March 24, 2025

334: The Spice Secret: Why Your Healthy Meals Taste Boring (And How to Fix It)

Send us a text

Does eating healthy ever feel like a sacrifice? Are you stuck with meals that leave you uninspired, wishing for something more exciting? If you’re craving vibrant, flavorful dishes that actually support your health, you’re in the right place.

In this inspiring episode of the Power on Plants podcast, healthcare professionals Jarrod and Anita Roussel are sharing the key to making plant-based eating not only delicious but life-changing. The secret? Herbs and spices—The powerful God-given tools for creating meals you’ll love while helping you overcome the health struggles that keep holding you back from the life you desperately want to enjoy.

If you’re dealing with low energy, brain fog, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or stubborn weight that just won’t budge, this episode will show you how to use the natural benefits of herbs and spices to take control of your health and feel better than you have in years.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

How to turn “blah” into “wow” with simple, unexpected spice combinations that make healthy meals exciting, satisfying, and crave-worthy.
The secret to flavor layering that will leave you feeling deeply satisfied and free from the frustration of bland, boring food.
The hidden health benefits in your spice rack. Discover how turmeric can fight inflammation and boost brain health, ginger can soothe digestion and strengthen immunity, cinnamon can balance blood sugar, and so much more.
Practical tips for real life. Learn the simple way to create your own custom spice blends, store them for maximum freshness, and use fresh herbs to elevate your cooking to “I actually LOVE the food I eat” levels!
How to overcome common health struggles like fatigue, brain fog, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure—all while enjoying every bite of your meals.

You’ll also find resources to help you on your journey, including Anita’s life-changing cookbooks and the loving, supportive community to guide you as you master whole food, plant-based cooking.

You don’t have to settle for meals that feel like a punishment or leave you feeling deprived. With the power of herbs and spices, you can create dishes that are bursting with flavor while naturally supporting your body’s ability to heal naturally so you can fully live the purpose driven life you were created to enjoy!

If you’re ready to lose weight, feel incredible, and finally enjoy every bite of your plant-based journey, this episode will give you a big advantage for making that happen. 🌱

💃🏻 Ready to learn how to actually enjoy eating whole plant foods so you can finally feel great and fully enjoy your life? Inside Accelerator, we'll take you by the hand & walk you step-by-step through our proven 5-Step WFPB Framework so you can heal naturally & actively live your God-given dreams. Join the Waitlist Here, and be the first to know when the doors open next!

🎁 Not yet a member of our FREE plant-based community, PIE? Once you're on the inside, every single podcast episode becomes searchable for you. 😲 Join the family to gain the plant-based encouragement, real health-changing ideas, and sustainable plant-based inspiration you've been praying for! 💕

🥣 Grab our Cookbook Bundles today to learn the simple way to make whole food plant-based eating quick, enjoyable, and sustainable.

🤔 Wondering what's in our new Thrive Cookbook? Click here for the inside scoop!

Chapters

00:00 - Welcome to Power on Plants

01:26 - Herbs & Spices: Overlooked Nutritional Powerhouses

03:13 - Layering Flavors for Exciting Meals

04:19 - Health Benefits of Common Spices

07:07 - Creating Your Own Spice Blends

09:07 - Weekly Challenge and Community Invitation

Transcript

WEBVTT

00:00:00.781 --> 00:00:03.750
Hey sister, welcome to the Power on Plants podcast.

00:00:03.750 --> 00:00:09.092
Are you tired of staring into the fridge wondering what to eat so you can just feel better?

00:00:09.092 --> 00:00:14.492
Do you want to avoid spending hours in the kitchen making complicated meals in the name of health?

00:00:14.492 --> 00:00:20.772
Would you love to leave fatigue behind and finally have the energy to do all the things you want to do?

00:00:20.772 --> 00:00:28.474
Hi, we're Jared and Anita Roussel, christ followers, healthcare professionals, parents of four and big fans of great tasting food.

