Go Ahead, Try That New Food!
By Donna Stark
They say that variety is the spice of life, so why are you always eating the same things over and over again? Studies suggest that picky, or even “less-adventurous,” eaters are more likely to be overweight and nutritionally deficient because their meal options typically stay the same. Sure, those meals might be healthy, but if they aren’t, it can become a huge problem. Always reaching for the same ingredients, to make the same meals, week after week, can keep you from trying healthier alternatives. Worse yet, it can keep you from receiving certain nutrients … nutrients like vitamins and minerals, protein, and heart-healthy fats.
Benefits of Having Variety in Your Diet
Bringing some variety into your diet can offer so many benefits. Let’s take a look at a few.
- You may become a more mindful eater, taking your time to experience the new flavors and textures
- You may begin to eat slower while savoring the new food, and when you slow down, you’re less likely to overeat
- It may become easier to consume certain nutrients that your current diet may be lacking
- You may become more focused on your overall health
- It could lessen the amount of work you need to do to lose weight
- It makes dining out easier when traveling to new places
- It offers a new way to connect with people
Bringing That Variety to your Dinner Table
Adults are often set in their ways and can be absurdly stubborn about certain things, but if there are children in the home, it’s important to set an example on how to eat a variety of foods. Here are some suggestions on how to bring some of that variety to your family’s dinner table.
- Try new things and give foods a chance, even if you’re unsure
- Follow the “try things twice” rule (just in case the first time was simply a bad version of something that is normally good)
- Be brave
- Don’t let your brain decide before your taste buds do
Changing eating behaviors can be one of the hardest things to do because we often have relationships with the foods that we love. But with patience, perseverance, and courage, you can train yourself to be hungry for just about anything … and if you have little ones watching your every move, they may pick up on these new habits as well.
So don’t be afraid of that new restaurant in town with names of food you can’t pronounce. Grab your family or a friend and have an eating adventure!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in La Verne, Calif.