Posted on January 11, 2017 at 10:29 AM by Lia Bahls, RD
Make it a goal this year to try new things, or, in this case, new foods. How often do you find yourself looking at a vegetable, say Brussels sprouts, and telling yourself or whom you’re with that you don’t like them?
When was the last time you tried them? Have you ever tried them? How were they prepared? Did you try them raw, cooked, sautéed, baked, roasted, with different spices? Do you remember? Maybe it is time to give that vegetable, or fruit, or protein a second chance. This not only means trying it again, but also trying it with an open mind. If you tell yourself prior to putting the item in your mouth that you know you’re not going to enjoy it then you won’t enjoy it. Period. However, if you allow yourself to be open to the idea of liking a new vegetable or food that you previously would not have tried, you may surprise yourself.
I often hear patients state how they don’t like vegetables. There are over 30 different kinds of vegetables and I can guarantee that most individuals have not tried all of them. There are a number of foods that get a bad rap for being undesirable such as Brussels sprouts, eggplant, beets and mushrooms.
Each of these have unique flavors and provide a wide array of nutrients, however many individuals choose to never try them because they associate them with being “gross.” Maybe you won’t like them. That’s okay. I don’t expect you to like every food available; all I ask is that you give each one a chance. Try with an open mind, try them in different recipes. Try them cooked and raw. Choose to be open-minded this year, especially with your food. Like I said, you may be surprised with what you enjoy.