Try Something New Today
In Jamie Oliver’s TV series, Food Revolution, he visits an elementary school in Huntington, West Virginia and encourages schoolchildren to expand their culinary palates and enjoy more nutritious, healthy foods. Kids that try new foods, such as fruits and vegetables, are given a sticker that says “I tried something new today” and learn to love (or at least tolerate) items they originally shunned.
Eat like a local
During my round-the-world trip, I will also be challenging my taste buds by trying regional delicacies and authentic local cuisines. Food is one of the many joys of travel, and sampling local specialties provides an opportunity to better understand and appreciate everything a destination has to offer. Of course, this may occasionally require stepping outside my comfort zone and trying new things I would ordinarily decline.
I’ve already surprised myself by trying new foods, even though my trip has only just begun. Currently, I’m in the city of Merida, Mexico – the hot and humid capital of the Yucatan state. One way Meridanos have learned to beat the heat is with ice cream. The city has become famous for its ice creams and sorbets, and you’ll often see families strolling around the main square enjoying a delicious helado in the evening.
Elote helados
While ice cream is certainly a familiar item, many of the flavors here were completely new to me. Some, such as flan, sounded delicious. Others, such as sweet corn, sounded very strange. Yet others, such as guanabana, I had never even heard of before. The hot and sticky weather gave me a great excuse to sample all of these ice creams, and enjoy some exotic flavors that completely exceeded my expectations.
In particular, the Yucatecan sweet corn elote ice cream surprised me the most. White in color, interspersed with kernels of real corn, this ice cream was smooth, only slightly sweet, and incredibly tasty. I’m already trying to figure out a way to find this back home, or learn how to make it.
Picky eaters, give it up!
Trying new foods is not just for travelers and schoolchildren – it’s important for all of us to adapt our palates and challenge our senses, especially those of us changing our lifestyles by adapting healthier eating habits. Sometimes this might mean rediscovering an old friend, like those brussels sprouts that remind you of Grandma’s dinners. Other times, though, this will require venturing into the unknown and trying something completely new, like wheatgrass, goji berries, acai berries, or cacao nibs.
Sure, you might not always like these things, but you never know, you might just surprise yourself and find your own elote.
I’ll continue reporting on interesting foods, and the differing cultural aspects of growing, preparing, and enjoying foods throughout my journey. In the meantime, if you know a culinary specialty you would like me to sample on my journey through Latin America, please leave a comment with your suggestion.
Your thoughts....
Have you tried something new today?
Calorie Count co-founder Erik Fantasia and his girlfriend, Heather Curtis, are currently traveling through Mexico as part of a trip around the world. You can follow their adventures on Facebook at facebook.com/aroundthisworld
Comments
Last night I tried something new...avocado instead of mayonaise. I grilled a chicken breast with spices, sliced it warm, added a tomato and high fiber bread (Arnolds 12 grain) and then sliced avocado on the sandwich. It was very good.
However avocados are not always in my price range and it is hard to keep them fresh. But when avocados are priced right and you get a "just right" ripe one, they are heaven.
Aaah food. Your preferences can say so much about you.
When I meet a new person I try and work out the person's food preferences. Not exact details, but just weather they are severely picky or not. It’s usually easy to do as a lot of socializing is accompanied by food. I love food and it is a huge part of my life, but more than that I find that it can be an indicator of open mindedness. Of course there are exceptions such as allergies. But I find even the lingo such as "I have a sensitivity to..." is irritating. Fact is if you eat chick peas you will get gassy. I love Kimchi (pickled cabbage) I'm not going to give up on it or say I have a “sensitivity” to it and not eat it... it gives me gas... some food does that. For the sake of the calorie count users, I think it’s important not to obsess over your low calorie diet, be vigilant, learn to love beautiful and healthy food, but also learn to love amazing rich and healthy food in limited quantities. Instead of gorging yourself on rice cakes, why not try and eat a small quantity of those homemade and seasoned rough cut French fries with aioli?
