freshness.

Speaker 1: 7:55

Another tip is to buy whole spices whenever possible and grind them yourself using a mortar and a pestle or a spice grinder. The flavor of freshly ground spices is going to be much more intense than pre-ground spices and can make a big difference when it comes to the taste of your dishes. And don't forget about fresh herbs. They add a bright, vibrant flavor that dried herbs cannot match. Why not grow your own in a windowsill herb garden or buy them fresh from the grocery store.

Speaker 2: 8:26

Oh yeah, Don't underestimate just the impact of fresh ground herbs, like black pepper. Freshly ground no comparison compared to what we used to find in those little metal cans that were black specks but really had no flavor. Friend, our challenge to you this week is to experiment with herbs and spices. Try a new recipe from one of the pop cookbooks that features a spice you rarely use or that you've never used before. Also, start adding a more generous pinch of your favorite herbs to your next meal start adding a more generous pinch of your favorite herbs to your next meals.

Speaker 1: 9:04

Sunshine, be bold, be adventurous and discover the incredible world of flavor and health benefits that herbs and spices have to offer you. Your taste buds and your body are going to thank you in amazing ways. And if you're looking for the supportive Christian environment where you can heal naturally enjoying whole food, plant-based meals, join us inside our free group at poweronplantscom forward slash pie. We look forward to getting to know you more there, and we'll be back with you again next week with another episode dedicated to helping you thrive on a whole food plant-based diet the enjoyable, exciting way. In the meantime, know that you are loved, you are prayed for and we will see you again soon, thank you.