Pushing the Palate
When talking with others about healthy eating, one idea that I advocate for is trying new foods throughout life. The human palate changes throughout life and I believe that it is important for a person to go outside their comfort zone with food. Discovering what types of food you like will only increase the options you have for meals. Creating variety with your diet will make eating more fun and interesting because you are not simply “going through the motions” when it comes to eating. Cooking and eating becomes an activity as opposed to a task when you try new foods.
I try my best to buy different fruits and vegetables every time I go grocery shopping. I was convinced by a friend to try asparagus, so I reluctantly bought a bundle one week. It started out with me baking the asparagus with cheese on top, to ensure I like it, to me cooking it and eating it plain. Asparagus is a low calorie; low fat vegetable that is also a good source vitamin K. Vitamin K is essential for the blood clotting process in the body. Additionally, asparagus is a good source of iron. One cup of asparagus is about 20% of the daily recommendation and this is important because iron helps make vital proteins for the body. Going outside your comfort zone with eating can be tasty and healthy so make sure to push your palate!