Picky eater

jesse00012
jesse00012 Posts: 19 Member
edited November 30 in Getting Started
I have a huge problem of being a picky eater, I closed my mind off to new foods for so long I don't know how to get back onto the horse to open up again and try new things. I like more than I did as a kid and I am slightly more willing to try new foods but veggies are hard for me. I have a very limited list of veggies I like. If anyone has any good foods that contain veggies without the taste I would be soooo greatful!!! Or just some advice on how to help!

Replies

  • KristenNagle1
    KristenNagle1 Posts: 83 Member
    I try to cut my veggies up very small and mix them with other foods
  • benzieboxx
    benzieboxx Posts: 253 Member
    Try different cooking methods. My fiance doesn't like tomatoes raw but he loves them when I cook them down and make them into a great sauce or stew them slowly. I'm not crazy about raw carrots but I love them steamed.
  • 2snakeswoman
    2snakeswoman Posts: 655 Member
    Don't make yourself try too much too soon. One small taste of something new is enough. "Veggies without the taste" is way too broad a phrase for me. Each one tastes different, and you certainly don't have to eat anything you don't like. I used to love it, but now there's no way in the world to make me eat asparagus. I will eat broccoli, though. There are a lot of vegetables to try, and a lot of different ways to prepare each one.
  • tulips_and_tea
    tulips_and_tea Posts: 5,744 Member
    Start with what you like and why. Which vegetables DO you eat now? What do you like about them? Texture, taste, etc.? Some vegetables are similar but not as common so you can add those into your diet.

    And absolutely, as others have said, different cooking methods is the key. It's not necessary to eat all vegetables raw. Steaming, roasting, or sauteing with a variety of different seasonings makes a world of difference.
  • jaynee7283
    jaynee7283 Posts: 160 Member
    I was a VERY picky eater growing up, and the only veggies I'd eat were potatoes and lettuce. And not fancy lettuce, but iceberg.

    But when I got married, my husband was a great cook who loved veggies, so he forced me to try them every now and again. I am happy to say I now eat carrots, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, parsnips, okra and (occasionally) green beans (if they are cooked right). I remember my mother being SHOCKED when she saw me voluntarily eat green beans in a restaurant one time. *lol* I still prefer iceberg lettuce but will also eat romaine and spinach.

    Stuff I've tried but didn't like: peas, mushrooms, corn, asparagus, beans (all beans), kale and squash.

    As others have said, the key is how things are prepared, but I'm also turned off by some textures in food.
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    If you want to "hide" your veggies look for a couple cookbooks: Deceptively Delicious and The Sneaky Chef.

    Veggies are an acquired taste. I ate them growing up....all kinds. But some cooking methods are better for some, some are kind of gross frozen, some are way better fresh. You have to experiment. There will be big differences in taste and texture....for the SAME veggie.

    Breakfast smoothies are a great way to get spinach (or carrots, or cucumber). Protein powder, milk, banana and spinach.....you can't even taste the spinach.
  • ValerieMartini2Olives
    ValerieMartini2Olives Posts: 3,024 Member
    I found a lot of veggies I hated as a kid were not because I hated them, it was because my mother overcooked them or didn't cook them right. Cabbage being a big one.

    Now as an adult, I LOVE veggies because I learned how to cook them right.

    Like to grill a steak? Quarter a whole cabbage and drizzle with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. I use a lemon/pepper herb grinder too. Grill with your steak until lightly charred all over. So good.
  • krazgrl
    krazgrl Posts: 86 Member
    I've always been a veggie lover but my fiancé is a super picky eater. It took quite a while for him to start to eat healthier. He loves roasted veggies. Top would be Brussels sprouts and cauliflower.

    Brussels Sprouts - You have to trim them to take off the top layer of leaves. I cut them in half, toss them in a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and some minced garlic or garlic powder (the garlic tends to get a little "too" roasted but we enjoy the crispy garlic bits). Line a sheet pan with foil or parchment paper and roast at 400-425 degrees until fork tender (25-30min). After about 10-15 min, you'll need to flip them over to make sure they don't brown too much on one side. I like them really roasted - it brings out such a nuttiness and makes them so freakin' delicious.

    Same rule applies with cauliflower. I may also sprinkle some curry powder or some Japanese pepper spice (shichimi togarashi) to add a little heat.
  • jesse00012
    jesse00012 Posts: 19 Member
    I like only five veggies and they are only in specific ways. I hate being this picky! Thanks so much for yalls advice! I mean to put my short list on here before but it's been a long day at work.

    GREEN PEPPERS - crisp and cold
    GREEN BEANS - canned or fresh cooked with butter, garlic salt, pepper, and adobe seasoning
    CUCUMBER - cold sliced in a salad or pickled home made
    CORN - I don't eat it anymore for a number of reasons but when I do eat it I like it on the cob not off
    CARROTS - I like them cold with ranch and fried with chicken. I am sure I like carrots cooked with many foods.

    I like everything onion except the onion itself. I think my palate hates it. Lol
  • 6pkdreamer
    6pkdreamer Posts: 180 Member
    jesse00012 wrote: »
    I like only five veggies and they are only in specific ways. I hate being this picky! Thanks so much for yalls advice! I mean to put my short list on here before but it's been a long day at work.

    GREEN PEPPERS - crisp and cold
    GREEN BEANS - canned or fresh cooked with butter, garlic salt, pepper, and adobe seasoning
    CUCUMBER - cold sliced in a salad or pickled home made
    CORN - I don't eat it anymore for a number of reasons but when I do eat it I like it on the cob not off
    CARROTS - I like them cold with ranch and fried with chicken. I am sure I like carrots cooked with many foods.

    I like everything onion except the onion itself. I think my palate hates it. Lol

    Do you eat potatoe? Fries?
    Just about everyone I know eats fries. I'm not suggesting your start by any means.
  • ElizabethOakes2
    ElizabethOakes2 Posts: 1,038 Member
    Are you a 'super-taster'? One of the people who thinks cilantro tastes like soap? My sister is a super-taster: she doesn't like anything with onions and peppers, kale or cabbage- she doesn't even like strawberries!
    Anyway, she's been experimenting more recently with veggies and discovers that boiling and draining to reduce the actual flavor of the vegetable works best for her. She still thinks artichokes are disgusting, and can't figure out why anyone eats broccoli, though.

    You're just going to have to experiment and find foods that you like. There are literally thousands of vegetables and fruits out there that can be experimented with. You like carrots, what about beets? Heirloom beets come in all kinds of flavors and colors, from traditional red, to very mild white, for example. Peruse the veggie section of your local store, especially the heirloom organics, and just try one small new veg for week. Sure, you might looked at weird for buying a single beet or radish, but better to try it than never know you might like it. :)
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