Creating Healthier Eating Habits With Variety

Creating healthier eating habits and overcoming food boredom by adding more variety to your diet

Wondering how to stick to a diet that’s both healthy and exciting? Variety is the spice of life, and adding a variety of food to your diet is one of the best ways to not get bored of eating the same old thing. But, where do you start?

Sit tight because we’re sharing some of our favourite ways to add variety to your diet and teach you how to start eating healthy in a way that will actually help support your weight loss journey whilst enjoying low calorie filling foods that you’ll love.

Benefits of trying different foods and creating healthier eating habits

Every food group provides us with a variety of nutrients. However, we often get used to eating the same foods that are familiar and that we find easy to buy and prepare.

Thinking of something different to eat each day can be a challenge. However, the good news is, you don't have to be a masterchef in the kitchen or spend hours preparing meals just to get variety and sit down to a delicious meal every time. So we have put together a few smart tips on how to enjoy a variety of food in your diet without the hassle.

How to start eating healthy and get more variety in your meals

Here are a few easy ideas to help you expand your meals and snacks and to experience a whole new world of tastes and textures. Your eating pleasure will increase and your tastebuds, health and body will thank you.

Tip 1: Mix & Match

With your My Muscle Chef meal you can add different types of vegetables to create even more variety in your plan and get a nutrient loaded meal.

The first quick and easy way to do this is by adding different varieties of vegetables. From fresh crispy salads to the traditional steamed vegetables you can mix and match these delicious sides with any of your favourite My Muscle Chef meals. Trying different foods is all part of the journey, see below for some inspiration from our dietitian!

You can even mix and match plant-based and animal-based proteins, like adding legumes such as lentils and chickpeas to salads or they even make a great snack!

Tip 2: Switch up the sides

Adding vegetables doesn't have to be boring when you get creative in the kitchen! There are so many ways you can prepare or purchase vegetables ready for you to enjoy with any meal. The opportunities are really endless!

Here are a few great side dish ideas!

Ready made salads - You’ll find that your local major supermarket now stocks a variety of pre-made salads in the vegetable section, bagged and ready to eat! From Kaleslaw, to Ranch Style Salads, Asian Greens and Garden Salads there are a number of delicious and convenient options to choose from.

Batch cook your vegetables - Cooking in large batches can save you time and makes for a healthy and convenient side to have ready to go. Some great vegetable combos include broccoli & cauliflower, sweet potato & carrot, broccolini and kale which are great roasted or prepared to your preference!

Add flavour - The key to variety is adding flavour! Your vegetables don’t have to be bland and boring. Try our favourite flavour combinations including taco seasoning, garlic-infused olive oil, oregano and lemon or try your own herb and spice combination!

Tip 3: Add some crunch

Just to top it off (quite literally), this last tip is your secret weapon. What you choose to top your dishes with can dramatically change the flavour profile and keep your taste buds guessing. Here are some examples of the toppings you can use:

• Chopped, grated, and spiralized vegetables

• Sliced fruits and fresh berries

• Citrus juice and zest

• Dips, dressings, and low-fat sauces

• Herbs and spices

• Nuts and seeds (in small amounts)

Top hacks for adding a variety of food into your meals

Hack 1: For added protein try adding legumes!

Try adding some legumes to your salads for extra protein and fibre or look out for meals that contain legumes such as our Mexican Superfood Bowl.

Hack 2: Change up the sides with some veg!

Try adding an extra side of veg to your next My Muscle Chef meal - whether it's a side salad or steamed veg, added veg is a low calorie filling food option.

Hack 3: Make the most of seasonal fruit and vegetables!

To choose a wide variety and stock up on different types of vegetables and fruit, shop seasonally to make sure you don't run out of these low calorie choices that you can add to anything (or even enjoy them on their own!)

Now you’re ready to change your eating habits, conquer the week with a little less stress, and enjoy a lot more variety!