Bringing the value back to variety.

The science is out; our bodies crave variety, so ditch the diets and any secret food rules.

On the daily Diet Culture prompts us to seek the 'perfect diet' while serving up yet another fad. Food advertising bombards, us with new products creating a downward spiral of confusion. It seems the harder we strive and the more we restrict, the further we step away from the wonderful world of food.

While you may not be dieting, often we cross paths with sporadic bits of advice and follow it then on in. This can build up to a nice wee 'food-rule' bank; take a moment to think about your own, e.g. a 7pm meal cut-off, no carbs, or no chippies. Are these tailored to your body? In tune with your needs? With food it is easy to get set in our ways and lose touch with variety.

It seems the harder we strive and the more we restrict, the further we step away from the wonderful world of food.

If you feel your world of food may need some exploring, here are three easy ways to increase your options:

Grab some plants

Putting plants at the centre of the meal is increasing in popularity, have you heard of meat free Monday? It’s cheap, has less cooking time and super tasty due to the delicious herbs and spices. If you are doubtful, try out some vegetarian nachos, falafel wraps, or halloumi burgers. A [baby] step, could be adding legumes into your meat meals; I promise you won't notice a difference. Plant-based meals supply us with a load of goodness from the nutrition and is also better for the planet.

Bring in something new

Have you ever seen a food in the supermarket that caught your eye, and thought, "what is that? what would I do with that?". Next time grab it. Whether it's Tahini, a different cut of meat or an exotic vegetable - be brave. Experiment try it a new way. Can it work as a snack, or can you add it to a meal you already love? Remember new things take time, so practice, and be open to the new-ness of variety. You never know, you might actually find something new to enjoy.

Remember new things take time, so practice, and be open to the new-ness of variety.

Make the switch

Let's talk about the simple switches which to create variety. How about paprika and cumin instead of salt and pepper? Rather than a sushi roll, how about a sushi bowl? Or roasting broccoli and brussels sprouts with garlic instead of steaming? Add some apple cider vinegar and you've got a dinner-party, or leftover lunch winner. Instead of brought crackers, how about making them homemade? Then you know what's going into the food, and have the chance to change it up. Get creative, make it different.

From these ideas, is there one you could start with, or could share with a friend? It is natural for our bodies to crave variety [one reason diets don't work]. Different foods also help us to understand what food makes us feel good, and what we enjoy; for the body and the soul. But like everything it requires practice, so keep trying; the more variety you let in, the more value you’ll get out.

They do say that variety is the spice of life, right?

Image: @_usual_life