Researchers at Cornell University’s Food and Brand Lab surveyed about 500 American women of all different backgrounds and lifestyles, asking them detailed questions about their eating habits. They found that, on average, women who ate more adventurously—those who tried lots of new foods like kimchi, rabbit, seaweed, quail eggs, and seitan—had significantly lower BMIs than women who didn’t. MORE: 20 Super-Healthy Smoothies Why? Researchers suspect that the answer is in the kitchen.a proven way to cut calories and maintain a lower BMI The survey showed that adventurous foodies were more likely to host friends for dinner and were more interested in cooking as a way to connect with their heritage—both indicators that they cook more frequently at home. And that’s an important habit to adopt, since previous research shows that making your own meals is . The adventurous eaters also reported that they were less concerned about how easy a food was to prepare and how much it costs. Since some healthier foods like fresh lean meat and seafood, 100% whole grains, and raw vegetables can be more expensive and/or require more prep time in the kitchen, the authors believe that adventurous eaters are willing to splurge on pricier but healthier options at the grocery store. [block:bean=sub-offer-flatbelly-flexblock] “These findings are important to dieters because they show that promoting adventurous eating may provide a way for people, especially women, to lose or maintain weight without feeling restricted by a strict diet,” coauthor Brian Wansink, PhD, said in a press release. More foods, fewer restrictions, and less weight gain? Count us in for some quail eggs.
