I’ll be the first to admit it: I’ve always been a picky eater. Growing up, I stuck to the “safe” foods I knew and loved. I turned down dishes that seemed unfamiliar, and if a recipe had too many ingredients I didn’t recognize, I’d skip it altogether. But recently, I’ve realized that my diet could use a little spicing up—literally and figuratively! So, I’ve decided it’s time to get out of my comfort zone, broaden my palate, and bring a little more variety to my meals.

If you’re anything like me, you might know the struggle of wanting to try new foods but not quite knowing where to start. To help keep myself accountable (and motivated!), I’m also introducing a new goal: trying one recipe a week (or month) from different cultures. I’m hoping this will expose me to new flavors, cooking methods, and ingredients in a way that’s both manageable and fun. Here’s what I’ve discovered so far on my journey to embrace a more adventurous diet. Plus, if you have any suggestions or favorite recipes, please share them—I’d love to hear from you!

Starting Small: One or Two New Foods at a Time

Diving into a whole new world of flavors is exciting, but it can also be a little intimidating. To keep things manageable, I’m focusing on introducing just one or two new foods at a time. For instance, recently I tried replacing rice with quinoa, a grain that I’d heard so much about but had never actually eaten. It was an easy swap, and to my surprise, I really liked it! I’ve also found that taking it slow with new ingredients makes me more likely to stick with the changes, and it helps avoid that overwhelmed feeling.

Mixing New Foods with Familiar Favorites

Pairing new foods with old favorites has been incredibly helpful in easing the transition. For example, I’ve always been a fan of a good stir-fry, so I tried adding some bok choy. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but with familiar flavors like garlic, soy sauce, and ginger, the bok choy blended right in—and it was delicious! Whether it’s adding a handful of kale to a pasta dish or trying roasted butternut squash as a side with my go-to chicken recipe, mixing new and familiar ingredients has made the process so much less intimidating.

Experimenting with Different Preparations

One thing I’ve discovered on this journey is how much of a difference cooking methods can make. For years, I thought I hated Brussels sprouts because I’d only ever had them steamed and bland. Recently, I tried roasting them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and it turns out I really like them! Experimenting with grilling, roasting, and seasoning new ingredients has helped me see that maybe it’s not always the food itself that I don’t enjoy, but the way it was prepared.

Adding a Recipe from a Different Culture Each Week

This is by far the most exciting part of the plan. Each week, I’m choosing one recipe from a different culture to try, which allows me to experiment with ingredients I might not typically use. Recently, I made Thai green curry and discovered lemongrass and lime leaves, both new flavors for me that I absolutely loved. I also tried Mexican street corn (elote) and was introduced to cotija cheese, which added a delicious, tangy flavor. My goal with this approach is to not only learn about new ingredients and techniques but to get out of my comfort zone by trying spices, textures, and flavor profiles from around the world.

I’d love your help here, too—if you have a favorite recipe from your culture or any dish you think I should try, let me know in the comments! I’m always looking for new ideas to add to my list.

Shopping Seasonally for Fresh, Flavorful Produce

Another thing I’ve started doing is visiting local farmers’ markets and checking what’s in season. Fresh, seasonal produce not only tends to have better flavor, but it also makes trying new foods feel like a mini-adventure. Plus, shopping seasonally has been a great way to support local farmers and find unique items I might not see in bigger stores. For example, I recently tried golden beets for the first time after a vendor at the market recommended them, and they added a delicious, earthy sweetness to my salad.

Using Herbs and Spices to Make New Foods More Interesting

Before this journey, I’d always played it safe with herbs and spices, sticking mostly to salt and pepper. But I’m learning that spices can completely transform a dish, and they’re a great way to make unfamiliar foods more enjoyable. For example, adding fresh basil and oregano to a vegetable dish gives it a familiar, Italian flavor. I’ve also been experimenting with cumin and turmeric in some of my recipes, and it’s amazing how much warmth and complexity these spices can bring to a dish. If you have any go-to herbs or spice combinations, I’d love to know—I’m building up my collection and could use some suggestions!

Being Patient with My Taste Buds

One lesson I’ve had to remind myself of often is that it’s okay if I don’t fall in love with a new food right away. Trying new things is a process, and it can take time to develop a liking for unfamiliar flavors. For instance, the first time I tried kale, I was underwhelmed, but after experimenting with different ways to prepare it, I’ve actually come to enjoy it in salads and smoothies. Now, if I don’t like something on the first try, I don’t give up—I try it again in a different way. I’m giving myself permission to explore at my own pace, and it’s making the process a lot more enjoyable.

Tracking My Progress

To stay motivated and keep a record of the foods and recipes I’ve tried, I’ve started keeping a food journal. I jot down notes on new ingredients, recipes I loved, and even tweaks I’d like to make next time. Looking back on these notes has been surprisingly rewarding—it’s a reminder of how far I’ve come, and it encourages me to keep exploring. Plus, having a list of recipes I’ve enjoyed makes meal planning so much easier!

Your Suggestions?

This journey of trying new foods has been both fun and challenging, and I’m excited to keep expanding my horizons. But I’d love to hear from you! What are some of your favorite ingredients that you think I should try? Do you have any go-to recipes from your culture that you think would be a good place for a newbie like me to start? Or, if you’ve also tried getting out of a picky-eating rut, I’d love to know what worked for you!

Feel free to share your tips, tricks, or recipes in the comments. I’m learning as I go and would love to get your feedback on making this journey even more interesting. Here’s to a more adventurous (and flavorful) future!