I find myself often saying that – you do not need to eat foods that you don’t enjoy! Forcing yourself to eating something you do not like, is not worth the effort. Eat what you love, remember!
It is important, of course though, to consider and to try to new foods, especially if you didn’t like them as a kid and just haven’t tried again as an adult, as an example. Some things to start the process is to try ordering unfamiliar or perceived-as-disliked foods out that have a different sauce or are prepared in a way you wouldn’t try at home. At home, you can also try a different cooking method to see if you like the flavor or texture that way (grilled, roasted, sauteed, steamed, etc).
If you’ve exhausted your efforts and have still been unsuccessful, then you gave it your best go, and you can say you truly do not like it and do not need to eat it.
Oatmeal is a good example of this. Depending on the texture, some just may not have an appeal for it. Most times though, I find, you need to add toppings with flavor, taste, and texture to see that you really do like oatmeal, just not plain. And I don’t either. Who would, honestly? It’s pretty lacking in flavor, so it’s your job to experiment and see what flavors, colors, textures, you like to put with it.
The basics to building a better oatmeal include adding in some color, taste, and texture.
Color can be achieved by different fruits- frozen, fresh or dried. Anything goes here, experiment with different fruits in season, clean out your pantry and freezer, toss in what may be on it’s last leg in the fridge or on the counter.
Improving the taste may mean adding some sweetness – honey, agave, brown sugar, chocolate chips, cocoa nibs- or even some spices like cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice- or even some various combinations of these.
Adding various texture like crunchy granola, nuts, seeds, coconut flakes or smooth & rich nut or seed butters.
For me there’s a layer of each one of these three categories. I usually pick a fruit, sweetener + spice, and topping.
The complexity and depth of these combinations will also make the bowl more appetizing and help you build in more nutrition naturally while having the focus be on the flavor and taste. Because it’s all about the taste and flavor- otherwise you won’t enjoy it and won’t incorporate it!
I hope you learn how to incorporate a more appealing oatmeal bowl based on your tastes and preferences!
xo,
Becca