In essence, food, similar to other taste related things, is a good indicator of open mindedness and lifestyle. Like music… don’t knock it till you’ve tried it… you may say you hate country music but before you spit on that Shania Twain record for the 10th time check out some Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash, they may just change your view of what that style is all about. Same with food, don’t banish an ingredient, maybe just banish THAT recipe.. Obviously not the total and final decision maker, but a good gauge when meeting new people.
ps. Avocados! buy them rock hard on sale, keep them in a paper bag at room temperature till they ripen, then pop them in the fridge... only using half an avocado? keep the skin on and the pit in the half that is not used... sprinkle on some lemon juice to keep it from going brown... plastic wrap, then fridge.
Avocado. Mash 1/4 an avocado, add a little salt and pepper and use it like mayo. It has a buttery taste, good fat and plenty of vitamins.
I'd also be interested to know how hard it is to watch your calories when you're traveling and if you have any tips for us. And, please let us know if there are diet methods or favorite low cal foods you run into in other countries that we don't know about.
Enjoy your trip!! We're all jealous.
A picky eater until my early 20s, I love the idea of trying new things! My children know that we have a rule in the house that you have to try at least two bites of each new dish/item. If they still don't like it after that, they don't have to eat it. Usually, they wind up loving it!
The only thing I can't get over my aversion to is nuts! It's not even the taste, it's the texture. I'm trying, though!
Can't wait to hear about your next stop!
For my sandwiches I replaced mayo with tzaziki sauce - it is a cucumber, garlic and dill yogurt spread.
Thanks Howard - will definitely look into those two things! Poking around the supermarket has been very interesting...hope to pull together a blog post on the low-cal/diet options here soon.
can also try hummus on a sandwich instead of mayo - i have also learned to like mustard in place of it - hardly miss it now
If you go to Peru, you will be able to try all sorts of exotic dishes. You should try cuy (guinea pig), anticucho (meat skewers, sometimes beef hearts -- nothing like in the US), seco de res (my absolute favorite -- it's like braised beef in a cilantro and pea sauce served with rice and beans) and cau cau (tripe made the Peruvian way), and ceviche (wonderful).
P.S. The word is spelled "palate," not pallette. Check it out online if you don't believe me :)
Mandy
I know tofu has gotten a bad name as the "yucky" stuff vegetarians eat, but I made tofu sloppy joes for a group of skeptical teenagers, and they ate every bit of it! Just crumble firm, (organic if you can get it) tofu in a pan with a bit of olive oil and cook until dryer and slightly golden. Then add to your favorite sloppy joe recipe, or click on this link for a complete healthy recipe.
http://www.healthy-eating-support.org/Recipe-Sloppy-Joes.htm l
I use nonfat, plain Greek yogurt as a replacement for mayonnaise in recipes that call for mayonnaise, and it's worked out really well. Plus, it provides extra protein!
Original Post by: mandelitaIf you go to Peru, you will be able to try all sorts of exotic dishes. You should try cuy (guinea pig), anticucho (meat skewers, sometimes beef hearts -- nothing like in the US), seco de res (my absolute favorite -- it's like braised beef in a cilantro and pea sauce served with rice and beans) and cau cau (tripe made the Peruvian way), and ceviche (wonderful).
P.S. The word is spelled "palate," not pallette. Check it out online if you don't believe me :)
Mandy
Thanks Mandy - I am indeed going to Peru and will be sure to check those out! Thanks as well for pointing out the misspell - it's been fixed 
Very much in agreement with Olexandra, it's not about quantity of rubbish but quality. I'd far rather a small portion of pumpkin ravioli in sage butter than 10 rice cakes with low fat cream cheese.
