Calorie Counters - Cutting back on condiments

Ack!

So everyday I eat a baked (er well... microwaved) potato with a ton of salsa on it. I thought I was having about 2 tbs. but I was actually having more like 7 or 8. Oops!

So here are my two problems:

How can I spice up bland foods without the huge amount of calories?
How can I help my addiction to condiments?? Its insane!


Thanks, all :)

Spices! I use a LOT of garlic, onion, and random bottled spices such as Lemon Pepper and Italian seasoning. The possibilities are endless. Just make sure to check to see if they contain salt... I try to buy the ones that are salt-free and then just add my own salt to taste! :)

I love salsa. That's a veg to me not a condiment :)

How can I spice up bland foods without the huge amount of calories?
Chili Garlic Sauce Tuong ot toi vietnam
Too hot to use much...intense and wonderful hot and garlic flavor
I use it in everything...even my morning oatmeal.
Available in many large grocery stores. I buy it by the gallon at Cash and Carry.

According to Calorie King, the average calories for salsa is 9 calories for two tablespoons. Personally I don't think it's something you need to worry about. If you do 8 or 9 tablespoons that's only about 80 calories. I'd watch the size of the potato instead (a large potato can get up close to 300 calories).

I like homemade pico de gallo.

I also like using plain red wine vinegar.

I also like fat-free miracle whip with wasabi powder mixed in it.

On my oatmeal, I sometimes will put in a shot or two of sugar-free Starbucks syrup. OMG--great.

You can always make your own salsa with all the veggies and whatever else to your own taste.

* 1 tomato
* 1 medium bell pepper
* 1/2 cup celery
* 1/2 cup cucumber
* 1 medium onion
* 2 tablespoons vinegar
* 2 tablespoons salt
* 1 dash oregano
* 1 dash ground black pepper
* 1 dash chili flakes
* 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
Doesn't look too hefty in the calories!

Celery and cucumber in salsa? :eek:

That's NEW YORK SALSA! :lol:

I like celery and cucumber in salsa. LOL don't make fun of me:( ahaha

Salsa isn't something to worry too much about limiting for calories. It's really just veggies and vinegar and/or lime juice. Might have to consider sodium, if you use very large amounts. Occasionally, I have seen salsa with sugar added, so check, but that is unusual.

hehe I too must laugh at the cucumber and celery in salsa..LOL heheheh- thats cute though! I personally put like a TON of cilantro in mine.. like practically a whole bushel..HAHA we all have our preferences

Oh I forgot to add there is brand called walden farms that makes 0 cal /o carb dressings and other condiments! I though about buying them before because I too am a condiment queen! I heart condiments! HAHA- but I''ve heard mixed reviews about the taste of them- but maybe mixed with the reals version they might be ok! I know in my local area you can buy Walden farms products at Albertson's- you can also buy online at amazon.com

I like celery and cucumber in salsa. LOL don't make fun of me:( ahaha


Couldn't help myself...that comes from the Pace Picante commercials! I don't even watch TV anymore...just dragged that one out of my memory banks. :o

Actually, finely chopped celery is a great way to bulk up anything...almost no calories and good flavor. I'm sure it's great in salsa...I'm having a little trouble with the idea of cucumber flavor in salsa though. ;)

I love salsa. That's a veg to me not a condiment :)


Yeah, tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeno, garlic, onions, lime.....it's good for me! :D

Yep...midwife, that's the way I make mine too. I will sometimes add cumin too.

This is more a general comment about spices / condiments ....

There are a ton of spice possibilities depending on your tastes and cravings. I use taco seasoning and hot pepper sauce to satisfy my Mexican craving. Or garlic powder and italian seasoning for my Italian cravings. And there's curry powder, cumin, soy sauce, ginger powder, chili powder, etc.

If you are craving butter and cheese, there are always butter buds and cheese powder to sprinkle on. It gives you a bit of the flavor with minimal calories. I'm not crazy about those, but it is an option to try.

Other low-calorie condiments are dijonnaise and regular mustards (5 cal/serving) and there is a low carb catsup that is 5 calories per serving. I'm one of those oddballs who actually use and like the Walden Farms "0 calorie" dressings -- they aren't actually "free", I count them as 3-4 calories per serving but that is still very low, compared to even the fat free dressings.

You guys are awesome.

I think I'm going to just allow more calories for my intense amount of salsa and then supplement it with hot sauce next time I go to the store.

I'll definitely try one of those recipes when I'm home. Right now, the only cooking supplies I have are a microwave and a butter knife, haha.

Couldn't help myself...that comes from the Pace Picante commercials! I don't even watch TV anymore...just dragged that one out of my memory banks. :o

Actually, finely chopped celery is a great way to bulk up anything...almost no calories and good flavor. I'm sure it's great in salsa...I'm having a little trouble with the idea of cucumber flavor in salsa though. ;)

lol well im not going to lie... i've never made the salsa but i would imagine that those two ingrediants (since i like them) wouldn't hurt the mix.. lol I would definitely try it though!