Growing up in Sierra Leone, West Africa, I was surrounded by the rich aroma of spices. My family’s use of herbs like mint, thyme, and the ever-present Maggi or non-meat bouillons made our home smell so inviting that the scent would cling to our clothes long after we’d left the kitchen. One dish that stands out in my memory is cassava leaf—a meal so flavorful that words fail to capture its essence. It’s these memories that shaped my deep love for spices, particularly rosemary and mint, which I still use in my cooking today.
When I first began my journey towards healthier eating, I faced some personal challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was reducing the amount of oil and butter in my diet. I also had the misconception that the world of spices was small, limited to the few I had grown up with. But as I ventured into healthier cooking, I discovered a whole new world of spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, curry, basil, coriander (which has become my current favorite), and paprika, to name a few. These spices opened my eyes to the incredible flavors that can enhance healthy meals.
One of my clients, for instance, believed that good food meant deep-fried food, and that eating healthy would mean sacrificing flavor. But when he started following a meal plan, he was pleasantly surprised by the powerful flavors in his meals. He realized that by limiting himself to salty foods, he had been missing out on a whole spectrum of tastes.
Lately, I’ve been using mushroom seasoning instead of salt-heavy options like Lawry’s. Made from dried mushrooms with just a hint of salt, it’s incredibly savory and has become a staple in my kitchen. I also frequently use garlic, basil, and, as always, mint. While I haven’t noticed specific health benefits from these spices myself, I truly enjoy the depth of flavor they bring to my meals.
However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s body reacts differently. For example, after introducing a client to mushroom seasoning, her blood pressure decreased significantly, reminding me that finding the right seasoning can have a positive impact on health.
In the end, the key is to explore and find the flavors that not only delight your taste buds but also support your health goals. Whether it’s experimenting with a new spice or finding a healthier alternative to a favorite seasoning, there’s a world of flavor waiting to be discovered.