00:00:28.954 --> 00:00:40.670
We, too, tried exercising more, eating natural and clean foods, but we still found ourselves struggling with what we thought were changes that come with age or bad genes, and we weren't finding answers to traditional routes.

00:00:40.670 --> 00:00:47.901
So we dug into the research and created our secret nutritional weapon sustainable plant-based living.

00:00:47.901 --> 00:00:51.689
The truth is, you can eat more whole plant foods, and it's not hard.

00:00:51.689 --> 00:00:53.232
You just need the way.

00:00:53.232 --> 00:00:56.847
That's realistic and delicious, so you never feel deprived.

00:00:56.847 --> 00:01:02.752
If you're ready to enjoy your meals, no longer be held back by your health struggles and actively live your life, then you're in the right place.

00:01:02.752 --> 00:01:03.915
So grab your favorite plant-based cup of life.

00:01:03.915 --> 00:01:05.060
Then you're in the right place.

00:01:05.060 --> 00:01:10.352
So grab your favorite plant-based cup of happy pop in those earbuds and let's get started.

00:01:10.352 --> 00:01:22.554
Hey there, sunshine and welcome to Power on Plants, where we're dedicated to helping you actually enjoy eating whole plant foods so you can finally feel great and fully live.

00:01:22.554 --> 00:01:24.828
I'm your host, anita Roussel.

00:01:25.230 --> 00:01:26.415
And I'm Jared Roussel.

00:01:26.415 --> 00:01:40.007
We're excited you're joining us today, because we're diving into a topic that often gets overlooked but is absolutely crucial for making plant-based meals incredibly healthy and making them taste great and feel exciting, and that's herbs and spices.

00:01:40.507 --> 00:01:41.170
I'm all about it.

00:01:41.170 --> 00:01:44.322
We're not just talking about a pinch of salt or a dash of pepper here.

00:01:44.322 --> 00:01:52.456
We're encouraging you to embrace a big variety of flavors and reap the amazing benefits that herbs and spices have to offer.

00:01:52.456 --> 00:02:02.415
What we found in working with so many clients is that many people are a little shy with herbs and spices using just a tiny sprinkle.

00:02:02.415 --> 00:02:06.551
So we're here to tell you today be bold.

00:02:06.959 --> 00:02:07.602
Exactly.

00:02:07.602 --> 00:02:13.800
For too long, herbs and spices have been considered simply garnishes or not thought of at all.

00:02:13.800 --> 00:02:25.848
Actually, I remember growing up in the South and the only time I ever saw parsley it was that little sprig of curly parsley sitting on the side of your plate at a restaurant, just straight up decorative, and nobody ever ate it.

00:02:25.848 --> 00:02:27.025
That's so sad.

00:02:27.025 --> 00:02:33.133
So what we want you to consider here is what nutritional powerhouses and flavor bombs herbs and spices are.

00:02:33.133 --> 00:02:35.508
They can completely transform your cooking.

00:02:35.508 --> 00:02:39.371
Plus, they're an essential part of a healthy, whole food, plant-based diet.

00:02:39.599 --> 00:02:41.426
So let's start with the flavor aspect.

00:02:41.426 --> 00:02:42.188
Think about it.

00:02:42.188 --> 00:02:47.521
Start with the flavor aspect.

00:02:47.521 --> 00:02:47.861
Think about it.

00:02:47.861 --> 00:02:53.352
A simple lentil soup can go from bland to extraordinary with the addition of spices like cumin and coriander, turmeric and a bay leaf.

00:02:53.352 --> 00:03:01.961
Or a basic tofu scramble can become a southwestern fiesta when you add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika and oregano.

00:03:02.282 --> 00:03:06.173
Yes, that's so true, and it's not just about adding one spice.

00:03:06.173 --> 00:03:14.086
It's about something I see you sharing with others all the time, anita layering flavors and finding the combinations that excite your taste buds.

00:03:14.086 --> 00:03:21.927
For example, think about the difference between a plain baked sweet potato and one that's been roasted with cinnamon, nutmeg and even some cloves.

