The human body needs a variety of foods to function. Eating the same types of food day in and day out can lead to nutrient deficiencies. Lack of nutrients has been linked to chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It can also lead to poor mental health, including depression. Variety is key for our health! What are some ways you can add more variety to your diet?
Make A List of Foods To Try and Include One A Week In Your Diet
One of the easiest ways to add variety to your food is by making a list of new foods and including one in your diet each week.
Here is a list of some easy-to-find, delicious options:
- Olive tapenade (dip with savory crackers or pita chips)
- Tempeh (a meat substitute made from soybeans)
- Tabouleh salad (a Middle Eastern dish made from bulgur wheat, tomatoes, parsley, mint, and lemon juice)
- Hummus (a dip made from chickpeas and tahini sauce)
- Falafel (deep-fried ball-shaped chickpea mixture that is typically eaten as a sandwich with sauces like hummus and tahini)
- Teff (an ancient grain used in Ethiopian cooking)
Add More Colorful Food To Your Plate
You don’t always need to add more food to your plate to add variety. Adding color is also important for a well-balanced diet.
A fruit and vegetable rainbow on your plate ensures you’re getting a variety of nutrients. So, use the different colors of fruits and vegetables as an excuse to expand your palate!
The natural colors in fruits and vegetables contain many valuable vitamins and minerals that our body needs. And because the color of the food corresponds with its nutrient content, it’s easy to see how many different nutrients are available in each color (green veggies like spinach are rich in iron, red foods like tomatoes are high in vitamin C, etc.).
Adding more colorful foods into your diet isn’t just about adding variety; it’s also about getting better nutrition.
Visit Local Restaurants and Cafes for Different Foods
If you’re looking for a change of pace, try going to a different restaurant or cafe. You might be able to find a new favorite dish that way!
With a little bit of research ahead of time, you can avoid finding yourself in an awkward ordering situation. If you’re not sure what the menu options are, you can always ask the waiter.
When talking about variety with your diet, it’s also important to consider the type of foods you’re eating. For instance, if your go-to lunch is a chicken salad or tuna fish sandwich every weekday, try branching out and trying something new like Indian food or vegan soup for lunch instead. For a morning treat, why not visit a local crepe cafe for a sweet or savory start to your day.
Consider A Food Subscription Box
If you crave variety but don’t have the time to go grocery shopping, consider signing up for a food subscription box. This is one of the easiest ways to get delicious new foods delivered right to your door!
There are many different food subscription boxes out there, so you can find one that fits your taste preferences. If you love sushi, they’ll deliver fresh sushi twice a month. If you’re more into soup, they’ll send you two hearty soups every week.
The best part about these boxes is that they aren’t just healthy eats-you can choose between paleo, vegan, gluten-free, and even organic options! As an added bonus, most subscriptions are 100% customized with ingredients selected by experts in the field.
This option allows for both convenience and variety when it comes to eating healthy. Make sure your body is getting all the nutrients it needs by adding a food subscription box today!
Use Leftovers Creatively
One of the easiest ways to add variety to your diet is to use leftovers creatively.
For instance, if you have a pot roast dinner, you can use the leftover meat in a potato soup or a pasta sauce. Or, if you have a chicken dish with many vegetables, mix them together and make delicious veggie chicken strips.
Leftovers also serve as an excellent lunch. You can even add some veggies or rice for a complete meal that’s ready in just minutes! If you have leftover steak from the night before, seal it up in a container and take it with you.
Leftovers are one of the simplest ways to add variety to your diet without spending extra money on food. And they’re healthier than eating out because you know exactly what’s going into your dishes!
Leave a Reply