6 Ways to Perk Up "Diet" Foods

Changing your diet to peel away some of those holiday pounds? There's something you might notice about "light" foods: They don't always have a lot of flavor.

The good news is, there are many ways to improve the flavor of healthy foods without adding too many extra calories. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Add a tablespoon of real bacon bits to red sauce and pasta to give it a completely new flavor.
2. Make turkey burgers juicier and more flavorful by stirring in a spoon of your favorite steak sauce before making the patty.
3. Add a small amount of pesto sauce to perk up your favorite sandwich at lunch.
4. Add a sprinkle of coconut to yogurt for a tropical treat. I like to toast mine (it heightens the flavor and makes it slightly crunchy).
5. Make peaches or melon a tastier treat by adding a squirt of whipped light cream.
6. I'm a real tomato lover, so I'll add drained sun-dried tomatoes to just about anything! Try them on steamed veggies.

Sun-dried tomatoes. Look weird, taste yummy.

Learn More:

• Add Flavor without Fat
• Are Added Extras Costing You Too Many Calories?

Image: Fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov