How to Think of Cooking as an act of self-Care
Making a big lifestyle change, like incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet, will mean spending more time in the kitchen. But reframing it as an act of self-care, rather than another chore, can make the shift not only manageable but even enjoyable.
I get it—this mindset might seem radical. I used to avoid cooking like the plague. My meals came from fast-casual spots like Panera or Chipotle, or they lived in my microwave (Amy’s burritos counted as health food, right?). Boiling pasta and dumping jarred red sauce on top? That was me "cooking." I was proud just to use a pot.
I’m cooking!
If this resonates, know you’re not alone, and it’s okay to start where you are. Transitioning to whole foods will mean more kitchen time, but it can also be surprisingly fun. Experimenting with recipes, trying new ingredients, and even exploring cool cookware made me realize that cooking could be creative and rewarding—not just a means to an end.
No, I’m not angling for culinary school, nor do I dream of running a restaurant (stressful much?). But learning to prepare my own meals gave me a deeper appreciation for good food. Now, when I eat out, I choose places where the chefs clearly care about their craft—small plates, thoughtful flavors, great ambiance. Sometimes, I even pick up inspiration to try back home.
Food as an Experience, Not Just Fuel
When you prepare your own meals, eating transforms from mindless refueling to a mindful experience. You’re more connected to what you’re putting in your body and, in turn, how you’re treating yourself. This mindset shift can make you want to nourish yourself better—your body deserves more than empty, processed "food-like substances."
I’m not here to lecture, but to inspire. Choosing healthier options begins with realizing how much our food choices impact our well-being.
Think about it: grabbing a quick, processed snack takes little thought or effort. But it also disconnects us from the act of eating. When that sugar rush fades, you’re left feeling unsatisfied, likely reaching for another quick fix. This cycle can leave you overeating without ever truly feeling nourished.
Cooking for yourself breaks that cycle. It doesn’t have to be complicated:
Morning smoothie: Five minutes tops. Toss spinach, protein powder, frozen fruit, flax oil, and water into a blender. Done.
Batch prep: Your best friend. Get a large bowl and fill it with water and a little bit of salt. Soak some apples in this mixture and then while catching up on a show or listening to an audiobook scrub those apples and place them in a nice bowl on your counter. Now you’ve got a healthy snack right at your finger tips for when you want to nosh on something.
Quick salad: While you’ve got the spinach out for your smoothie, toss some in a bowl with plant based chicken, or tofu, edamame, almonds, a sliced up apple, and your favorite dressing. Boom, lunch is prepped.
Simple, satisfying meals like these take minutes to prepare but leave you feeling great.
the Take away
Food preparation is more than a daily task—it’s a way to care for yourself. With small shifts in how you approach it, cooking can become something you look forward to rather than dread. Plus, the pride and enjoyment of nourishing your body on your terms? That’s self-care at its finest.
So grab that spinach, scrub those apples, and pour yourself a smoothie. You’ve got this.