I love creating and eating fusion dishes inspired by my travels; my boyfriend is Italian and whilst I love Italian food, I love to spice it up a bit. Thus besides just using sage butter with my ravioli, I add chilli, ginger, garlic and coriander. I have made and loved mexican lasagne with layers of spicey beans, strong cheese, more like enchiladas but in pasta. Hot asian soups to I like to mix up a bit, japanese style soba noodle soups but with the addition of chilli, ginger and lemongrass, fusing thai and japanese cuisines. I use paneer of Indian cooking much in place of tofu or to create really firm juicy burgers. I have loved mango and sweet lassies, Indian flavored desserts with the flavors of saffron, cardamon, pistachio...
Sweet potato baked with goats cheese and chilli beans or sauteed mushrooms, peanut spicey soup, crepes filled with an infinite number of different flavors, from traditional french cheeses, to italian nutella or spinach and ricotta, to mexican beans or Indian chana.
I'd like to try possible vegetarian combinations of sushi, but spicing it up a bit, maybe fusing it with Indian. I'd also like to see more eastern flavors in english food, particularly desserts. Think pot pies filled with curry, mung bean, refried beans and cheese toasties, Italian herbs in omelettes, burgers made from tofu. Eton mess with a middle eastern take, using rose syrup and rose petals and essence, jam roley poley with rose infused jam and a pistachio sponge, more kulfi, stickey toffee pudding with lots more spice, same with crumble.
Ive been to korea and china last summer, and while the chinese stir fry mostly everything i did try some delicious noodles there. However korean food is AMAZING, and it is SO healthy. I try to go to the korean supermarket here (there are only 2 in the whole country) as much as possible to get the ingredients and i try to cook some korean food at home. I am big on trying new food as i travel often.
While out to eat with friends, I recently tried sweet potato fries (which I love), with curry mayonnaise. Even though I like curry, I was leary about how the flavor of the mayo would work with the sweetness of the fries. Turns out, the combination of flavors is amazing!
Next on my list is eel soup. I have friends raving about how a local restaurant makes it so I've agreed to go with them next week and give it a try.
Original Post by: mandelitaIf you go to Peru, you will be able to try all sorts of exotic dishes. You should try cuy (guinea pig), anticucho (meat skewers, sometimes beef hearts -- nothing like in the US), seco de res (my absolute favorite -- it's like braised beef in a cilantro and pea sauce served with rice and beans) and cau cau (tripe made the Peruvian way), and ceviche (wonderful).
P.S. The word is spelled "palate," not pallette. Check it out online if you don't believe me :)
Mandy
Mandy: I was in Peru and tried guinea pig - in a port wine reduction. It was good but a little tough and boney. The real problem was it gave me my introduction to the "Inca two-step." 
That's awesome!
my parents had a similar rule... get us started early.
have you tried nuts blended into icecream?
try roasted almon gelato... no almond chuncks... also nut butters... try whole wheat toast, almond butter, banana and honney... drooooooooooooool
I really love eating greek yogurt nowadays. And it even comes in 0% fat. This variety of yogurt is nothing like the overly sweet and sometimes chemical tasting big name brands.
Can eat it straight, with fruit, as a topping or even in place of sour cream or mayo. Has a good, tangy flavor and goes well with all sorts of herbs, spices and even honey or citrus. I just use a mini-whisk and whip whichever flavor choice yI feel like right into a tablespoon or so of this thick, yummy stuff. Leftovers keep well kept in the container tucked into a ziplock baggie.
DON'T CLICK THE LINK AT THE END OF THE ARTICLE: www.aroundthisworld.com
IT TRIES TO DOWNLOAD VIRUS.
CTL+ALT+DELETE IF YOU DO CLICK AND JUST END YOUR BROWSER SESSION.
IT LOOKS LIKE A LEGIT WINDOW, BE CAREFUL.
By the way, I've been to that neveria in Merida several times. Wonderful. I love the slight sweetness of the guanabana. Nothing like Mexican water ice creams. In central Mexico, try a scoop each of the Lime and Tequila ice cream. Heaven.
I'd be willing to try ice cream in any new way, culture or travel. Yes. I'd love to see a low cal version.
