The Benefits of Being an Adventure Lover
“I like what I like,” you tell yourself as you eat the same foods over and over. There is nothing wrong with having preferences, but you can be doing yourself a serious disservice. An attitude of adventurous food has great benefits.
Eating adventures can make you healthier
Variety is the highlight of life, and it could be the secret to staying in shape. Studies show that neophobes or those who are afraid of trying new foods are more likely to gain weight because they tend to eat softer, more nutritious foods with their meals. Neophobes can also be deficient in nutrients such as protein, monounsaturated fats, and certain minerals.
Think about it: if you’re not trying new things, your eating options will never change and you will always choose the same foods. These foods can be helpful, but otherwise they can be a problem. By sticking to what you know, you will never come across healthier alternatives to the types of foods you like, and you will always be missing the same key nutrients.
Eating adventures also make eating more mindful. You don’t just grab a familiar food and consume it as quickly as possible, you slow down to experience new tastes, textures and sensations. It can be a little annoying at times, but when you slow down, the chances of overeating are reduced.
You get your choice when you eat
What I love about being an adventurer is that there is never a taboo on the table. If I’m with a large group of people, it often means that I can eat more good and funny things while everyone else is gorging themselves on bread. I may have to give up some bland and boring foods to picky eaters, but I want my meal to be an event, not just fuel.
Food is less stressful when you travel
Traveling is already stressful, but if you add the fancy food equation to that, things can get much worse – unless you have an adventurous taste. If you can train your mind and mouth to feel hungry, food is the best part of the journey. You don’t look at the menu in confusion; you are playing the addicting game “I bet it’s good!”
Plus, even if you come across a dish that you don’t like, it becomes a great story later on. You can tell your friends how you accidentally ordered scorpions or how everything you ordered was still moving. Better yet, you can show how brave you are when you tell them what it tastes like.
You communicate with people
Food is something that everyone loves, and it is a great way to connect with people anywhere in the world. Whether you’re drinking fried twinkies at a state fair or savoring a piece of raw beef heart at a secret Tokyo restaurant, you’re immersed in culture. You suddenly have something to talk about with those around you, and by taking part, you no longer have to worry about being abusive. Food is truly a universal language, it just has different dialects.
How to become a bolder eater
So how do you become a bolder eater? Try different things! Give food a chance, even if you’re not sure you will like it. Personally, I follow the Andrew Zimmern rule: “Always try twice.” You never know if the dish you are eating is just a bad version of it or if you might enjoy cooking it differently. For example, when I first tried octopus, I hated it . It was steamed and turned out chewy and tasteless. However, the next time I tried it in takoyaki, I really liked it.
Part of the problem is that we’re getting hooked on the fact that some foods are disgusting. We look at the food and say “Ugh …” even though we never gave it a chance. The main thing is to remain persistent and consciously approach new dishes. One study from the University of Wisconsin suggests that intentionally paying attention when you eat something new, as well as quietly observing and savoring the experience, can suppress your disgust. So be bold, take your time and let your taste buds explore before you decide if something is tasty or not.