Food is an interesting facet of life. On the one hand, it serves a very utilitarian purpose, providing the human body sustenance and energy to thrive in a busy world. And on the other hand, food has profound cultural importance because it’s so much more than sustenance; food is pleasure, community, history and wellbeing.
Sometimes, people fall into what’s known as a “food rut,” where they use food according to its former purpose (i.e., food as fuel), forgetting the pleasure and conviviality it can bestow. According to several experts – from dieticians to psychiatrists – food ruts aren’t beneficial to your health and wellbeing.
In this article, let’s investigate the term “food rut” and explore two essential tips for how to escape it.
What Is a Food Rut?
According to WebMD, a food rut (or “eating rut”) is when a person eats the same food for several days. Some dieticians contend that eating the same thing for three days in a row constitutes a rut, while others limit the definition to those who eat the same meals for weeks. In either case, dieticians maintain that it’s an unhealthy practice.
The body needs a variety of both macro- and micro-nutrients to stay in tip-top shape. No single meal can provide all the nutrients you need, so food diversity is imperative.
Psychologists take a similar line. Psychology Today points out that falling into food patterns may cause people to develop unhealthy relationships to food – and to self-trust in general. If you don’t trust yourself to make new choices, you risk becoming close-minded in other areas too.
Breaking Out of a Rut
Thankfully, you don’t have to stay in your food rut forever. Here are two helpful tips for breaking out of routine and enjoying the delicious diversity of food.
Treat Yourself
A sticking point for some people – the reason they fall into ruts – is that they can’t make delicious food on their own. That’s totally okay! No one’s saying you have to go it alone. In fact, the perfect thing for you might be a little luxury now and then.
Treat yourself to catered, delivered meals from high-end catering companies like McEwan Catering. Make it a treat that you allow yourself mid-week or on the weekend. Not only will ordering a well-composed catered meal help you break up the monotony, but it will also introduce you to new types of foods and new nutrient sources. Just be sure to sample various dishes.
Break Out a Map
Whether you are ordering from a catering company or brave the kitchen yourself, let the globe be your inspiration. Different cultures utilize different proteins, vegetables, grains and vitamin sources.
Enjoying a variety of cuisines helps you develop a diversified nutrient profile and a sophisticated palate. For instance, McEwan Catering (mentioned above) offers Greek, Italian, Indian and Chinese dishes, each with delicious ingredients unique to the respective cultures.
Don’t fall into another food rut. Treat yourself to a delicious catered meal once in a while, and embrace the full spectrum of global offerings to achieve a more diversified diet. Remember: Variety is the spice of life!
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