Preparing your own food at home is a great way to take control of your food choices, eat healthier, and feel your best in your body. If you love to cook, that’s an added bonus. Conversely, if you’re uncomfortable in the kitchen, you may rely too much on take out. The good news is, there are ways to make healthy food fun to make and eat.
I was blessed to grow up in a home with strong culinary role models. I’m not talking about gourmet meals every night, but my mom was a home economics teacher so I saw balanced meals planned for and carried out each and every week. Maybe you didn’t grow up in the kitchen, but it’s not too late to learn. On the other hand, you might be eager to bake cookies and fry bacon, but you draw a blank about what to do with asparagus or dread cooking another chicken dinner.
It’s natural to feel frustration if you have to look up half the words in a recipe or run to the store for trendy super food ingredients. You’ll be happy to hear that there are many quick and simple ways to make healthy cooking faster and even fun.
Ready to discover 10 ways to make healthy food fun? Try these suggestions to change the way you eat and enjoy the process.
1. Organize your kitchen
You don’t need an expensive renovation. Simply put your essentials within easy reach or install some racks to expand your cabinet storage.
2. Invest in some basic tools
Ensure that your knives are sharp and cutting boards are in good shape (I replace these often). If the budget allows, invest in a slow cooker, instant pot, air fryer, or food processor to speed up prep and cooking times.
3. Stock up on staples
I like to fill my pantry and freezer with our favorite healthy ingredients. That may include olive oil or diced tomatoes. I have coconut aminos and avocado oil in the pantry at all times.
4. Play music
Research shows that music can make any task seem more effortless. Turn on the radio or make your own amazon prime music cooking play list. A dance party in the kitchen is good for your health as well.
5. Get your kids involved
Healthy cooking is one of the most important life skills you can nurture in your children. You will be teaching them habits that support a higher quality of life. I know the more my children cook, the more foods they venture to try.
Is it time to take those skills to the next level?
6. Take a class
Check the calendar at a local specialty cooking shop or cooking school. There are online options for courses on Udemy or nearly unlimited content on You Tube. Make it more fun by having a friend join you!
7. Make a family cookbook
Assemble your favorite recipes along with pictures and stories. First, give old favorites a healthy makeover (it usually takes just swapping a few ingredients). You can literally pass down healthy eating habits to the next generation.
8. Plan theme nights
Keep the weeknights fun by having theme nights each week. Try a Meatless Monday (try these Avocado Pesto Zoodles), Taco Tuesday (how about Shrimp Taco Bowls), or Wacky Wednesday.
9. Batch Cook
It is no fun to spend every evening in the kitchen, so be sure to make extra servings when you do cook. I reuse the extras for lunches, another dinner, or freeze them for a future night when I don’t feel like cooking.
10. Post Your Creations
Take photos of your meal and share on social media to inspire your friends – tag us @peakpotentialpt so we can applaud your efforts as well.
Lastly, you might just need a little practice and creativity. Before you know it, you will enjoy making nutritious meals and snacks at home. In addition to eating healthier, you’ll save money and create more opportunities to spend quality time with your loved ones.
Interested in learning more about how to prepare those “well balanced” meals and what a “healthy” plate should look like? We have a Nutrition Workshop coming up soon – options to watch virtually or attend with us live in Collierville. You will discover how to finish the year strong with a personalized nutrition strategy.
For details about the Next Complimentary Workshop visit us on Facebook, call the office at 901-316-5456 or email amanda@peakpotentialpt.com. Seats must be reserved in advanced due to limited class sizes.
