Summer’s just around the corner and what better way to make great memories than to try new things? Perhaps you’re looking for a fun way to spend time with your friends and family or looking to adopt healthier habits.
Whether your plans for the summer include traveling, working, studying, or just enjoying yourself, it’s easy to incorporate these goals into your summer plans.
1. Discover a new favourite restaurant
Photo by Karen Tran
Aren’t you tired of eating at the same old, tired burger joint every week? Explore your city and try walking into that new place you’ve been eyeing that opened last month, and maybe you’ll find your next go-to hangout spot.
Even better, challenge yourself to try visiting a different new restaurant every week, whether it’s the fancy French cuisine you’ve been too shy to try or the new foreign chain restaurant that’s just recently opened up in the city.
2. Eat local
Photo courtesy of William Neuheisel
Speaking of great restaurants, why not make your new favourite place a local one? Support your one-of-a-kind local businesses that are unique to your town instead of a boring fast food chain. Don’t be surprised if you start getting recognized by the wait staff if you manage to become a regular, either.
3. Try a vegetarian or vegan diet
GIF courtesy of tumblr user @p0kegifs
Not willing to give up your carnivorous diet for good? That’s okay, but it doesn’t hurt to challenge yourself to follow a plant-based diet for a day, week, month, or year. Be open to all the limitless protein possibilities that are available without eating meat.
4. Learn how to cook something new
Photo by Karen Tran
Impress your friends, family, or significant other by inviting them over for dinner and making an excellent entrée. Nothing says “I’m practically an adult” better than showing them that you can cook something other than pasta.
Bonus points if you manage to prepare a full-course meal without any canned or frozen food or the use of a microwave.
5. Grow your own food
Photo by Karen Tran
Test out your green thumb and try to pick up a new hobby in your very own backyard. Whether you have limited patio space or an empty yard full of potential, there’s a plant for you that you can easily grow. You’ll be so proud the first time you harvest your own fruits and veggies and taste ’em!
6. Try a new type of cuisine
GIF courtesy of tumblr user @rude-andnotginger
Don’t be afraid to eat outside your comfort zone. If you can’t physically travel the world, enjoying a taste of international cuisine is a fantastic way to get part of that experience.
Challenge yourself to sample a different type of dish from as many different countries as you can. And maybe try not to embarrass yourself when you order by looking up how to pronounce the names of your food beforehand.
7. Eat alone
Photo by Karen Tran
You’re probably thinking that this is a weird goal to have for yourself, but think about it. It’s intimidating to walk into a restaurant and ask for a table for one, so most people avoid it. However, why should you ever let yourself miss out on something great (like eating at a fantastic restaurant) just because you’re embarrassed to sit alone?
It’s a good experience that everyone should be able to be comfortable with and should go through at least once or twice. You’ll learn to appreciate features of the restaurant such as the decor, music, overall ambiance, and more without the distractions of your present company.