Released November 18, 2008
STILLWATER, Okla. – Sometimes eating healthy can become repetitive and often feel like a chore. Why not make healthy eating more appealing to improve your commitment to a better lifestyle?
Janice Hermann, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service nutrition specialist, said when it comes to a healthy diet, keeping to a plan can be hard for many reasons.
“Maybe you are unsure of what to do or don’t have the time or energy. You may think healthy foods don’t taste good,” she said. “Frequently, the depiction of healthy food is dull and healthy eating a chore.”
Hermann said if you are struggling with your healthy eating plan try to make healthy eating more appealing with these ideas:
- Sit down and enjoy healthy foods with family and friends. Food tastes better with company and conversation.
- If food does not look attractive or appealing you probably will not eat it. Try foods from another color palette with different shapes and textures.
- Use the good china and decorate your table. The change can improve the eating experience.
- Try new herbs and spices to increase flavor minus the calories and fat. Try adding fresh or dried dill or basil to steamed vegetables or cinnamon to fruit dips. Add herbs to a baked potato or herb vinegar dressing to a salad.
- Test new fruits and vegetables you have not tried before. Sample mangos or turnip greens. Also, prepackaged mixed salad greens or frozen fruits and vegetables are a good way of increasing intake and saving time.
- Select an ethnic cuisine such as Chinese, Mexican, Greek or Indian in low fat, high fiber choices and enjoy a different taste.
“Adding a little variety can make a difference if you are struggling with maintaining healthy eating habits,” she said. “Healthy eating is important for a healthy life and making healthy adjustments to your menu may be the way to stay on track.”
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http://www2.dasnr.okstate.edu/Members/katie.reim-40okstate.edu/eating-can-be-attractive
Contacts: Katie L. Reim, 405-744-6792, katie.reim@okstate.edu
