With the realization of mortality that middle age brings, the fight against cholesterol and high blood sugar has led me to learn to enjoy foods even more exotic than those that marrying a NY Italian exposes you too. I've jumped in to at least try a great number of new things and to enjoy a large percentage of them. 
Following the recommendations of health related websites I've found alternatives to white flour and white rice, ( I still eat those but the knowledge that these are not the healthful items once believed has us limiting our use). I won't try to list all the strange items I've learned to enjoy but anyone can get an idea if you go to the RealAge. com website - which I recommend to anyone concerned about eating exercise, and health. I get pleasure trying grains that I used to read about in historical texts, ( I include the Bible in those). Things like barley, spelt, quinoa, and wheat berries have so much more texture and flavor than rice.  I've always enjoyed fish in any form, ( cooked please). Wild game is also a welcome treat to me, even though I don't hunt, I'm busy enough as it is - donations are happily accepted though!