Since one of my missions as a Holistic Nutritionist is to make healthy eating more simple and delicious, I thought I would give you some step by step instructions on how to actually make it happen! (That’s my intern Hannah, Mr. Organic Pineapple and I having a hoot in the kitchen)
Here’s How to Make Cooking More Fun
I know that sometimes I don’t find cooking to be all that fun. I can get into a rut just like everyone else.
But since we can’t survive without food, and to be healthy we need to actually cook, I’ve put together my best tips for 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 favourite nutritionists, chefs, bakers, and other online foodies. Maybe do a quick search on our blog for your favourite recipes.
Pro Tip: Searching through recipes can be so fun and inspiring, and can also end up taking waaaay longer than planned. So, consider trying out a meal planning service or membership where you get new and exciting recipes that are in season. 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 favourite? 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.
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.)
Fun Cooking Tip #4
Put on some of your favourite 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 (our 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.
I made a great list of my Top Time Saving Tools in the Kitchen here, make sure to check it out!
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 my 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.
And if you know you could use some help, click here to check out our Meal Plan Memberships.
Recipe: Veggieful One Skillet Frittata
Serves 4
- 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
How to make:
- Preheat oven to 375F.
- Whisk together eggs and almond milk.
- Heat an ovenproof skillet (e.g. cast iron) on the stove with the olive oil.
- To the hot skillet add garlic, spinach, and zucchini. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the zucchini starts to soften.
- Add the tomatoes, herbs, spices, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the eggs.
- 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!
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