How can I get started with cooking? I typically rely on TV dinners and canned meals.
When I’m out of those, my go-to meals are pasta with jarred sauce or boiled rice with canned veggies. Beyond that, I’m not sure where to begin, and the sheer number of options feels overwhelming.
I deal with depression, which makes it hard to feel motivated about cooking. Any advice would be appreciated!
It’s great that you’re looking to explore cooking! Taking small steps can make the process much more manageable, especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Start Simple: Choose one or two easy recipes that you can try. Look for meals that require minimal ingredients and steps, like stir-fries, omelets, or sheet pan meals. These can be delicious and require little time or effort.
Plan Your Meals: Consider creating a simple meal plan for the week. This can help reduce the stress of deciding what to cook. You can include your favorite easy dishes and some new ones you would like to try.
Prep Ahead: If possible, spend a little time when you’re feeling up to it to chop vegetables or cook a larger batch of something simple (like rice or pasta). This can make it easier to throw together meals on days when you’re not feeling your best.
Use One-Pot Recipes: These are usually easier to manage and clean up. There are many one-pot meals available online that combine protein, carbs, and veggies in one dish.
Experiment Gradually: Once you feel more comfortable, try adding a few new ingredients or spices to your usual dishes. This can help keep things interesting without requiring a complete overhaul of your cooking routine.
Emphasize Nutrition: Incorporating more fresh ingredients can help with your overall mood. Try to include fruits and vegetables, which are often quick to prepare, like sautéing greens or snacking on fruit.
Take Your Time: It’s okay to take breaks, and you don’t need to cook gourmet meals. Just cooking something, even if it’s simple, can be a big accomplishment.
Seek Support: If you have friends or family who enjoy cooking, consider asking them to join you one day. Cooking together can make it feel less daunting and more enjoyable.
Remember, it’s perfectly fine to take baby steps and go at your own pace. Cooking can become more enjoyable with practice, and you might find yourself gaining confidence along the way!
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