Forcing Yourself to Like Certain Foods: A Journey to Health

As we grow older, our relationship with food evolves. Many of us were ldquo;forcedrdquo; to eat healthy foods as children, often vegetables that we found unpalatable. As adults, we tend to eat what we enjoy and avoid what we find unpleasant. However, the notion of ldquo;learning to likerdquo; a food as an adult is a concept that has gained considerable traction, especially for those committed to a healthy lifestyle.

The Benefits of Certain Foods

Some foods are just too beneficial to ignore.Take beans, for instance. Not only are they convenient and inexpensive, but they are also an excellent source of nutrients, protein, and fiber—components that are essential to any healthy diet. Additionally, beans are a staple in the diets of the healthiest people around the world. Despite my lifelong aversion to them, I decided to confront this dislike and learn to love beans.

The Process of Learning to Love a New Food

My entry into bean-enjoyment was not a sudden epiphany but instead a result of persistent exposure. Unintentionally, I began to include them more frequently in my meals, eventually leading to a change in taste and preference. I went from avoiding pickles and tomatoes like the plague to allowing myself to eat them occasionally and, eventually, to including them routinely. By the age of 37, I could proudly say that I not only consume beans but do so with relish.

Reconfiguring Your Gut Flora

Eating more greens can progressively reconfigure your gut flora. Over time, your taste can evolve, allowing you to accept more vegetables and even fruits. This gradual change can be beneficial in the long run.

A Word on Animal-Based Foods

For the avoidance of doubt, this process of learning to like and consume certain foods is more straightforward for plant-based foods. Animal-based foods can be more challenging, and in some cases, physically intolerable due to allergies. However, consuming such foods voluntarily, especially when hungry, can help.

So, if you are committed to your health and find yourself avoiding certain foods, consider the benefits they offer and start integrating them into your diet. The process of learning to like a food may not be instantaneous, but with consistent effort, it is surely achievable.