When you’re following a structured diet, there will inevitably be times when you feel bored with the food or get a craving for certain flavors or textures. This is normal! The good news is that there are many ways to add variety and new flavors to your HMR entrees to help you feel excited about your meals without getting off track.

 

It could be as simple as adding a dash of seasoning or a low-calorie condiment, but there are lots of ways you can change things up, so you can get excited about your meals again! Here are our Health Coach team's favorite ways to add new flavors and variety to HMR Entrees. Enjoy!  

 

Switch up your preparation techniques 

The HMR Entrée box will provide you with simple instructions on how to microwave or heat your entrée in the oven, but did you know that you can also sauté, air fry, or even mix your entrée with warm broth? Try baking the Crustless Chicken Pot Pie Entrée, casserole-style, in this Mashed Potato Pot recipe. Have an Air Fryer? Use it to crisp up sweet potato slices to make our Chili Fries recipe! 

 

Add some spices 

Mixing in seasonings (fresh or dried) to your entrees can add a whole new host of flavors. And even more, many spices can provide incredible health benefits. For instance, cilantro is an herb that contains antioxidants and may help lower blood sugar and may reduce inflammation. Try the Risotto with Cilantro and Lime recipe for a simple (only 3 ingredients!) and easy-to-make dish infused with zesty flavors and aromas. Try the HMR seasoning blends for a quick flavor boost. 

 

Pair your entrée with new vegetables  

If you typically buy the same selection of veggies each week, try switching it up! You’ll add new flavors to your meals and get an assortment of vitamins and nutrients. The Roasted Tomato and Pepper Chicken combines crispy roasted veggies for a whole new twist on the Whole Grain Medley Entree. And remember, adding new veggies doesn’t have to involve a complicated recipe, you can simply toss roasted zucchini with the Fiesta Chicken Entrée, pair creamy avocado with the Chicken Enchiladas, or mix steamed broccoli with the Mushroom Risotto!  Make a big batch of veggies once or twice a week, so they're ready to mix in to your meals whenever you need them.

 

Top your meal with flavorful condiments 

Whether you enjoy an entrée on its own or mixed with veggies, once it’s prepared, simply top it with a low-calorie or calorie-free condiment. Try a dollop of fat-free sour cream on the Turkey Chili Entree, a drizzle of sriracha or hot sauce on the Chicken Enchiladas, or a sprinkle of lemon or lime zest over the Mushroom Risotto. Some dressings and sauces can pack on unwanted calories, but you can use this guide for a list of “HMR approved”, low-calorie condiments with tons of flavor, that won’t sabotage your weight-loss goals.  

 

Mix entrees together 

Combine 2 different entrees together for filling flavor and texture combinations. You can split them into 2 separate meals or enjoy a double entrée in one sitting to help you stay full and satisfied when you're feeling extra hungry. Some combos we like include the Mushroom Risotto mixed with the Fiesta Chicken or the Whole Grain Medley. Another fun double-entree dish is our Sweet and Spicy Chicken recipe, which uses the Chicken with Barbecue Sauce entree mixed with the Chicken Enchiladas entree. 

 

The next time you start making your shopping list or prepare your next meal, remember that adding a dash of seasoning, a new vegetable, or low-calorie toppings can create a whole new dish, that will have you feeling excited to enjoy your next meal! Check out this video for more simple tips to add variety to your HMR Entrees. You can also get inspiration from the community in the HMR Diet Facebook Support Group, where members post all different recipe ideas and diet support! 

You can also explore a lot of wonderful ways to make your HMR Shakes! Here are simple ways to add variety and flavor to your next smoothie.