Are You a Picky Eater? Here Are Some Ways You Can Maintain Good Health Even with a Limited Diet
Being a picky eater is not much fun. Not only do you have a much stricter diet and a smaller list of foods to choose from, but people are often highly judgemental of those who don’t eat the same foods as them. There are many reasons for people to be picky eaters and many different kinds of picky eater, from having a fear of certain tastes or textures to being unable to stomach unfamiliar foods. If you are a picky eater but you don’t want your health to suffer as a result of your limited diet, here are some ideas to help you maintain good health.
Identify What You Like
One of the first useful steps is to write a comprehensive list of what you are happy to eat. Include as much as you can, including drinks. There is such a variety of types of picky eater, and what someone else is happy to eat, you might find repulsive. The great part about keeping a list of what food you enjoy is that it draws your attention away from what you dislike and lets you focus on the positive side.
Prepare Meals in Advance
For many picky eaters, cooking and preparing meals can be an unenjoyable and even stressful task. This might lead you to feeling more inclined to fall back on comfort foods that aren’t as healthy for you but are easier to prepare. To prevent yourself from succumbing to this routine, get into the habit of preparing your meals in advance so you don’t feel the pressure to cook every day. This can also be a great method of saving money.
Include Dietary Supplements and Vitamins in Your Routine
When you are a picky eater, it can be difficult to make sure you are getting all the necessary nutrients. While it’s important to push yourself to try new healthy foods in case you enjoy them and can introduce them to your diet, if you are missing some vital nutrients, then it might be worth taking supplements. For example, probiotic pills can be a simple way to ensure that your gut bacteria remain at healthy levels. You can also find vitamin capsulesthat you might be lacking in your diet.
Set Yourself Manageable Goals
Not every picky eater is bothered by their dietary habits. If this is the case for you, then there’s no need to worry. However, if you want to be healthier or at least expand your dietary range, you can achieve this by setting small goals and making gradual progress. Don’t feel obliged to try foods you aren’t ready for but similarly don’t refuse something new that catches your attention. For example, if you are tempted to try a new dish but are afraid of disliking it, allow yourself to try one mouthful without the pressure of finishing the plate. It’s all about going at your own pace and nurturing your palate’s curiosity.