A gradual weight loss and wellness journey can have several milestones or turning points. I think one key point in my journey has been the ongoing change in my food preferences. It’s amazing to observe how my eating habits have changed my food tastes over time. The transformative change in my taste buds is astounding!
For most of my adult life, my relationship with food centered on the connection between food and my emotions. To enjoy life meant indulging in my “go-to” foods, mainly processed, in excessive amounts. Whether I traveled, hung out with family or looked for inspiration to be productive, “good” food was also the solution. Over the past 3.5 years, I’ve deliberately changed this pattern, which yielded dramatic changes in my weight and appearance.
How I respond to food, however, might be the most profound change I’ve experienced on this journey. I think the gradual change in my diet has affected my taste buds. For instance, I used to eat processed foods like potato chips or oatmeal raisin cookies quite regularly. Now, I might have a few dark tortilla chips or a homemade cookie, but my interest in such foods has faded. Even with my favorite fast-food chains, I’ve lost interest. What once seemed impossible is now the norm and I think it’s due to transformative changes in my taste buds.
According to medical research, we have about 2,000 to 4,000 taste buds, which are usually renewed weekly. Over time, I think my taste buds have experienced significant changes as I’ve consistently introduced them to more fruits and vegetables in place of processed foods. I haven’t completely abstained from processed foods, but the gradual changes have resulted in food preferences that I once thought were impossible for me!
These deliberate actions were increasingly taken over weeks and months. The gradual, but steady incorporation of foods like greens, cucumbers, peaches, watermelon and tomatoes in my diet has really affected my mood towards foods. I’m way pickier about what I eat even when I’m hungry!
Now, I still incorporate some processed foods or an occasional alcoholic beverage in my diet, but my approach to food is quite different. I think it’s the main reason why I’ve been able to keep the weight off. When I do gain a few pounds, it’s obvious to me because I choose to be a little excessive at times, but it’s definitely not the norm. My taste buds can no longer handle excess amounts of poor food choices.
What’s really interesting is that I’ve just scratched the service with this part of my journey. I’d like to learn more about how my changing taste buds impact my attitude and mindset towards food. I certainly feel that I’m shifting towards more of an eat-to-live approach. For me, this definitely stems from transformative changes in my taste buds, which is affecting my holistically.