How to Start Trying New Foods

Do you feel like you’re in a food rut? Do you find yourself eating the same foods every day and don’t know what to do to change this?

You’re not alone. Since 2020, more people have been cooking from home, and more people are finding their cooking as dull as possible. It’s not a big deal; you can always order in: but what if you’re sick of calling in and want to try something different?

Here’s how to work new foods into your diet and why it’s okay not to like things.

Take Up Recipes With New Techniques First

When trying new foods, start with recipes that use ingredients you’re familiar with first. If you like quinoa, black beans, and turkey: you can follow a recipe for ground turkey southwestern burgers. The chances are, you’ll enjoy this food because you like the things that go into it.

Seek out recipes that use new techniques or new cooking styles that you’ve never tried before.

Try New Ingredients Once You’re Confident

After you’ve had enough practice with new techniques, it’s time to start trying fresh ingredients! This could mean making the quinoa black bean turkey burger and then spreading some bacon jam on top for a savory-sweet hit. Seek out recipes that you would feel comfortable trying if the ingredients were used to: and then try it with the new items.

Don’t be shy about googling things if you’re not sure how to prepare them. A typed-out guide for peeling plantains isn’t as helpful as a video guide!  While googling, seek out video channels like Dessert Person, or Bon Appetit, to find recipes that utilize different ingredients but can guide you through a professional touch. This type of learning is best for people who have a hard time figuring out recipes or understanding the jargon used.

Recipes Aren’t Strict Rule Books Unless You’re Baking.

Many feel like if they vary from a recipe at all that they’ll ruin the dish they’re creating. It’s not that serious, though! If you’re trying a new recipe, and it’s cooking, not baking, you have a little freedom to change things up. If you’re trying a fresh toasted orzo pasta with zucchinis recipe, and you hate tomato sauces, it’s okay to substitute with your pesto sauce.  Keep in mind if your changes will work based on the overall recipe.

What If You Hate The New Foods?

Sometimes, regardless of our best efforts, we may realize we’ve just created an entire meal, and it’s not our favorite.  If that’s the case, consider what you would change to make it better next time and what you can change now to make it more palatable. Maybe your soup is bland, that’s okay! You can add some hot sauce or seasonings to taste.

If the disgust is immense, whether it’s because of texture, taste, or smell: it’s okay not to eat it. You’re trying something new and stepping outside of your comfort zone. That’s enough of a success to warrant ordering pizza instead.