00:03:21.927 --> 00:03:25.879
The difference in flavor is night and day, I know.

00:03:25.879 --> 00:03:28.165
I love it when you roast them this way and when you use your spices.

00:03:28.165 --> 00:03:30.471
Remember that variety is key.

00:03:30.471 --> 00:03:33.645
Don't just stick to the same two or three spices you always use.

00:03:33.985 --> 00:03:34.668
Exactly.

00:03:34.668 --> 00:03:36.832
You want to experiment with spices.

00:03:36.832 --> 00:03:37.741
That's the fun part.

00:03:37.741 --> 00:03:45.687
Think about the cuisines that are known for their bold flavors, like Indian food that uses a lot of different spices together.

00:03:45.687 --> 00:03:53.903
Think about in a curry, they don't just use one spice, they might use five, six or even more, all blended together to create something amazing.

00:03:53.903 --> 00:04:00.525
Or consider Mediterranean cooking, with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, oregano and basil.

00:04:00.525 --> 00:04:02.087
Those are the staples there.

00:04:02.087 --> 00:04:09.689
These herbs not only add incredible flavor, but also bring a sense of sunshine and freshness to your dishes.

00:04:10.151 --> 00:04:17.351
And the best part is, as you explore these different flavor profiles, you're also boosting the nutritional value of your meals in a big way.

00:04:17.351 --> 00:04:19.785
Let's examine some of those health benefits.

00:04:19.785 --> 00:04:31.290
This is so important because herbs and spices are packed with antioxidants, which are compounds that help protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can contribute to aging and various diseases.

00:04:31.290 --> 00:04:33.988
Turmeric, for example, is a superstar.

00:04:33.988 --> 00:04:44.004
It contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound that has been linked to numerous health benefits, including improved brain function and a lower risk of heart disease.

00:04:44.209 --> 00:04:55.269
I love turmeric and remember it's always best to combine it with black pepper, as this will boost the absorption of the spice by around 3000%.

00:04:55.269 --> 00:05:03.615
This again shows how beneficial for health that combining the different spices can be, and ginger is another great example.

00:05:03.615 --> 00:05:13.264
It's known for its anti-nausea properties, but it's also a very strong anti-inflammatory, and it helps with digestion too.

00:05:13.264 --> 00:05:18.379
Think about it Even something as simple as cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar levels.

00:05:18.379 --> 00:05:26.401
We need to be sure that we're eating a much wider variety of herbs and spices and adding more of each one when we use them as well.

00:05:26.771 --> 00:05:27.975
That is so true.

00:05:27.975 --> 00:05:29.716
Now I have to bring up garlic here.

00:05:29.716 --> 00:05:33.661
I know it's technically a vegetable, but we often use it like a spice.

00:05:33.661 --> 00:05:39.041
Garlic is a great source of allicin, a compound that has antibacterial and antiviral properties.

00:05:39.041 --> 00:05:42.961
It's a natural immune booster that should be in all of our meals daily.

00:05:42.961 --> 00:05:45.398
I recommend it all the time to my patients.

00:05:45.589 --> 00:05:49.440
And you know that I couldn't agree more because I am a huge garlic fan.

00:05:49.440 --> 00:05:54.550
Isn't it amazing how many herbs have specific health benefits?

00:05:54.550 --> 00:06:03.519
For example, parsley is a good source of vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting, and mint can help soothe an upset stomach.

00:06:03.519 --> 00:06:05.112
And think about rosemary.

00:06:05.112 --> 00:06:08.783
It's been linked to improved memory and concentration.

00:06:09.129 --> 00:06:16.584
So again, the important thing here is that using larger amounts of spices and a larger variety will increase the benefits.

00:06:16.584 --> 00:06:20.913
A tiny sprinkle of turmeric won't have the same effect as a full teaspoon in a dish.

00:06:21.374 --> 00:06:25.041
Exactly and don't be afraid to combine herbs and spices.

