Have fun in the kitchen. The best way to make life easier on yourself as you take on a new routine to promote the stronger, healthier and happier you, is to prepare and pre-plan. Yes, it may take a little bit more work, but the work is part of the journey.
I admit that I am someone with zero knife skills who can think of plenty of other things to do with my limited time at home. However, the fact of the matter is cooking at home ultimately earns me more time with the family, time to myself, and valuable time dissecting what exactly I’m putting into my body and into my family’s bodies. With patience and diligence, my comfort level is far better now than it ever used to be. It has become empowering, gratifying, and quite addictive. I should also point out that this approach is more economical in the long run as well.
For me – to have fun in the kitchen – I need to make it more of an experience. Thus, I try to create the environment with the following ideas:
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Playing music from the radio, CD player or your phone can make chopping veggies or waiting for water to boil much more enjoyable. I feel TV to be too distracting.
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Get the husband and kids involved – it’s a great way to connect with them while cultivating a survival skill.
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Try new flavor enhancements such as spices, herbs, oils, and vinegars. The aroma alone will set the mood.
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Look for new recipes – follow along step by step. If you can read, you can cook!
Here are some other tips I’ve learned as I grow into my inner-chef:
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Make one or two days a week for food prep days. Triple your recipe for later in the week or freeze servings for a later date. Make sure to label the freezer bag with a description and date of preparation.
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Remember to stock your pantry and refrigerator with a variety of healthful foods which can enhance your recipes. Legumes (beans, lentils), proteins (seafood, poultry, meats), fresh or frozen vegetables, nuts and seeds, stocks, herbs, spices/seasonings (this is essential to keep you from getting bored), fats/oils (avacado oil, walnut oil, tahini, EVOO).
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Stocking your pantry and refrigerator with healthful foods will encourage healthier snacking.
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Finally, periodically, take a leisure trip to the grocery store, when you aren’t rushed so that you can slowly go down the aisles to explore new produce, read labels, and expand your repertoire. Many grocery stores are 24 hours and it is secretly (not anymore) one of my favorite things to do late night.
Our favorite nutritionist, Liz D’Alto, will cover the topic of spices at the next nutrition talk in May.
Date/Time: Wednesday, May 21st at 5pm
Location: BW Primare Care Conference Room
Topic: Spice up your Life! Using Herbs and Spices to Enhance the Flavor of your Food.
Are you meeting your fitness goals?
Gold’s Gym is providing all Body and Wellness patients with a no obligation session with a trainer to help you begin a workout plan tailored to your specific needs. Schedule by asking for Becky or Katie @410-795-0100.
For Seniors (60+), Merritt Gym has MerrittGym senior_days 2014 which is a FREE guest month and other group activities.
We look forward to seeing you soon in the office!