Now…if you know me and my cooking skills, give me a chance! lol
Honestly, I have never found cooking to be all that fun. Cooking has NEVER been at the top of my priority list! I have used the “I can’t cook” excuse way too many times in order to avoid it entirely. But the energy, focus, clarity and sleep that I get from eating healthy, home cooked meals far outweigh the negatives! Not to mention saving money! And lastly, I’m a firm believer that what I eat impacts my inflammation levels and as a result, scoliosis pain. All these things have inspired me to start cooking! All that being said, if I can do it….please believe me when I tell you anyone can. And it doesn’t have to be torturous.
Recently I have found some ways to make it enjoyable AND simple that I want to share with you.
Fun Cooking Tip #1
Check out new recipes.
Sometimes just seeing the beautiful food photos and reading the recipe can spark some inspiration and fun in your kitchen.
You can head to your local bookstore. Or look up your favorite nutritionists, chefs, bakers, and other online foodies. Maybe do a quick search on Google or Pinterest to see thousands of new ideas.
If you subscribe to Beachbody on Demand there is a cooking show and cookbook included! It’s called Fixate and has awesome healthy, well-balanced recipes I love. I have saved a few to my Pinterest board here: Portion Fix Recipes
Not subscribed to Beachbody on Demand yet? Check it out for 14 days with a free trial by clicking here!
Pro Tip: Searching through recipes can be so fun and inspiring, and can also end up taking waaaay longer than planned. So, consider setting your timer when you start browsing. The last thing you want is to take too much time looking, that you don’t leave enough time for cooking.
Fun Cooking Tip #2
Make grocery shopping fun and inspiring.
When you’re at the grocery store, try something that you haven’t had in a while. Is there a seasonal fruit or vegetable you haven’t had for months? What about a childhood favorite? Did you come across something totally delicious at a restaurant or get-together lately?
Or, browse around the store looking for something you haven’t had before; something that is completely new to you. Be adventurous and fun. Then you can go to tip #1 to find new and inspiring recipes when you get home.
If you just can’t get into the idea of making grocery-shopping fun have your groceries delivered! Most grocery stores or Amazon Prime Now will deliver right to your door.
Fun Cooking Tip #3
Keep it simple!
Sometimes when I see a great food picture, I immediately get inspired to make it. But if I look at the ingredients or instructions and they’re too long, I stop. While there are times when I’m inspired and dive into a new great recipe; when I’m not all that inspired, I need to keep things simple.
A few ways to keep things simple are to:
- Search for recipes with 10 or fewer ingredients, and five or fewer instructions;
- Search for recipes that can be made in one pot or pan;
- Buy ingredients that are ready to cook with (pre-washed salad greens, diced squashes, frozen vegetables, etc.)
We share simple, healthy recipes in our No Excuses Facebook group – just click here and ask to join.
If you’re just starting, try to pick a meal a day that you want to cook at home and focus on it until you have it mastered. For instance, focus on cooking dinner before diving into other meals. Another way to keep it simple is to make enough of a dish to “meal prep” ahead. There is absolutely no reason to cook every night when you can make excess and prep it (or freeze) for later!
Fun Cooking Tip #4
Put on some music and invite someone to join you.
Do you have kids that need to learn the critical life skill of cooking? Perhaps your partner would love to join you? What about having a “cooking party” where everyone brings something and pitches in on the process?
Fun Cooking Tip #5
If none of the other tips work for you, invest in some kitchen swag!
Having proper kitchen tools makes cooking so much easier and faster. When’s the last time you sharpened your (or bought yourself a new) knife? Could dicing carrots with a dull knife be draining the fun from cooking? Or is blending a smoothie with a crummy blender, leaving it too chunky to enjoy, making you feel less excited to try new smoothie recipes? I know it does for me.
Conclusion
You know that cooking is key to healthy eating. And, yes, it does get boring from time to time.
Try one (or all) of our fun cooking tips to inspire you to get over to your kitchen and cook yourself some great dishes.
You already know your health will thank you.
Want to learn more?
Most people know that regular movement, eating well, sleep, and stress management are important for looking and feeling better. Yet they need help applying that knowledge in the context of their busy, sometimes stressful lives.
That’s why we work closely with ExecLevel Wellness clients to help them improve their health… no matter what challenges they’re dealing with. We believe that how you feel greatly impacts your ability to lead and age well in all areas of life.
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Recipe (simple and fun): One Skillet Frittata
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 8 eggs
- ¼ cup almond milk, unsweetened
- 1 tsp olive oil, extra virgin
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 handful baby spinach
- 1 small zucchini, sliced into thin coins
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 handful cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 dash herbs and spice to taste (parsley, sage, paprika, turmeric, etc.)
- 1 dash salt and pepper
Instructions
(1) Preheat oven to 375F.
(2) Whisk together eggs and almond milk.
(3) Heat an ovenproof skillet (e.g. cast iron) on the stove with the olive oil.
(4) To the hot skillet add garlic, spinach, and zucchini. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the zucchini starts to soften.
(5) Add the tomatoes, herbs, spices, salt, and pepper.
(6) Pour in the eggs.
(7) Place the skillet into the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, until eggs are set.
Serve & enjoy!
Tip: Feel free to substitute your veggies and use what you have on-hand. Try diced pepper instead of tomatoes, or chopped kale instead of spinach. Have fun with this!