00:06:25.041 --> 00:06:36.923
In fact, understanding how to combine flavors is so crucial to enjoying a plant-based diet that we dedicate an entire section of our accelerator course to mastering flavor profiles.

00:06:36.923 --> 00:06:45.379
We really break down the science of taste and how to create balanced, delicious meals filled with the flavors that you'll love.

00:06:45.790 --> 00:06:48.656
When it comes to having meals you love that are optimally healing.

00:06:48.656 --> 00:06:51.413
This really is life-changing Now.

00:06:51.413 --> 00:07:03.822
If you're feeling a little lost and just aren't sure where to start with combining herbs and spices to create the most tasty whole food plant-based meals, we have you covered.

00:07:03.822 --> 00:07:08.422
Check out Anita's cookbooks at poweronplantscom slash cookbook.

00:07:08.422 --> 00:07:13.463
They are both packed with recipes that showcase delicious and easy to follow spice combinations.

00:07:13.829 --> 00:07:21.151
We regularly hear from those who are using our recipes how they are finally eating a whole food plant-based and loving it.

00:07:21.151 --> 00:07:27.593
And another great way to start incorporating more herbs and spices is to make your own spice blends.

00:07:27.593 --> 00:07:34.233
It's so much cheaper than buying pre-made blends and you can customize them to your own taste preferences.

00:07:34.233 --> 00:07:42.324
Plus, you know exactly what's going into them no hidden additives or preservatives or anti-caking agents.

00:07:42.750 --> 00:07:50.144
You can find tons of recipes online for spice blends like chili powder, curry powder, italian seasonings and even pumpkin pie spices.

00:07:50.144 --> 00:07:55.521
Just be sure to store them in airtight containers in a cool, dark place to preserve their freshness.

00:07:55.750 --> 00:08:03.997
Another tip is to buy whole spices whenever possible and grind them yourself using a mortar and a pestle or a spice grinder.

00:08:03.997 --> 00:08:14.814
The flavor of freshly ground spices is going to be much more intense than pre-ground spices and can make a big difference when it comes to the taste of your dishes.

00:08:14.814 --> 00:08:16.879
And don't forget about fresh herbs.

00:08:16.879 --> 00:08:21.052
They add a bright, vibrant flavor that dried herbs cannot match.

00:08:21.052 --> 00:08:26.531
Why not grow your own in a windowsill herb garden or buy them fresh from the grocery store.

00:08:26.951 --> 00:08:33.964
Oh yeah, Don't underestimate just the impact of fresh ground herbs, like black pepper.

00:08:33.964 --> 00:08:43.304
Freshly ground no comparison compared to what we used to find in those little metal cans that were black specks but really had no flavor.

00:08:43.304 --> 00:08:47.600
Friend, our challenge to you this week is to experiment with herbs and spices.

00:08:47.600 --> 00:08:53.523
Try a new recipe from one of the pop cookbooks that features a spice you rarely use or that you've never used before.

00:08:53.523 --> 00:09:01.309
Also, start adding a more generous pinch of your favorite herbs to your next meal start adding a more generous pinch of your favorite herbs to your next meals.

00:09:04.490 --> 00:09:07.856
Sunshine, be bold, be adventurous and discover the incredible world of flavor and health benefits that herbs and spices have to offer you.

00:09:07.856 --> 00:09:12.413
Your taste buds and your body are going to thank you in amazing ways.

00:09:12.413 --> 00:09:24.087
And if you're looking for the supportive Christian environment where you can heal naturally enjoying whole food, plant-based meals, join us inside our free group at poweronplantscom forward slash pie.

00:09:24.087 --> 00:09:34.863
We look forward to getting to know you more there, and we'll be back with you again next week with another episode dedicated to helping you thrive on a whole food plant-based diet the enjoyable, exciting way.

00:09:34.863 --> 00:10:08.173
In the meantime, know that you are loved, you are prayed for and we will see you again soon, thank you.