It isn’t ideal to eat the same thing every day. Doing so will mean that your diet will lack variety, you’ll miss out on important nutrients and bacteria, not to mention, for most people, it’ll be boring. Adding variety to your diet, even small changes, can ensure that you achieve nutrient diversity and keep your body functioning as it should.
In this article, we’ll explore both the pros and cons of eating the same thing every day as well as how to mix your diet up without too much effort.
The pros of eating the same thing every day
Create healthy habits
Eating the same meals every day is a great way for those trying to establish healthy eating habits. It means that you don’t have to stress or think about what you need to eat, how to make it and when to eat. It simplifies your eating routine, meaning that you’ll be more likely to adhere to it. Not to mention, it reduces decision fatigue.
Reduces meal prep time
When you’re eating the same thing day in and day out, it cuts down on your meal planning and prepping time. It means that you don’t have to constantly decide what you’re going to eat and work out how to make it and you’ll be able to spend less time in the kitchen.
Can help with counting calories/macros
If you count your calories and/or macros, then eating the same thing means that you can ensure you’re keeping on track. It means less counting to do when you do because everything is consistent day in and day out.
The cons of eating the same thing every day
While there are some advantages, the cons do outweigh them. Here are some reasons why it isn’t recommended to eat the same thing every day:
Nutritional deficiencies
Depending on what meals you’re eating, having the same thing means that you are more likely to suffer from nutritional deficiencies. Your body needs to have a variety of nutrients and vitamins, which means you need to consume a variety of foods for your body to get them.
Eat an array of colorful vegetables and fruits so you can get everything you need.
Can negatively impact gut health
Your gut needs diverse bacteria to function healthily. Having a varied diet will mean that you can nurture a rich and diverse healthy gut.
Makes food boring
It can be boring eating the same thing over and over again. Even your favorite foods can become dull if there’s no variety to your diet. To ensure that food remains exciting and fun, mix up your meals. Food plays an integral part in ensuring that you’re physically healthy and functioning as you should be but it also plays a significant role in ensuring that you’re also mentally healthy as well. It brings enjoyment to our lives so keep that by changing up your meals to ones that you’re looking forward to.
How to mix up your meals
Changing your meals doesn’t have to be complicated. It doesn’t mean you have to make fancy meals every day to get a varied diet. Even small changes can make a big difference.
For example, if you’re tired of eating rice, broccoli and chicken, keep the same meal blueprint of carbs, protein and vegetables and change what type you eat. Switch rice to noodles or pasta, chicken to beef, turkey or tofu. Even change the seasoning/marinade you use. This can make the same meal different and new, not to mention, add variety to your diet.
Final notes
As a final note, it’s recommended that you add variety to your diet to achieve an array of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Not only will it ensure that you’re physically healthy and your body is functioning properly, but it’ll make meal time more fun and exciting, as it should be!