People are often creatures of habit, and this extends to the way they eat.
We can all point to our favorite foods rather quickly, the lunch we tend to pack nine times out of ten or the weeknight dinner that brings joy around the table.
Though we can find comfort in these dishes, we should also be willing to step outside the realm of our norm now and again. Being open to new foods – be it trying that Indian place down the street or placing an order to buy pepper jelly online – has many benefits.
You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know
What's Inside
If you’re asked to think of a food you hate, you can probably conjure up a strong image. But why do you hate it? Is it because you’ve tried it and truly didn’t like it, or is there a bad perception associated with it?
You never know what could happen when you drop assumptions. You just might find a new favorite dish.
Is your favorite truly your favorite?
Speaking of favorite dishes, why is the one you like so high on the list? It might be because it’s the best thing you’ve eaten among the many foods you’ve encountered, but it can also be because it’s got a convenience that can’t be beaten.
Leaning into a wide variety of foods really blows out the playing field, giving access to more possible favorites.
It Can Be A Bonding Experience
We bond over food as it is, through dinners and parties, or even trips for a cup of coffee.
Experiencing new foods together for the first time with other people can create an even stronger bond. The psychological effects of the excitement and curiosity over a new dish, then the pleasure that comes with finding something you like, are strong.
New Foods Broaden Cultural Views
Every part of the world is beholden to specific spices and flavors, many of which you may not be familiar with.
By trying cuisine from places like India, Greece, and France, you are also learning about that country’s culture. There are reasons they use the ingredients they do, and those can be traced back through history and the journey of the country’s people.
It’s A Healthy Habit to Have
A well-rounded diet is one of variety, and it can have a range of health benefits.
Adding fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, and spices has nutritional value that can eradicate the need for supplements.
Experiencing these different tastes can help boost your immune system, making you less susceptible to sickness.
Consuming a wide variety of foods makes the eater less likely to suffer inflammation and high levels of cholesterol. It can put them at a lower risk for diabetes and heart disease.
It Helps Your Mind
Positivity is a beautiful thing, and exercising a resounding “yes” to new foods instead of denying yourself the experience contributes to good mental health.
New foods also engage your minds, be it through the food’s taste, texture, or color.
