From our morning coffee to the weeknight dinner routine, we often choose foods that are predictable, comforting, and safe. But whether it’s trying a new ingredient, embracing a different cultural cuisine, or experimenting with unfamiliar textures, pushing the boundaries of your taste buds can open doors to better health, a more adventurous mindset, and a deeper appreciation of food.
If you’ve found yourself in a food rut, sticking to the same familiar dishes day after day, you’re not alone. Much like how everyone has a favorite show or movie they like to rewatch, people tend to have certain foods they eat a lot.
While it can feel comforting knowing that you’ll enjoy your dish because it’s your usual order, maybe it’s time to live a little adventurous. After all, you can’t be going on a first date and be ordering off the kids menus still.
When starting to broaden your taste make sure not to throw yourself into the deep end. Take baby steps and try to identify what aspect of foods you have tried to stay away from. For example, if there are certain flavors or textures that you dislike, start by slowly trying those in your day to day.
A great way to incorporate new things into your diet is by starting with more adventurous add-ons to dishes you already like. Maybe it’s a sauce or dressing with ingredients you stay away from, or add a new topping to your sandwich at the deli you look over.
Not only do these small additions slowly expose you to different foods, but if you truly don’t like them you can just pick out the toppings or scrape off the sauce.
Inversely, when trying a new dish that you’re not sure if you’ll like, add in things that you know you like. Even in the uncharted territory you can give yourself something you’re familiar with.
When trying a new food you don’t usually eat make sure you’re in a stress free environment. It might sound stupid but it is something to keep in mind. Trying out a new type of food at a dinner party might not be the meat move for a picky eater. Last thing you want to do is feel embarrassed for just pushing the food around your plate if you didn’t like it.
Branch out when dining alone or with close friends. And if you can cook it at home first, definitely try that out. If you don’t like the food you can do whatever you like with it. Turn it into a different dish down the line, toss it with no shame, or possibly a pet friendly snack depending on what you made.
The act of trying new foods is inherently adventurous. It encourages you to step outside your comfort zone, face uncertainty, and embrace the unknown. This mindset doesn’t just stay in the kitchen; it can extend to all aspects of your life, making you more willing to take risks, embrace new challenges, and experiment with different ideas.
Moreover, becoming more adventurous with food can lead to increased confidence. After all, if you can enjoy an unfamiliar dish — perhaps one that initially seemed daunting — you might start feeling braver about trying other new experiences. This sense of accomplishment can spill over into other areas, inspiring you to tackle life with a more open and courageous attitude.
To Try
EXOTIC FRUITS: Try fruits that are less common in your regular diet, like tropical varieties or those from different cultures. These fruits often have unique flavors and offer a boost of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.
SPICES & HERBS: Introducing new spices and herbs to your cooking can dramatically alter the flavor profile of your dishes. Whether it’s a tangy sumac or a rich saffron, experimenting with different seasonings will allow you to enhance the complexity of your meals.
PLANT-BASED PROTIENS: Add variety to your protein sources by experimenting with plant-based options like legumes, tofu, or tempeh. These protein-packed foods are often nutrient-dense and can provide a delicious meat-free alternative in many dishes.
FERMENTED FOODS: Fermented foods are rich in probiotics, which are beneficial for digestion and gut health. Experimenting with fermented ingredients can introduce new tastes, such as tangy, spicy, or savory notes, while also supporting your overall wellness.
words_sal puma. photo&illustration_lizzie kristal.
This article was published in Distraction’s Winter 2024 print issue.
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