Sticking to a wholesome, nutrient-rich diet plan can be difficult when you’re a picky eater. You might be limited in your options, and the ingredients in many healthy recipes may not appeal to you. If your tastes are preventing you from starting a diet, try the following strategies to begin your weight loss journey.

How to Build Diet Plans Around Food Preferences

1. Use the Foods You Like

Every picky eater has their favorite go-to dishes that never disappoint. If you know you like certain foods, deconstruct and transform them into something else. Chicken sandwiches, for example, can be turned into salads, stir-fry, and wraps. Use baked or grilled chicken to keep it healthy. If there are specific ingredients you really like, look for healthy recipes that feature them. These steps can help diversify your diet plan and nutritional intake.

2. Swap Ingredients in Your Favorite Dishes

Sometimes your favorite unhealthy dishes can be tweaked to be more wholesome and nutritious. Get creative and look for healthy alternatives. Replacing fried, processed, sugary, fatty, and carbohydrate-loaded ingredients with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins will help you achieve the daily recommended intake of essential vitamins and minerals. 

Standard pasta noodles can be swapped out with wheat or zucchini noodles or shredded spaghetti squash. Instead of white bread and tortillas, try whole wheat tortillas, spinach wraps, or lettuce for burritos, tacos, wraps, and other sandwiches. There are endless ways to turn unhealthy foods diet plan-friendly.

3. Try Adding Different Flavors

If the taste is putting you off of certain foods, adding spices and herbs may be the solution. Rather than salt, flavor dishes with healthier options like garlic, onions, paprika, rosemary, oregano, thyme, or cumin. A sprinkle of chopped nuts, crumbled feta, or blue cheese can also make a big difference. When well-seasoned, many previously unpleasant foods can suddenly become enjoyable. For instance, Brussels sprouts are a common contentious veggie, but roasting them with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic makes them a tasty savory side dish.

Building diet plans on your own can be intimidating and difficult. With the help of Nebraska Weight Management Institute in Lincoln and Omaha, you can lose weight fast and maintain your new figure in the long-term. Their compassionate team of health care professionals uses safe and science-backed weight loss plans personalized to meet your unique needs and goals, including the innovative and nonsurgical approach called OPTIFAST®, structured to deliver both weight loss and a variety of health benefits. Learn more about their weight loss programs and diet plans online. To begin your journey towards better health, call (402) 483-4770 to reach their Lincoln clinic or (402) 399-9386 for the Omaha location.