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Elevate Your Healthy Eating with Flavorful Ingredients

  • Writer: Staci Gulbin, MS, MEd, RD
    Staci Gulbin, MS, MEd, RD
  • Jul 30, 2025
  • 5 min read

Updated: Dec 12, 2025

As someone who deals with multiple food allergies and intolerances daily, I understand how challenging it can be to keep healthy eating exciting. No matter what healthy eating routine you follow, it's vital to maintain variety and try new recipes. This keeps you engaged and compliant. However, scrolling through thousands of online recipes can be overwhelming. Many require expensive ingredients that you may never use again. That's why I've decided to simplify things. Here are some simple tips to boost the flavor in your favorite dishes while keeping them healthy.


Basic Ingredients for Optimal Healthy Eating Flavor Boosting


You don't need to spend a fortune to add flavor to your meals. Stock your pantry with these items today to easily enhance taste and make healthy eating more memorable. These ingredients are versatile for all meal and snack times, ensuring they won't go to waste.


  • Almond Flour: Research shows that this nutty flour is perfect for creating ketogenic, gluten-free baked goods. My favorite brand is Wildly Organic Almond Flour. It has a uniquely grainy texture, making it ideal for adding extra crunch to baked goods or coating proteins before baking.


  • Cacao Powder: This isn't your average chocolate powder. Organic products like Wildly Organics Fermented Cacao Powder are rich in nutrients. At just 21 calories, 1 mg of iron, and 1.5 grams of protein per tablespoon, it adds chocolatey goodness to smoothies and desserts. I love mixing it with plant-based or lactose-free milks and a touch of stevia for a healthier chocolate milk.


  • Coconut Butter: For a unique dairy-free alternative, try coconut butter. Spread it on toast, incorporate it into baked goods, or use it instead of oil on vegetables. I recommend Wildly Organic's Coconut Butter. A quick stint in the microwave makes it thick and creamy, ready to elevate your dishes.


  • Smoked Paprika Seasoning: Paprika is not just for goulash anymore. I love sprinkling smoked paprika on potato wedges or veggies before roasting. It adds an extra smoky flavor to chicken and enhances stews and curries.


  • Lemon Pepper: This tart and spicy seasoning works wonders on seafood and vegetables like asparagus and broccoli. It's also fantastic on baked chicken wings.


  • Onion Powder: If fresh onions aren't available, sprinkle some onion powder for a savory taste. I use it in hash browns, on proteins like chicken or tofu, and in soups.


  • Coconut Aminos Seasoning Sauce: This subtly sweet and salty sauce is a great soy sauce alternative. It reduces sodium in your recipes. I enjoy using it on rice or stir-fried proteins for a unique flavor boost. Brands like Wildly Organic or Coconut Secret are my go-to.


These ingredients are just a few versatile products that can help your healthier meals taste better. Now, you may be wondering about recipes where you can use these ingredients. Read below for one sweet and two savory recipes to kickstart your delicious and nutritious health journey.


Recipe Ideas


Almond Flour Chocolate Brownies


Almond flour vegan chocolate brownies
Almond flour brownies Photo by: Lighttrack Nutrition

Ingredients


  • 1 and 3/4 cup almond flour

  • 3/4 cup cacao powder

  • 7/8 cup (14 tablespoons) light brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 7 tablespoons softened coconut butter

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Egg Alternative:
  • 6 tablespoons water

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch


Instructions


  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).

  2. Grease an 8×8 inch square pan with nonstick oil spray or butter and line it with parchment paper.

  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until well mixed. Set aside.

  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, light brown sugar, and salt until well combined.

  5. Sift the cocoa powder into the flour mixture and whisk well.

  6. In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together softened coconut butter, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Add the cornstarch mixture and whisk until blended.

  7. Gradually whisk in the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until fully combined.

  8. Transfer the thick batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Top with mini chocolate chips if desired.

  9. Bake for 35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out almost clean, it's done. If not, cook for additional time in 2-minute intervals.

10. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely for about 10 minutes. Lift the brownies out using the parchment paper and slice them into squares.


Air-Fried Almond-Crusted Chicken Thighs


Air-fried almond-crusted chicken thighs

Ingredients


  • 1 cup almond flour

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 6 tablespoons plant-based mayonnaise

  • 1-1.5 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs


Instructions


  1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for five minutes.

  2. Line the air fryer with an air-fryer safe liner.

  3. In a small bowl, whisk together almond flour, paprika, and salt. Place this mixture in a gallon-sized freezer bag and seal it.

  4. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Lightly rub each piece with a tablespoon of plant-based mayonnaise.

  5. Place each chicken piece in the bag with the flour and spices. Shake until well-coated. Remove the coated chicken and place it in the air fryer. Repeat until all pieces are coated.

  6. Bake the chicken for about 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).

  7. Remove the chicken from the air fryer with cooking tongs. Enjoy it with your favorite whole grain and veggie-based side dishes.


Lemon Pepper Fish and Rice


Cooked seasoned fish with a side of rice and vegetables
Photo by Augustinus Martinus Noppé: https://www.pexels.com/photo/meat-rice-and-vegetables-19532105/

Ingredients


  • 1 lb. of fresh or thawed cod or tilapia fillets

  • 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil


Instructions


  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  3. Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel.

  4. Drizzle olive oil on the fish and sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning liberally on both sides.

  5. Place the seasoned fish fillets on the baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C) and that the fish flakes easily with a fork.

  6. Serve the fish with a side of steamed rice and vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans. For extra flavor, pour a tablespoon of coconut aminos in a small bowl for flavoring rice and vegetables or for dipping the fish.


For more nutrition advice and tips, be sure to visit the Lighttrack Nutrition blog and subscribe for free updates on new content. If you want to try any of the Wildly Organic products featured in this post, visit their site. Between 9/8/25 and 9/23/25, take advantage of their Labor Day Sale for 15% off all orders with the code FALL2025. Enjoy free shipping on all orders over $49 in the continental US.

 
 
 

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