Original Post by: mollybriteLast night I tried something new...avocado instead of mayonaise. I grilled a chicken breast with spices, sliced it warm, added a tomato and high fiber bread (Arnolds 12 grain) and then sliced avocado on the sandwich. It was very good.
However avocados are not always in my price range and it is hard to keep them fresh. But when avocados are priced right and you get a "just right" ripe one, they are heaven.
Hellman's Dijonnaise--same stats as regular mustard but a much tangier, mayo-esque taste!
I never liked oatmeal. It's a blah dish, rather slimmy no taste, and I try to stay away from sugar. Lately I love oatmeal. I call it spanish oatmeal. I take 2 T of oatmeal, and 1/4 c. Rague spa. sauce. with about 1 T water. Microwave it for 2 min.
You can also add shredded cheese, but i try not to add this because of the extra calories. But it is good.
Original Post by: msalazar81DON'T CLICK THE LINK AT THE END OF THE ARTICLE: www.aroundthisworld.com
IT TRIES TO DOWNLOAD VIRUS.
CTL+ALT+DELETE IF YOU DO CLICK AND JUST END YOUR BROWSER SESSION.
IT LOOKS LIKE A LEGIT WINDOW, BE CAREFUL.
By the way, I've been to that neveria in Merida several times. Wonderful. I love the slight sweetness of the guanabana. Nothing like Mexican water ice creams. In central Mexico, try a scoop each of the Lime and Tequila ice cream. Heaven.
I'm looking into the issue you are describing with my site - if you are able to get a screenshot that would really help out! You can send it to erik@calorie-count.com
Thanks for the suggestion on Lime & Tequila ice cream - sounds amazing!
We have a dinner time rule that the kids must at least try everything. After awhile, they start to like it. They daycare also has a saying to get the kids to try everything: "Try It, You'll Like It"
Original Post by: msalazar81DON'T CLICK THE LINK AT THE END OF THE ARTICLE: www.aroundthisworld.com
IT TRIES TO DOWNLOAD VIRUS.
CTL+ALT+DELETE IF YOU DO CLICK AND JUST END YOUR BROWSER SESSION.
IT LOOKS LIKE A LEGIT WINDOW, BE CAREFUL.
By the way, I've been to that neveria in Merida several times. Wonderful. I love the slight sweetness of the guanabana. Nothing like Mexican water ice creams. In central Mexico, try a scoop each of the Lime and Tequila ice cream. Heaven.
FYI - problem is now fixed. Thanks again for bringing this to my attention!
I grew up very picky, a combination of parents' limited food tastes (my Mom is picky and my Dad has health issues with a lot of foods) and a baby-sitter that only served soups, sandwiches, cereal, and hot-dogs. I've since experimented a lot and greatly enlarged my food choices.
The problem still is that if I do not like a food I get physically ill, which is what has so severly limited me in the past. I hate wasting food so I never tried anything new for fear of having to waste the food if I did not like it. But now I have a boyfriend who eats ANYTHING so when I'm with him I LOVE trying new foods, if I don't like something he will eat it for me! I've made wonderful food discoveries this way :)
What a wonderful saying, 'Try one new thing every day.'
pgoda, I love plain yogurt in sandwiches instead of mayonnaise. For an even thicker spread, you can either drain the yogurt in cheesecloth overnight to get a thick yogurt cheese, or use silken tofu. My sister makes a delicious sandwich spread using firm silken tofu mixed with yogurt and seasoned with salt, pepper and spices/herbs that vary- basil, mint, cilantro, oregano. Its versatile, packed with protein and oh so yummy!
I tried a new fresh vegetable in Mexico this past winter that is available where I live - Canada. It is called Jicama. It is very delicious, tastes like peas in a pod, but has the consistency of an apple/pear - nummy and low calorie.
Original Post by: audiepigoutFor my sandwiches I replaced mayo with tzaziki sauce - it is a cucumber, garlic and dill yogurt spread.
Great idea - I love Tzaziki!
