Preparing your food is a wonderful way to eat healthier and achieve a healthy weight. Of course, not everyone is comfortable in the kitchen or even likes to cook. But if you do enjoy exercising your culinary prowess, it's a bonus. Maybe when it comes to throwing hamburgers or steaks on the grill you feel right at home, but when it comes to knowing how to cook asparagus or brown rice you feel like a “deer caught in the headlights.”
If you are someone who is uncomfortable in the kitchen or doesn’t like to be in the kitchen, try focusing on the incredible benefits you can gain by preparing your food. With a few strategies and a little practice, you may find yourself desiring to be in the kitchen more often.
Here's some good news! Healthy cooking can be a lot of fun. Try these tips for changing the way you eat and learning to enjoy the process of cooking.
Manage your space:
- Organize your kitchen. Try to make your kitchen space as efficient as possible (if it's not already). Arrange your pantry and shelves so that you optimize storage space. Put your essential items within easy reach.
- Purchase healthy recipe books. Invest in several cookbooks that feature healthy recipes. This will provide you with lots of ideas for dishes to try. You will usually also get plenty of culinary tips and tricks for preparing meals.
- Invest in good equipment. A few pieces of basic equipment can make life in the kitchen much easier. A high-speed blender, a food processor, and a slow cooker are items that you will want to have, and be very thankful to have. Also, make sure you have sharp knives for cutting all 0f those vegetables you'll be using in your recipes.
- Stock up on staples. Fill your pantry and freezer with ingredients that you will use often. You may want to switch out the less healthy items you once used with the healthier items you'll be getting to free up space. That may include items like whole grains, extra virgin olive oil, tomato paste, beans, and vegetables, to name a few.
- Cook in batches. Reduce your time in the kitchen by preparing larger batches of each meal item and freezing the leftovers. You can heat them later for quick meals.
- Clean as go. Having a stack of pots and pans when you're finished cooking that wonderful meal can be overwhelming, even for those who love to be in the kitchen. You can minimize the messes by cleaning as you go. Soak and rinse the dishes you've already used to make them easier to clean. You can also load the dishwasher as you go. Use a spoon rest or small plate to keep sauces or liquids from getting everywhere. Just ensure you keep an eye on your dish as you clean.
- Play music. Research shows that music can make almost any task more enjoyable. Create a cooking playlist or turn on the radio. You may want to be sure you choose music that will help you stay focused on your culinary masterpiece.
How to Make Healthy Cooking More Social
- Make family meals a priority. Plan to have at least one meal each day with your family. This is a great way to enjoy wholesome, healthy food and conversation with your family.
- Take a class. Check online or at a location near you for a cooking class focusing on preparing healthy food. This is a great way to meet people, get encouragement, and pick up lots of cooking tips.
- Share with others. Most people generally appreciate receiving homemade food as a present. Perhaps a neighbor, a friend, a co-worker, or a family member would enjoy receiving that loaf of bread, or some other dish made by you.
It may be a little challenging at first, but with a little practice and creativity, you will be on your way to enjoying preparing healthy meals. As a bonus, you will save money, become healthier, and have more time to spend with your family.