Overcoming food boredom: Adding more variety to your diet

Variety is the spice of life, and maintaining a varied diet will not only reduce food boredom, but it will benefit your health and weight loss goals too. So, where do you start?

Sit tight, because below we share some of our favourite ways to diversify your diet. These top tips will help to support your weight loss journey by keeping you feeling fuller for longer while keeping the calories to a healthy number. Let’s get into it.

Benefits of food variety

Every food group provides us with a whole host of different nutrients. However, we often get used to eating the same meals and snacks that are familiar to us – after all, it’s a lot easier to prepare something you already know how to make. Plus, a lot of us know what we like (am I right?).

Thinking of something different to eat each day can be a challenge, but the good news is, you don't have to be a master chef in the kitchen or spend hours preparing food to achieve diversity and a delicious meal.

How to get more variety

Stuck for new meal and snack ideas? Here are a few to get you started. Get ready to experience a whole new world of tastes and textures!

1. Mix and match

Get ready to mix those food groups up. Try adding an extra side of veg to your next My Muscle Chef meal. From fresh crispy salads to traditional steamed vegetables, you can mix and match these delicious sides with any of your favourite My Muscle Chef meals.

From a health point of view, added veg is low in calories, provides extra fibre and fills you up. The more types of veggies you add, the more nutrients you’ll be providing your body. It’s an easy and rewarding personalisation you can make to any of your favourite My Muscle Chef meals or in your own kitchen.

It doesn’t have to be veggies either; you can mix and match plant-based and animal-based proteins as extras or alternatives, like adding legumes such as lentils and chickpeas to salads or swapping beef for lentils in your next homemade bolognese. Our Chicken Tikka with Chickpea Dahl or Jamaican Jerk Chicken with Basmati Rice, Black Beans & Pineapple Salsa contains legumes already and makes a delicious change to your weekly meals.

2. Shop seasonally

One of the best ways to mix up your menu is by following the seasons. Buying local, seasonal produce will not only help your bank account but your body and tastebuds too! Seasonal produce is typically fresher and gives you an opportunity to try something new and get creative. Opt for a wide range of fruits and vegetables – you’ll find you can add them to almost anything.

3. Get creative with colour

Adding vegetables doesn't have to be boring! There are so many ways you can either prepare or purchase vegetables that will make your meal more enjoyable (and healthy). The opportunities are really endless! Here are a few great ideas to keep in mind:

• Ready-made salads: Most local major supermarkets now stock 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 dish that’s ready to go when you want to tuck in. Some great vegetable combos include broccoli and cauliflower, sweet potato and carrot and broccolini and kale. All of these 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: taco seasoning, garlic-infused olive oil, oregano and lemon, or your own herb and spice combination.

4. Let someone else plan your meals

If you’re really stuck with ideas, the easiest way to get out of your rotating home menu is to simply let someone else do the cooking for you. If you’re not already taking advantage of our chefs, now might be the time to start. With over 70 meals to choose from, there’s no shortage of fresh, tasty and healthy dishes to dive into.

5. Add some crunch

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. It’s also a great opportunity to add further nutrients to your meals. Below are some examples of toppings you can use:

• Chopped, grated, and spiralised 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)

Now you’re ready to conquer the week with a little less stress, and a lot more variety! Enjoy.