If trying to loose weight, a good thing to snack on is korabi.
taste is [i'd say] between a cabbage and radish] it's crunchie, good plain for a snack, or in salads,
Original Post by: pgodaWe now eat more parsnips and have tried them in chicken and vegetable stir fries and they are delicious and a bit sweet. We used to eat them only twice a year, at thanksgiving and Christmas with turkey and turnips.
I noticed, now that I count my calories and changed my lifestyle, I take the time to savour my food. Does anyone have a suggestion to replace low fat mayonnaise in sandwiches? I cut out the butter, but I need something to go with tomato and lettuce, or salmon in a sandwich.
thanks
Your sandwich sound yummy, I might have drizzled a little light vinegarette on the bread or the lettuce.
Dear Erik:
When we last vistied Cancun we dined at a restaurant called Freida's, it was on the main boulevard and had a thatched roof. I had a fish that was baked in salt. It was so moist and flavorful that I remember it to this day. Ok, it's not that far "out of the box" in terms of a new food, but it is worth the culinary experience.
I look forward to hear more tales from your grand adventure.
If you happen to go to Venezuela go to Merida (Yeah I know... another Merida?) and go to the ice cream shop Coromoto it has the world record for the most ice cream flavours :) most of them are excelent some like the pasta one with actual pasta noodles inside it not so good (I swear I couldn't eat ice cream for months without feeling nauseous! heheh)
I add cut up dates to my oatmeal, they are sweet and it makes it tasty and doubly healthy.
Original Post by: mandyvzlaIf you happen to go to Venezuela go to Merida (Yeah I know... another Merida?) and go to the ice cream shop Coromoto it has the world record for the most ice cream flavours :) most of them are excelent some like the pasta one with actual pasta noodles inside it not so good (I swear I couldn't eat ice cream for months without feeling nauseous! heheh)
Wow - that sounds really amazing! Yes, pasta noodles and ice cream seems like a very strange combination 
Original Post by: pgodaWe now eat more parsnips and have tried them in chicken and vegetable stir fries and they are delicious and a bit sweet. We used to eat them only twice a year, at thanksgiving and Christmas with turkey and turnips.
I noticed, now that I count my calories and changed my lifestyle, I take the time to savour my food. Does anyone have a suggestion to replace low fat mayonnaise in sandwiches? I cut out the butter, but I need something to go with tomato and lettuce, or salmon in a sandwich.
thanks
avocado; or make a guacamole with avocago, garlic, fresh cilatro, and lime juice - delicious!! if you're feeling crazy, add in a red onion.
What a great show. My son and I watched it together. Jamie Oliver is really an inspiration and I am 100% behind the food revolution!
Original Post by: pgodaWe now eat more parsnips and have tried them in chicken and vegetable stir fries and they are delicious and a bit sweet. We used to eat them only twice a year, at thanksgiving and Christmas with turkey and turnips.
I noticed, now that I count my calories and changed my lifestyle, I take the time to savour my food. Does anyone have a suggestion to replace low fat mayonnaise in sandwiches? I cut out the butter, but I need something to go with tomato and lettuce, or salmon in a sandwich.
thanks
Plain Greek Yogurt is the perfect substitute for mayo especially with salmon. If you want a little more flavor try mixing the Greek yogurt with a little extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice. :)
I continue to try new things. I had never had egg plant before but was curious as to how it tasted. Bought a small one and added it to my stir fry. Not my favorite thing, but not awful either. Many things have been added: Bok Choy, fresh spinach, blueberries, yogurt, and the list goes on. Yum!
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We now eat more parsnips and have tried them in chicken and vegetable stir fries and they are delicious and a bit sweet. We used to eat them only twice a year, at thanksgiving and Christmas with turkey and turnips.
I noticed, now that I count my calories and changed my lifestyle, I take the time to savour my food. Does anyone have a suggestion to replace low fat mayonnaise in sandwiches? I cut out the butter, but I need something to go with tomato and lettuce, or salmon in a sandwich.
thanks