More tips
What else can you do to retrain your brain so that healthier foods are more appealing? Here are some other ideas to consider:
• Limit foods and beverages that contain artificial or nonnutritive sweeteners. Some researchers believe they stimulate your brain to continue to want sweet-tasting foods, even more so than natural sweeteners.
• Learn to like those “smelly” vegetables, like Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and broccoli, by roasting them instead of steaming or boiling them. Roasting prevents the sulfury smell from getting into the air (the smell can negatively affect your taste buds).
• Splash a dash of vinegar on your foods if you’re aiming to cut down on sodium. Unsalted or low-sodium foods can taste bland when you first try them. Adding vinegar (which has no sodium) can put back some flavor and add a bit of zest.
• Keep trying. Maybe you tried a food years ago and disliked it. It’s time to try it again. You CAN acquire a taste for food (how do you think people learn to appreciate fine wines or single-malt Scotch)?
Try new and different foods. It’s OK if you really don’t like a particular food, but don’t let that stop you from trying other healthy foods. Disliking a particular type of fruit doesn’t mean you won’t like any kinds of fruit. Be adventurous and keep an open mind!