How to try new foods as a picky eater

Being a picky eater can feel extremely limiting, especially as a young adult. While culinary preferences tend to develop in childhood, it's completely normal to find yourself wanting to expand your palate. Whether you’re looking to try different foods for health reasons or simply to diversify your meals, university is arguably the perfect opportunity to start this journey.

Before diving into methods and recipes to overcome picky eating, I think it’s important to understand why you might be a picky eater. Common reasons can include: sensitivities to certain textures or smells, fear of new experiences and past negative experiences. By understanding the potential causes of your picky eating, you can more easily tailor your approach to overcoming picky eating.

In terms of strategies for expanding your tastes, be sure to introduce new foods slowly. Don't feel like you have to jump straight into the deep end - there is nothing wrong with gradual exposure! Start by incorporating small amounts of a new ingredient alongside something you already enjoy. This can make the experience a whole lot less daunting, but still allows you to be adventurous with your eating habits.

Trying new meals in a non-threatening environment can also help to ease any anxiety around venturing outside of your food comfort zone. You shouldn't feel any pressure to try something or that you’ll be negatively judged if you end up not liking the food. By chipping away at your picky eating in a safe space, whether that be by yourself or with people you feel comfortable around, it can reduce the overwhelm of branching out to new foods.

Overall, overcoming picky eating as an adult is a journey that takes time and patience. But, remember to celebrate small victories and enjoy the process of discovering new foods that you love!