Healthy food feeling boring? Improve now in these tested ways
- Staci Gulbin, MS, MEd, RD
- Jul 30
- 5 min read
As someone who is dealing with multiple food allergies and intolerances on a daily basis, I understand how hard it can be to keep healthy eating boring. No matter what healthy eating routine you follow, it's vital to maintain variety and try new recipes to stay excited and compliant. It can be overwhelming to scroll through the thousands of recipes online for such ideas only to find they require expensive ingredients that you may never use again until you recreate that specific recipe. That is why I decided to make it easier for you and provide simple tips to boost the flavor in your favorite dishes today while still keeping them healthy for you.
Basic ingredients for optimal healthy flavor boosting
You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars to add flavor to your eating plan. Add these items to your pantry today to easily boost taste and make healthy eating more memorable. Not to mention that these ingredients are very versatile for all meal and snack times, so they won't go to waste.
Almond flour: Research shows that this nutty flour is ideal for creating ketogenic, gluten-free baked goods. My favorite almond flour brand is Wildly Organic Almond Flour that has a uniquely grainy texture perfect for extra almond flour in baked goods and great for coating your favorite protein before baking for fiber-rich crunch.
Cacao powder: This isn't your average chocolate powder. Cacao powder, at least organic products like Wildly Organics Fermented Cacao Powder. At 21 calories, 1 mg of iron, and 1.5 grams of protein per tablespoon, this cacao powder not only adds potent chocolatey goodness to your recipes, but also important nutrients. I like to add this powder to smoothies, dessert recipes, and in plant-based or lactose-free milks with a touch of stevia for a healthier version of chocolate milk.
Coconut butter: For a unique dairy-free alternative to your average butter, try coconut butter. Spread it on toast, add in baked goods instead of other fat sources, or use instead of oil or butter on vegetables. I like Wildly Organic's Coconut Butter that only requires a short stint in the microwave before it becomes thick, creamy, and ready to inject some life into my favorite dishes.
Smoked paprika seasoning: Paprika is not just for goulash anymore. I love to sprinkle smoked paprika on potato wedges or other veggies before roasting, on chicken before baking, and in stews and curries for an extra smoky flavor that makes your recipes pop!
Lemon pepper: This tart and spicy seasoning tastes great on seafood, vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or carrots before roasting ,as well as baked on chicken wings, for example.
Onion powder: If you don't have access to fresh or frozen onions, but want to add a savory taste to your food, sprinkle on a bit of onion powder. I like to use onion powder in hashbrown potatoes, on proteins like chicken or tofu before cooking, or in soup recipes.
Coconut aminos seasoning sauce: This subtly sweet and salty seasoning sauce is a great alternative for soy sauce to reduce sodium in your favorite recipes. I like to use it on rice or stir-fried proteins for a unique flavor boost. I enjoy Wildly Organic or Coconut Secret brands of coconut aminos for my seasoning needs.
These ingredients are just a few of the versatile food products that can help your healthier meals taste better. Now you may be asking, what are some recipes where I can use these ingredients? Read below for one sweet and two savory recipes to help you get started on your delicious and nutritious health journey.
Recipe ideas
Almond flour chocolate brownies
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
Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
Grease an 8×8 inch square pan with a nonstick oil spray or butter and line with parchment paper.
Whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until well-mixed. Set aside.
Whisk together almond flour, light brown sugar, and salt in a medium bowl until well combined.
Sift the cocoa powder and add it to the flour mixture. Whisk well to combine.
In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk softened coconut butter, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Add cornstarch mixture and whisk well until everything is blended together.
Whisk in dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until fully combined.
Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, and spread it evenly. The batter will be thick, so use a spatula to spread. Top with mini chocolate chips, if desired.
Bake the brownies for 35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center of the brownie battered pan. If it comes out almost clean, it's done. If not, cook for more time in 2-minute intervals until toothpick comes out almost clean.
Remove pan from oven and let it cool completely in the pan for about 10 minutes or so. Once cooled, remove the brownies gently by lifting the edges of the parchment paper before slicing the brownies into your desired sized squares.
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
Preheat air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for five minutes.
Once preheated, line air fryer with air-fryer safe liner.
Whisk together the almond flour, paprika, and salt in a small bowl until well-mixed. Place in a gallon-sized freezer or storage bag. Seal and set aside.
Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towel and lightly rub each piece with a tablespoon of plant-based mayonnaise. Set aside on a plate.
Place chicken pieces one at a time in the bag with the flour and spices. Shake until each piece is well-coated with the spices and flour. Remove coated chicken piece from bag and place in air fryer. Repeat until all pieces of chicken are well-coated with the spice and flour mixture.
Bake the chicken for about 20 to 25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the thighs, flipping halfway through the cooking time. Cook chicken until the internal temperature is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
Remove chicken from the air fryer with cooking tongs and enjoy with your favorite whole grain and veggie-based side dishes.
Lemon pepper fish and rice
Ingredients
1 lb. of fresh or thawed cod or tilapia fillets
2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Pat fish fillets nearly dry with a paper towel.
Drizzle olive oil onto fish and sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning liberally on both sides of fish fillets.
Place seasoned fish fillets on baking sheet and bake for around 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature is at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius) and flakes easily with a fork.
Enjoy fish with a side of steamed rice and steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans. For extra flavor, pour a tablespoon of coconut aminos in a small bowl on the side for flavoring rice and vegetables, or for dipping the fish in.
For more nutrition advice and tips, be sure to visit the Lighttrack Nutrition blog and subscribe for free for updates on new content. And if you want to try any of the Wildly Organic products featured in this post, visit their site. And between 9/8/25-9/23/25, take advantage of their Labor Day Sale where you can receive 15% off all orders with the code FALL2025. There is also free shipping on all orders over $49 in the continental US.
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