You Can Teach an Old Dog New Tricks!

            I feel as though I have heard them all:  “The only fruit I will eat is banana”, “I just don’t know about trying something new”, or “I hate vegetables”, etc. Do you find yourself saying (or thinking) the same type of thought every time you hear an encouragement to Eat More Fruits and Veggies? 

            If you believe that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, no wonder you feel somewhat defeated by the need to improve upon your diet. Consuming more fruits and vegetables sounds good on paper, and ever-growing stacks of research support the benefits of a diet rich in produce. MyPlate recommendations are to “make half your plate fruits and vegetables.” Here is the BUT:  “I know they are good for me, BUT I just don’t like them”. There it is, plain and simple. The big BUT that keeps many from even attempting to make positive changes that will improve not only their health, but possibly their weight, energy level, and well-being.

            Here are a few things to consider if you are one of many who “just don’t like ‘em”. First, are you happy with the old dog? What I mean is, do you feel as though the old dog cannot learn new tricks, or just doesn’t want to? If the old dog is happy on the porch, then there is no need to try and make him jump through hoops.  If you don’t like vegetables, haven’t tried a new one in years, and don’t plan to start now - don’t whine when you have no choice but to lay on the porch.

            Next, if you like some fruits and vegetables then focus on the ones you do like. Many people get fixated on a negative aspect of healthy eating. Just because the latest media reports rave about blueberries, guava fruit, broccoli, or whatever the newest food of the moment may be, don’t worry if you don’t like that food! A healthy diet is about variety and all fruits and vegetables are packed with a variety of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.  Even if your favorites are not making the news, they are providing so many benefits for your body. If you get tired of eating the fruits and vegetables that you find acceptable, experiment with new ways to cook them. Simply searching online for recipes of the stated fruit or vegetable you like will put hundreds of recipes at your fingertips!

            Finally, with proper training and a willingness to try, you can teach an old dog new tricks. Most of our food preferences develop when we are children. Many influencing factors intertwine to create our ideas of what we like and don’t like to eat as adults.  I do have a few tips and techniques to help you re-train you taste buds and discover a new world of delicious, healthy foods and I will focus more on those next week.

ACTION POINT: The main point of this post is for you to not feel defeated. If you are happy where you are without the fruits and vegetables, then don’t feel defeated. You are making the choice. If you do like some fruits and veggies, keep the ones you enjoy on hand. If you are not doing this, then the next time you go to the store buy at least one fruit to have around for snacks, and buy a few vegetables to have with meals. This could be carrots, salad, or other fresh veggies to make as side dishes or to pack for a lunch or quick snack. Or, make sure your freezer is stocked with veggies that can be ready to hit the plate in less than five minutes. Add a little seasoning and you are ready to eat in no time. When you eat out or in the cafeteria, make it a goal to add at least one fruit or vegetables to your plate – a salad as a side, a fruit cup in place of fries, etc. But you do need to be intentional.