Do you know what the biggest concern is from people considering switching to a real food diet?

They don’t want to eat the same thing all the time!

Of course not, who would!?

There is more to healthy eating than chicken and broccoli.

In fact, eating a wide variety of different kinds of food is a vital part of eating a nutrient rich diet.

It’s estimated that ancient cultures ate as many as 200 unique ingredients in one year.

Notice, they did not eat baked chicken and steamed broccoli every day.

The average American probably eats something closer to 50-75 unique ingredients.

Part of this is because we’ve outsourced our cooking to large scale companies. In order to make food profitable, it makes sense for them to make as many different meals as possible using a handful of key ingredients they can buy cheaply and in bulk.

The problem with that system is that most of us are deficient in the micro nutrients.

Minerals like copper, magnesium, zinc, even iron, appear in small quantities in natural food sources. In order for us to get all of the nutrients we need, we need every single meal to be as nutrient dense as possible.

The easiest, and most delicious, way to get all of the nutrients you need, is to eat tons of different kinds of food.

People often ask why I eat so many veggies if I'm not vegetarian.

The simple answer? It's more interesting and it’s a sure fire way to get as many micro nutrients as possible.

No other food group has as much diversity. No other food group has as much color!

Putting veggies first in my cooking has lead to more exciting recipes, unique flavor combinations, and all around better health, than anything I made when I cooked 'normal' food.

This week, I’m challenging you to head over to the farmers market or the grocery store and bring home one new veggie. It can be something you’ve never eaten before or something you haven’t had in a long time.

Maybe you’ll find a new kind of winter squash. They come in incredible shapes and colors and they’re all sweet and creamy on the inside like pumpkin.

Or a big bunch of deep red beets with the leaves still attached. Undoubtedly one of the prettiest veggies around.

Let your senses guide you.

Challenge yourself to get outside of your comfort zone for just one meal this week.

I will be here to support you! If you need recipe recommendations, storage tips, anything at all, post a message on the Parsley and Pumpkins facebook page.

Until next time, eat well friends!