Introducing New Foods & Raising Adventurous Eaters

Many of us want to try new foods but don’t know where to start.  Either we’d like our families to be healthier or the routine cuisine has become mundane and boring.  But how do we incorporate new tastes, textures and smells into our diet without the fuss?
My family is pretty open to trying new foods because we create opportunities for everyone to share observations and opinions about their experience.   This did not come easily.  In fact, I personally was not open to trying and adopting new tastes and flavors and had a pretty boring palate in comparison to my children’s father.  What changed?  During my first pregnancy, I craved vegetables.  I was expecting ice cream or junk food, but I got a veggie craving.  I decided that I would hit the salad bar and the produce section to experience something new each day.  That experience taught me that a small nudge and a bit of persistence can impact your behavior in a big way.
All of us grow up with a range in appreciation of certain smells, tastes, textures, spices/herbs and flavors.  We grow accustomed to them, can tolerate them and subconsciously, we expect them when we sit down at the table.   Much of this is attributed to cultural norms, routines, genetic disposition and convenience foods available to us when we grow up.  For many people it is difficult to step outside our range and try foods and flavors we are not accustomed to.   However, when we decided to stick with what we know, we eliminate a broad spe...

Source: Disruptive Women in Health Care - February 5, 2014 Category: Health Medicine and Bioethics Commentators Authors: dw at disruptivewomen.net Tags: Children Environment Food Source Type: blogs