by Jessica Bosari

Created on: February 16, 2009   Last Updated: February 20, 2009

Imagine yourself in a world where fat, sugar and excess calories make you look like a super model and feel like Hercules. Potato chips would be better for you than carrots. Chocolate would be a better choice than broccoli. While you cannot turn junk food into super food, there are some easy ways to make healthy foods more palatable. Take the time to experiment and you will eat healthy foods more often, improving your overall health.

How Does Food Make You Feel?

The satisfaction of a full stomach brings us good feelings. However, satisfaction from unhealthy foods rarely lasts long, leaving you feeling run down and tired. It is helpful to ponder how your body feels about one hour after eating a meal. If you notice that you feel guilty, bloated and uncomfortable after eating that pizza, you are less likely to go for the same food next time. Pay attention to the way foods make you feel, and you will be more likley to try healthier alternatives.

Experience Your Food

Besides nourishing your body, food combines all of your senses to deliver a pleasurable experience. Tasting is only a small part of it. Your feelings about certain foods, preference for particular textures and favorite smells all make a difference in your like or dislike of a food. Imagine how unappetizing a pizza would be with a flabby crust. Picture ice cream hot. Would you still like chocolate if it smelled like flowers?

Be Adventurous

When you try a new food, think like an explorer. Really pay attention to how the food smells, tastes and feels in your mouth. If the experience is unpleasant, identify what aspect of the food bothers you. You can then take steps to improve the taste, texture or smell. For instance, many people say they do not like vegetables, but have only tried them boiled and mushy. Vegetables can also be baked and grilled to provide a better texture without sacrificing your health. Small amounts of oil or sweeteners can help some healthy foods to taste divine.

Think of yourself as a scientist bent on perfecting the food you dislike. How can you improve it? Is it the smell, texture or taste that you do not like? Think about different cooking methods, seasonings and other ingredients that might be added. Fresh herb garnishes can change the taste of foods dramatically, giving them the depth and texture you are looking for. Pizza is so appealing because of the variety of ingredients included. Try adding tomatoes, green peppers and onion to the foods that do not tickle your taste buds. Copy

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