Being a dietitian, blogger, and food lover, I often get asked these questions:
- Do you like to cook?
- How often do you cook?
- Do you cook every day?
- Do you cook like THIS all the time? (That’s when I have people over, and it always makes me giggle because my dishes are really not that fancy)
Often, I feel the burden people attach to cooking; couples shoving the food-making responsibility on each other, moms complaining of how much time and effort it takes to cook; oh and my favorite; people with an attitude thinking that they’re better than spending time in the kitchen–“I don’t waste my time cooking.”
Hmm. Are you saying I waste my time cooking? I’m glad I don’t take things personal!
Cooking is a chore!
Most people view cooking as a chore, just like other never-ending housework. A burden that takes them away from other priorities in their life–whatever they may be. Regardless of our life situations, from full-time jobs, to stay-at-home moms, to single parents, to college students, we’re all busy. But why do we complain about cooking so much?
Take showering for example. We don’t think twice about the act of washing and cleaning our bodies from the outside. Why is spending 30 minutes 3 times a week to make food at home, which helps us clean our bodies from the inside, so demanding?
What a chore!
While some have an attitude problem with cooking, I truly believe that many people just don’t know how to cook. They’ve never practiced; never seen a parent chop an onion; or think that cooking mean fancy expensive tools and ingredients. Some may have given it a stab, didn’t get a result they wanted, and were quick to label themselves as ‘bad cooks.’ Some think cooking takes a long time–and it doesn’t have to. Others have seen their parents and grandparents whip amazing meals that took a whole day to prepare, and that’s a no-no in our busy fast-paced lives.
But I can eat out!
Bring restaurants to the picture and you’ve lost cooking enthusiasm to convenient, at-every-other-corner establishments. Weighted down in the comfort of your warm car seat, you can pay few dollars and get a hot smelly thing to eat, overloading your taste buds with salt, fat, and sugar. Mmm, now that’s appetizing!
And upscale sit-down restaurants are not that much better. Chefs, even the most health-conscious ones, aren’t in the business of health. They’re in the business of making dishes that people will like so they come back over and over. That often means too much butter, oils, salt, and sugar. Then there’s the problem with huge portions. Business again. You’ll go back to a restaurant that served you a large meal. You’ll tell your friends to go there because it’s such a good deal. Not for your waistline, unless you’re packing half of it for the next day. Large portions mean more business. Those of you who never returned to a restaurant because it served tiny portions, you know who you are!
Learn how to identify the REAL causes of your gut problems.
I started writing this post last night then put it aside to join other dietitians for a Twitter chat (an online chat using Twitter). The topic was clean eating–talk about a buzzword–and the chat was highlighting a Nutritionist and chef colleague of mine, Michelle Dudash, who has an upcoming book, Clean Eating for Busy Families.
When asked about our definition of clean eating, almost everyone said cooking at home.
Cooking is not a chore. It’s something you do take care of yourself. It’s gift to yourself and to those who share a life with you. You don’t have to be an iron chef, Julia child, or have your own cooking show. Cooking doesn’t mean making gnocchi or flambé or homemade pasta from scratch.
My clients who see me for IBS, migraines, fibromyalgia, and food sensitivities learn to cook at home. They need to know what’s in their food and control what goes inside their bodies to relief their symptoms and live without their pain. Many don’t know how to cook or where to start, but after we work together to develop meals, and once they learn simple recipes and techniques, they love it. They feel much more empowered, healthier, and move lively.
Embrace cooking. Learn basic skills. Equip your kitchen with basic tools and ingredients. Look for easy recipes with ingredients that you like. Put some music on. And have fun!
Resources:
Other than the recipes on my blog, look for healthy recipes on pinterest. Check out my pinterest board, and I like this board by EA Stewart as well. Other website to find recipes:
- Cooking Light
- Eatingwell.com
- The Food Network (adjust some recipes and cut back some sugar and fat)
- Allrecipes (look for recipes without too much sugar, oils, or butter)
- Myrecipes.com
Learn how to identify the REAL causes of your gut problems.
Learn to Cook (and learn to love it!):
After the chat last night, I was so excited about cooking that I decided to offer one-on-one cooking sessions. I’m not a chef, but I cook. My nutrition coaching is based on eating wholesome real food. Cooking at home is the core of my teaching, whether for food sensitivities, weight loss, or for medical conditions.
Do you want to learn basic cooking skills? Give me a call or shoot me an email. I’ll come to your kitchen and help you make few healthy simple and DELICIOUS meals for one, two, four, or more!
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6 thoughts on “If you Don’t Cook, Don’t like to Like to Cook, or Don’t Know How to Cook: This is for You!”
I absolutely agree with this post. I just dont get why people make cooking such a big deal while they can spend so much time on social media or tv instead of spending 10-15 minutes to assemble healthy, delicious meals for themselves. Lot of friends think same way about me too- i do not have any fancy kitchen equipment plus i buy groceries/produce with whats on sale and stuff. I guess its all about our priorities, for me making my own meals as much as possible gives me so much strength and feel good experience than grabbing cheap eats from fast food. Health over comfort i guess 🙂 thanks for sharing your views
I’m glad Dixya you share my view and love for cooking 🙂
Nour you make great points a minute in the kitchen can save minutes in the doctor’s office
you rock! Chere
Thanks Chere! I’d say HOURS in more than one doctor’s office 🙂
I absolutely love to cook and to be honest, I find cookiing a very effective use of time. The meals you can prepare ahead can save you time in the long run and nourish your body as well. I think my favourite part of cooking is the food preparation process and storing them properly. I’m more of an improv cook, making use of whatever is around the house but currently experiencing a cook’s block.
Hahah… a cook’s block! I like that. I sometimes get into that phase, and it’s usually when other aspects of my life are stressing me out. So maybe look at the big picture and determine what’s causing the block. Look for new recipes or ingredients. Sometimes, I make it a challenge to try ONE new food each week, so it kind of pushes me out of a box and into trying something new. Have you tried Quinoa? Buckwheat? How about Chia? Hemp seeds? Collard Greens? Kohlrabi? Beets? How about turmeric? Tempeh? Pick one new thing and go from there!
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