[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Even the most adventurous eaters avoid foods or get stuck in a food rut. Whether you’ve run out of inspiration in the kitchen or you can’t bring yourself to try Brussels sprouts, you’re not alone. When your food rut (or food aversions) start excluding necessary food groups from your diet, it’s time to shake things up.
Adventurous eaters versus non-adventurous eaters
An adventurous eater – the foodies of the world – are willing to try different types of foods, whereas a non-adventurous eater sticks to the basics and stays in a comfort zone. One
research article explains how foodies are associated with a lower BMI (body mass index) in young women. This can be primarily due to the lack of feeling restricted with eating tendencies as more adventurous eaters may feel.
Why are some people “picky eaters”?
Most people became
picky eaters during childhood for a variety of reasons. It’s common for children to be picky at some point during childhood. Not only is it a way to assert independence, it could be an aversion to taste, texture or smell – or simply the mood of the day. When these occasional occurrences turn into habits, the picky attitude toward food can transfer into adulthood.
How to Stop Being a Picky Eater
1. Make eating a sensory experience
Eat Right, or the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, explains how you can encourage picky eaters to branch out. Remember that eating is a wonderfully sensory experience. If diving right into the taste of new foods is too much too fast, smell the different aromas coming from the meal or create a plate of beautiful colors to admire. If your other senses are pleased, you may be more willing to take a taste.
2. Grow your food
It’s amazing what a person is willing to try when they’ve tended to it and watched it grow. Try growing your own vegetable garden with a variety of vegetables that peak your curiosity. New to gardening? Start by growing herbs on your kitchen counter and work your way to a more elaborate backyard garden.
3. Try the same foods cooked differently
Let’s say you’ve tried boiled Brussels sprouts, and you decided Brussels sprouts were definitely not for you. Before swearing off any food, try cooking them a different way. Other cooking methods include sautéing, grilling, roasting, baking, simmering and broiling. Try roasting Brussels sprouts, and you may surprise yourself!
4. Keep trying the same foods
We encourage children who are picky eaters to give that food another try, and then another. Why? Because after the second or third (or tenth) time, they become more open to the smell, texture and flavor. This thought process can work for adults as well. Keep an open mind about foods that you’ve tried several times before.
5. Cook new recipes
If you’re still in a food rut and need inspiration, try new recipes. You’ll find cooking – and eating – can be more fun when it’s a new experience. Below are recommended recipes from the Kroger Registered Dietitian Team that are guaranteed delicious and nutritious.
- Vegetarian Jackfruit Nachos: Try a meatless Taco Tuesday. Jackfruit has a meat-like texture that can be disguised as pulled meat. Seasoned properly, there’s no way you won’t come back for seconds!
- Chocolate-Frosted Beet Brownies: If you’re having a chocolate craving, be daring! Beets are not just a nutritionally dense root vegetable, they contribute to the fudgy, gooey texture of these vegan brownies.
- Loaded Eggplant Boats: Roasted eggplant is smoky in flavor with a soft, creamy texture. Load them up with a chunky, savory sauce for a filling, wholesome meal.
- Roasted Avocado-Stuffed Mushrooms: Just like you can make boats out of eggplants, you can make bowls out of these umami-rich mushrooms. Fill each with creamy, crunchy and cheesy ingredients for a super satisfying appetizer.
6. Try something new – always!
When trying to be a more adventurous eater, aim to purchase something new at the grocery store and cook with it at home. When eating out, try something that you previously would not have tried. You never know what food you may truly enjoy if you do not try it.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title="Featured Products" border_width="2"][vc_row_inner equal_height="yes" content_placement="middle" gap="35"][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="158639" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1648071028927{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/rhythm-superfoods-organic-beet-chips"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="158638" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1648071050573{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/oca-plant-based-energy-drink-prickly-pear-lime"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="158773" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1648501572747{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/kind-fruit-nut-bars-dark-chocolate-almond-coconut"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
