Learning how to cook was one of the major factors in how much weight I lost. When you control the ingredients, you get to choose what you’re putting into your body. Besides that, cooking is cheaper. Now more than ever, people use the excuse that they cannot afford to eat healthy. For many, many people, if you can afford to eat, you can afford to eat healthy. I watched two twits on the Dr. Phil show last week say that they eat fast food because it’s cheaper. The fast food was costing them hundreds of dollars a week and they weren’t even attempting to eat the healthy items on the menu! So…I’m calling bullshit. Do yourself a favor and learn to make simple, healthy meals.
If you’re a complete cooking novice, get yourself a cookbook at the local library. I recommend starting with a cookbook because you will see what it means to love and appreciate food food you prepare yourself. Reading the author’s thoughts on cooking is a great inspiration. Second, cookbooks contain tips–tips that I did not become aware of until I had been cooking for myself for three years and finally picked up my roommate’s copy of “How to Boil Water.” Personally, my big takeaway from this book was how to mince garlic, but it’s different for everyone. The recipes aren’t particularly health conscious, but there are a lot of great basics that are great to learn.
Next, start browsing the Internet for recipes. The Food Network is one of my favorite places to look for new recipes. (They even have a section devoted to healthy eating.) Magazine Web sites like Women’s Health, Self and Cooking Light have great recipes on their sites. These recipes will incorporate techniques that make for healthy meals: light on oil, butter, and full-fat dairy; they usually include healthy fats, fiber, whole grains, and veggies. Once you get experience with a few basic recipes, you’ll start to see how that wisdom can be applied to other recipes.
Learn to make basic proteins: fish, chicken, lean beef. A simple protein and the right spices is the basis for an amazing home-cooked meal. And if you’re feeding yourself, there’s so much room for error and experimentation! I personally love onions, garlic, and crushed red pepper; when I’m cooking for myself, I can go crazy with those ingredients.
Also work on perfecting your eggs. Eggs are an amazing part of your diet: they contain vitamins and minerals that actually improve cholesterol and the protein keeps you feeling full. Practice making them scrambled with veggies or hard-boiled for a quick snack.
If you have more cooking experience, push yourself. Try new proteins, new sauces, new ways to make veggies.
If you have no kitchen or no interest in cooking, you can at least learn to prepare food well. A defrosted veggie burger on a whole grain bun with spicy mustard, or a homemade turkey sandwich with avocado and red onions can be a satisfying meal. Experiment with smoothies or a new oatmeal concoction. Even if you don’t make every meal from scratch, build better sandwiches or improve a basic breakfast.
I have been cooking every meal lately, and it’s been a fun adventure! I am going to start posting recipes here (with pics!) to share what works and what doesn’t. For me, there’s something about cooking that makes me feel confident and powerful, like I can take care of myself. That’s a delicious feeling.
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