Nowadays, we are easily able to go to the grocery store and reach for ingredients and spices from all over the world. Having access to this large pool of flavours and textures, why would you restrict yourself by sticking to the same boring diet? Besides changing stuff up in the kitchen, eating a varied diet will make you a healthier person with a diverse and nuanced palette.
One of the first steps to eating a varied diet would be to start making meals at home. We are always so quick to go onto an app like UberEats when a clear meal doesn’t magically appear in our pantry or fridge. However, according to some resources, making meals at home that include all five food groups can actually help build excitement around mealtimes. Furthermore, taking the time to make and enjoy meals at home could even make you a better person in a social setting.
The most important reason why you should eat a varied diet is that it’s the only way to ensure that your body is getting all the nutrients it needs from foods. “No food provides every nutrient your body needs, so a variety to get the best mix of nutrients is important,” says nutrition and diet expert Dr. Robert C. Post. Even if you are a healthy person who spends the entire Sunday meal prepping, you still need to be weary of eating the same foods. Otherwise, you’re probably not meeting your body’s needs.
If you struggle with foods like blue cheese and olives, it’s probably because you aren’t used to intense flavours. Incorporating a greater variety of foods into your diet can train you to enjoy them. As the food one eats is often reflective of one’s culture and environment, it is difficult to try new foods that are out of the ordinary. However, the possible rewards are endless, both mentally and physically.
Adding different herbs and spices can also liven up your meals and lower your sugar and salt cravings. By making your food spicier or adding various herbs to dishes, you can make exciting meals that will leave you satisfied without having to reach for that emergency bag of chips laying in your kitchen cabinets. Dr. Post says, “Spices and herbs can help you reduce the amount of salt and fats that you use to prepare foods and make dishes more appealing. For example, research shows that you can cut your salt and fat intake with this approach, especially for kids.”
Whether you wish to spice up your diet or maintain your weight, following a balanced and varied diet is the way to go. Not only will you feel better, but it will also make all the times you order out or devour a chocolate bar a much more enjoyable experience.
Also see: Five reasons why dieting does not work
