This makes it especially important to focus on any part of eating that you find interesting and fun, which will motivate you to nourish your body with food ( 8). People are at an increased risk of malnutrition when they don’t find joy in eating. Try experimenting with different herbs, spices, and seasonings that may enhance the taste of foods. Therefore, experiment with different meals and see what works best for you. Some people prefer to eat more bland food to lower their expectations of a flavorful meal. For example, if you’re not a fan of certain vegetables, this may be a good time to add them to your dishes. In this case, adding more citrus flavors (think lemon, orange, lime) may help.Īlso, certain spices, herbs, vinegars, and seasonings may help boost the taste of your meal ( 6, 7).Īdditionally, this may be a good opportunity to add nutritious foods that you normally steer away from to your diet. Plus, certain foods, such as sour and tart foods, can enhance and stimulate the taste buds. Experimenting and identifying foods you can taste more or less can improve your eating experience ( 6, 7).

Though you may have a diminished ability to taste food in general, there may be certain things you can taste more than others. Furthermore, try creating a fun and engaging eating atmosphere. Summaryįocus on your other senses to try to appreciate the textures, smells, looks, and sounds of food. This may bring joy to your meal by reminding you of certain memories and creating an enjoyable atmosphere.įinally, try to embrace other aspects of eating and food preparation, such as presenting your food in fun ways, creating an engaging social environment, and experimenting with different recipes. If you’re still able to smell, try adding fragrant spices, herbs, and other ingredients.

You may wish to add crunchier foods to your meal to stimulate your senses of sound and touch. You could choose to make your meals more visually appealing by adding various colors or spending time decorating your plate with garnishes.Īs you’re chewing your food, slow down and notice the subtle differences in textures and sounds with each bite. Notice the colors, textures, and variety in front of you. When you are eating, try to focus on your other main senses if you’re having trouble tasting food.įor example, take time to look at the appearance of your food.

How to get back your taste buds