Why Variety Really Does Matter

Feeling stuck in a food rut? It happens to all of us. You get waves of inspiration where you discover a new favourite dish and then life gets busy and you stick with the same thing on repeat, week after week. While your go-to recipes may be nutritious, a lack of variety can be a major roadblock to being your healthiest self. And here’s why.

You're Missing Out on Essential Nutrients

No single food contains all the nutrients your body needs to thrive. Each fruit, vegetable, grain, and protein source has a unique profile of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. For example, bell peppers are loaded with vitamin C, while sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of vitamin A. Spinach is rich in iron, and black beans offer a hearty dose of magnesium.

When you stick to a small handful of foods, you're essentially putting all your nutritional eggs in one basket. This can lead to subtle but significant nutrient deficiencies over time, which can impact everything from your energy levels to your immune system. By incorporating a wide range of colours and types of food, you ensure you're getting a broad spectrum of what your body needs to function optimally.

A Diverse Diet Supports a Healthy Gut

Your gut microbiome, a bustling community of bacteria in your digestive system, plays a crucial role in your overall health. A healthy gut is linked to improved digestion, a stronger immune system, and even better mental health.

Guess what fuels this internal ecosystem? Dietary diversity! Different types of fibre and plant compounds found in various foods act as food for different kinds of beneficial gut bacteria. The more diverse your diet, the more diverse and resilient your gut microbiome becomes. Think of it like a garden—a variety of plants creates a thriving ecosystem, while a monoculture can be fragile.

Variety Keeps Things Interesting

Central to our philosophy at The Healthy Balance is that healthy eating shouldn't feel like a chore. Eating the same meals day in and day out can lead to boredom and can increase the likelihood of cravings and reaching for less-healthy options just for a change of pace.

Embracing variety makes healthy eating an adventure. It encourages you to explore new recipes, try new vegetables you've never cooked before, and get creative in the kitchen. This makes the process more enjoyable and sustainable in the long run. When you love what you're eating, it's so much easier to stay on track.

Simple Ways to Add More Variety to Your Diet

• "Eat the rainbow": Challenge yourself to include as many different colours of fruits and vegetables in your meals each day as you can.

• Swap your staples: If you always have porridge for breakfast, try Greek yogurt with berries and seeds or a vegetable-packed frittata. Switch up your protein sources from chicken to fish, lentils, or tofu.

• Shop with an open mind: When you're shopping, pick one or two new fruits or vegetables to try each week.

• Explore new cuisines: Look up recipes that use ingredients you're not familiar with. It’s makes both the preparation and eating of meals so much more interesting.

Remember, adding variety doesn't have to be complicated. Start small, be curious, and enjoy the journey of nourishing your body with a vibrant array of delicious foods.

If you are interested in talking more about your diet and relationship with food, please do get in touch, I’d love to chat!

For some more reading around this topic I’d suggest Dr Emily Leeming’s fantastic book "Genius Gut".

Just two of the many cookbooks I get inspiration from: Dr Rupy Aujla's "Healthy High Protein" and the Bold Bean Co cookbook.