Adventurous eaters, known as “foodies”, are often associated with indulgence and excess. However, a new Cornell Food and Brand Lab study shows just the opposite, adventurous eaters weigh less and may be healthier than their less-adventurous counterparts.
A nationwide US survey of 502 women showed that those who had eaten the widest variety of uncommon foods — including seitan, beef tongue, Kimchi, rabbit, and
polenta — also rated themselves as healthier eaters, more physically active, and more concerned with the healthfulness of their food when compared with non-adventurous eaters.
“They also reported being much more likely to have friends over for dinner,” said lead author Lara Latimer, PhD, formerly at the Cornell Food and Brand Lab. “These findings are important to dieters because they show that promoting adventurous eating may provide a way for people, especially women, to lose or maintain weight without feeling restricted by a strict diet,” said coauthor Brian Wansink.
He advises, “Instead of sticking with the same boring salad, start by adding something new. It could kick start a more novel healthy life of food adventure.”
— Source: www.eurekaalert.com
