Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Is it Bad to Eat the Same Healthy Foods Almost Every Day?

Is it Bad to Eat the Same Healthy Foods Almost Every Day?

The pros and cons of a monotonous meal plan

The question: "Is it OK to stick with the same rotation of a few healthy dishes (since I know I like them)—or should I make an effort to introduce more variety into my diet?"

The expert: Nieca Goldberg, M.D., a clinical associate professor in the Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology and director of the Joan H. Tisch Center for Women's Health at NYU Langone Medical Center

The answer: It's great to have go-to healthy foods, but you don't want to stick with the same foods all the time because a well-balanced diet is one that includes adequate amounts of dozens of different nutrients that your body needs—and it's pretty much impossible to consume all of them without eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, says Goldberg.

Another thing to consider: Limiting yourself to the same fare day in and day out will eventually result some serious mealtime boredom (which is why it's one of the signs that your diet needs a makeover). That in turn can cause you to overeat or start craving other, less healthy foods. So broaden your mealtime horizons and eat more adventurously. Go with something new during at least one meal a day; for example, ditch your usual salad, and try a new healthy soup for lunch. Or pick up an exotic new fruit or veggie from the produce aisle or your local farmers' market. This is one time where it definitely pays to experiment.

MORE: Hate Chia? Can't Stand Kombucha? You'll Live

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