Eating Well

A few days ago I had the TV on while I was working around the house, and I heard some female celebrity (I'm not sure who - I wasn't really watching so I missed that part) say "I just can't imagine replacing delicious food with, ya know, asparagus spears."  I immediately thought, "mmmmmm, asparagus spears."  I love asparagus spears!   

Ok, my reaction may not be the norm, but it got me thinking, why do we so often just write off some healthy foods, assuming they don't taste good?  It probably stems from our childhood, from school hot lunches or a certain recipe that Aunt Edna used to make that makes our stomach turn.  I remember my mom cooking cod in the oven, and that smell when you walked in the door just made me cringe.  From then on, I was convinced that I didn't like fish.  It wasn't until a few years ago that I started eating it, and then it was only due to guilt.  I felt like a hypocrite, telling all of my clients that they should eat fish twice a week, particulary fatty fish like salmon that is high in omega-3's.  I would say that, but I wasn't doing it myself.  I decided I needed to get over it and start eating fish.  Now, I eat salmon regularly, and often order it over other menu items at a restaurant.  The trick was trying different versions and recipes until I found some that I like.  I even eat canned tuna now, which is something I never thought I'd say. 

Beans were another food that I never used to eat.  Beans, to me, meant baked beans, which I still don't care for.  But, luckily there are other options, and now I love beans and I eat them weekly, at a minimum.  How did I get over that?  I think it started when my mom put black beans with cumin, corn, sour cream, onion, peppers and other seasoning and served them with tortilla chips.  Yum!  Simply by combining them with other foods that I enjoy, it changed my perception of them to the point that I love black beans in anything now.  And my dad, who rarely eats vegetables, reluctantly tried a cabbage salad at my house only to find that he loved it thanks to the onions, seeds and dressing, and he has worked it into his regular routine.

Our tastes can change over time, so if you don't like something once, don't pass on it forever, and don't be too quick to judge.  Even if it takes a few not-quite-so-healthy foods, like ranch dip or bacon, to get you to incorporate some nutritional powerhouses in your diet, then do it!  Just make sure the healthy stuff far outweighs the flavor boosters. 

Conversely, you don't have to assume that some of your favorite indulgences have to be unhealthy.  I made homemade waffles one morning for breakfast when my dad and stepmom were visiting, and they politely declined, not wanting a sweet breakfast.  But, I made them for my son and I anyway - pumpkin waffles made with whole wheat flour, and encouraged them have a taste.  They both changed their minds and dug in - no syrup or sugar needed. 

So think of some foods that you don't eat, but wish you did, or at least know you should.  Now try to find some ways that you might enjoy them - look for new recipes, ask around, or consult a dietitian!  Oh, and if you don't care for asparagus, or salmon, check these out and see if they help change your mind.

Grilled Lemon Asparagus
Salmon, Asparagus and Orzo Salad with Lemon-Dill Vinaigrette 

PS - You still won't ever get me to eat olives, but bring on the olive oil instead! 

Healthy Regards,
kate