How to Expand Your Palette

Stuck In A Loop: If you’re like most people, you probably reach for the same meals again and again. That’s because it’s all too easy to get stuck in a rut when life gets busy. However, there are plenty of reasons to make an effort to branch out at mealtime.

The Benefits: Food writer Nina Mukerjee Furstenau believes that tasting new foods builds awareness and empathy, helping us understand the people and cultures behind what we eat. Nutrition experts at the Cleveland Clinic say that rotating ingredients can strengthen gut health and increase the variety of nutrients we take in. A more varied diet, they note, supports both physical and emotional well-being.

How to Do It: Choose one meal this week and make a small change. Pick one ingredient, like a different type of grain or a new spice, that feels new to you and find a way to cook with it. Ask a friend how they use it or look for a relevant recipe that excites you. Then give yourself time to taste what’s in front of you. Expanding your palate works best when it’s guided by curiosity and openness rather than goals or rules.