20 October 2025

In my house, we have different philosophies about meals. My husband is the loyalist - if he could have the same five dinners every week, he’d be happy. As far as he’s concerned, when you find something you like, why not stick with it?

As you’ve probably guessed, I’m a little more adventurous. And since I do most of the cooking, he’s subjected to all sorts of “experiments” (he’s a good sport, though)! I love to try new things. Once I went to a bug tasting event (at the Jacob Burns Film Center), mainly to set an example for the kids I work with: there’s not much to lose in trying things that are unfamiliar (unless it’s toxic or you’re allergic).

Yes, I ate ants and crickets. No, I have not added them to my regular meal rotation.

There’s nothing wrong with finding comfort in consistency. It’s a great way to simplify meal planning. Strategic limits on variety can also help with weight management. For the loyalist, food is about reliability. There’s joy in knowing exactly what you’re going to get. A trusted routine never disappoints. Meals might become a culinary ritual or evoke an emotional memory…think of Anton Ego’s response upon tasting the ratatouille. And let’s face it - our natural instinct is often to stay in the comfort zone.

On the flip side, there are so many adventures waiting for us in the world of food. Food explorers keep an open mind, not necessarily searching for something better, but always seeking food that’s different. Variety doesn’t just keep things interesting - it fuels curiosity and creativity. It could be a way of exploring a new culture or learning more about friends and family. Eating is more than sustenance; it’s a discovery. Since variety is important to gut health, this strategy may make it easier to optimize health.

Neither style is better than the other - they simply reflect different relationships with food. Predictability vs novelty - but not everyone fits neatly in a box. Many with adventurous personalities are less so when it comes to food, and some with a preference for consistency branch out at mealtimes. But we can both learn from each other.

In my case, my husband brings me back to meals we both have enjoyed for decades (vegetable stew with herb dumplings!), and I get him out of his comfort zone, where sometimes he finds a new favorite (vegan Big Mac salad!).

Whether you’re a repeat-order regular or a culinary wanderer, the key is simple: make half [or more of] your plate vegetables and eat in a way that nourishes your body and feels right to you.