Dirty Thirty #16: Mono-Eating

Mono-Eating is eating the same thing or same few things over and over again. Sometimes, we do this intentionally because we hear about a food (or group of foods) that is the new "super" food; so, we eat all we can get because we believe if some is good a lot must be really good. Some people will even try to tell you that mono-eating is good for weight loss. Many times, though, mono-eating is unintentional. We do it because we get stuck in a rut and don't know how to get out of it.

This lack of variety in our diets is not only boring but can also lead to malnutrition and development of allergies, which will worsen over time. It is best to change things up at least every four days (or twice a week). If you can, eat something different each day.


Tips to add variety to your diet:

• Shop locally and seasonally. The best place to do this is at your local farmers' market. This not only ensures seasonal variety, it also ensures that you will be exposed to new fruits and vegetables that are not available at your grocery store. Local Harvest is a great resource for finding a farmers' market near you. If you are in the Los Angeles area, you can also join LATTitude Wellness' Second Sundays Hollywood Farmers' Market tour. Click here for more information.
• You can also sign up for a CSA (community-supported agriculture) box and get a seasonal mix of what that farmer (or collective of farmers) is growing that week. Many of them will deliver right to your door! Farm Fresh to You is a great CSA that serves the Los Angeles area and other areas throughout California.
• Find something each week that you haven't tried before. Ask the farmer (or produce specialist) how to best cook it. Make this a fun family activity. Each week, a different member of your family chooses the surprise. It's a great way to get kids to start eating healthy and even to curb picky eaters.
• Try a food swap with friends. Find a group of friends and each cook your signature dish. Package it up and get together to swap dishes. (e.g., You cook enough of your favorite chili for four family meals and package them in four containers. Then, get together with three friends, and you each get one night's meal for your family from each of the other friends. You'll end up with four different meals for the week: your chili, Marla's chicken cacciatore, Stephanie's stuffed bell peppers and Dave's Ethiopian lentils.)
• Choose one night a week to be ethnic night. Research the food and culture. Have the kids do a presentation about what life is like--holidays celebrated, unique customs, traditional clothing, etc. This is a great way not only to get out of your rut, but to also learn about another culture.

What is your favorite way of getting out of your food rut? I would love for you to share in the comments below.

Check back tomorrow for another Dirty Thirty!