One challenge that a lot of people face when it comes to improving the quality of their diet is that having to eat plain vegetables and chicken breasts on a daily basis is hardly the most exciting or tantalizing of prospects. This is especially true of being on a bikini competition diet, which provides amazing weight loss results.

So what is the secret to sticking to the likes of a bikini competition diet?

Believe it or not, it really isn’t that difficult to make healthy meals that taste great; it just requires a little preparation and forethought.

The secret to staying on track with something as strict as a bikini competitor diet is spices and condiments you can add to your food to make them taste better without having to add a ton of unnecessary calories. Here are some suggestions:

• Cinnamon

  If you’ve ever tried adding a dash of cinnamon to your oatmeal then you know how tasty it can be, and while you’re at it why not try sprinkling some cinnamon powder onto sliced apples or bananas to really bring out the sweetness of this tasty spice.

  Cinnamon has glucose disposal agent or GDA properties, which means that it helps to sensitize the body to the effects of glucose and insulin.

  Increased insulin sensitivity helps to ensure the nutrients from the foods you eat, particular carbohydrates, are shuttled to your lean tissues as opposed to being stored in your fat cells.

• Turmeric

  Next time you cook some rice, consider throwing some turmeric into the water to create some tasty colors pilau-style rice; add a pinch of cumin seeds into the mix to make things even more interesting.Turmeric is a potent source of curcumin, which is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and natural pain reliever, so if you suffer from achy joints or are feeling stressed then consider adding turmeric to your food for a little relief.

• Black Pepper

  This is probably the most used spice in a bikini competition diet, probably because contains piperine which actually possesses thermogenic properties, causing the body to burn more calories through the day to generate heat – hence the name of the process; thermogenesis. One traditional use of black pepper is to sprinkle it over fresh strawberries and other fruit as this will bring out different flavor elements as well as enhancing the sweetness through its piquancy.

• Sodium-Based Condiments

  Providing you are not using them excessively, soy sauce and sodium-based herb or spice mixes such as Mr. Dash can add a great deal of flavor to otherwise dull and flavorless meals.
  If you are drinking plenty of water, exercising on a regular basis, and do not suffer from high blood pressure, then there should be no problem with adding a little extra sodium to your diet, especially during the summer months when you may be sweating more frequently.

Whether you are making sweet dishes or savory family meals, there is no reason why you can’t add a simple spice mix or just one or two individual seasonings to your food.

Not only will this enhance the flavor of your meals but it will also allow you to reap even greater health benefits from your already healthy food, so be sure to pick up a few bags or jars of spices on your next trip to the grocery store!