Why Do We Dislike Cooking & Ways to Make it More Enjoyable. When it comes to cooking, we’re often uninspired, unmotivated or tired of always being the person making the decision ‘what shall we have for dinner’. Cooking can be time-consuming, stressful, requires some degree of planning then of course, there’s the clean-up. For many, cooking feels more like a chore than a joy. After a long day, the thought of planning, prepping, cooking, and cleaning can feel overwhelming. But why do so many of us dislike it, and how can we turn it into something enjoyable?
Although a chore to many, cooking your own food is important.Creating homecooked meals is part of daily self-care. It’s a privilege to cook for yourself, friends & family. It’s also cheaper than the alternatives. So please, join us for this episode as we talk about what works for us when it comes to cooking & ways you can learn to enjoy your kitchen time? Simple during the week & maybe some batch cooking on the weekend. What the majority of people complain about pertaining to cooking is they don’t like thinking about what to cook every night.
Key reasons why people might not enjoy cooking:
Thinking about what to cook every single day: This is when you want a meal plan – look online, or through all those cookbooks you own but don’t use. Choose easy meals that you will enjoy or be adventurous. With a meal plan you don’t have to constantly think what to cook each day.
Lack of culinary skills: Feeling like you don’t have the necessary skills to cook well can lead to frustration and a dislike for cooking altogether. : Like anything, the more you do something the better you get at it. Choose simple recipes to begin with. Follow the recipe. Choose someone reputable.
Time commitment: Cooking can take a considerable amount of time, especially when considering grocery shopping and clean-up.
- So have a plan. Have a day when you plan your meals. A particular day that you shop. Know the recipes you’re going to make. Make sure you have the ingredients so you’re not spending time running out for things.
- Use your time wisely. Make friends with the slow cooker & your oven where you can throw everything into a pot and or on a baking sheet. Less washing up and less time.
- If you’re so pressed for time choose one-pan meals. Recipes that don’t require a lot of prep or use countless pans & bowls. Or have a lot of ingredients. Unless it’s something easy to add like a curry.
- Time is a big one for people but if you have appliances such as a blender or food processor, they can be time savers.
Stress and anxiety: Worrying about making mistakes or not following a recipe correctly can create stress in the kitchen. Yes, you’ve spent money on ingredients, but it is cooking, not brain surgery. The more you stress the higher the chances of making mistakes. Learn to relax & enjoy the process. Also, if you’re not confident in the kitchen, you need to concentrate so try to cook alone with no distractions.
Repetitive nature: Cooking the same meals repeatedly can become boring. Be adventurous, try foods from different countries, different books or the internet. You don’t have to use a laundry list of ingredients
Cleaning up: The post-cooking clean-up can be a significant deterrent for some people. Read through recipes before you start. Do you have the ingredients, how long will it take & does it used countless bowls & pans to make one simple meal?
Dietary restrictions: Cooking with specific dietary needs can feel limiting and difficult. Necessity is the mother of invention. Now a days everyone has a dietary restriction so focus on what you or whoever you’re cooking for can eat instead of what they can’t & get adventurous. There are so many products now available for dietary issues.
Negative past experiences: Bad experiences in the kitchen, like burnt meals? You need to get over it, it’s a meal, not a hit & run. Making mistakes also promotes leaning & understanding of food.
Laziness: Let’s be real, it is a big issue with cooking. If you want to feel better, save money and take care of yourself and or your family, you need to cook meals at home.
SUMMARY
Common Reasons We Avoid Cooking:
- Time Crunch: Cooking can feel like it takes too long, especially with a busy schedule.
- Repetition: Making the same meals repeatedly can become boring.
- Confidence Issues: Fear of messing up or not knowing where to start can discourage even trying.
- Cleanup Hassle: The dreaded pile of dishes often overshadows the joy of cooking.
How to Make Cooking More Enjoyable:
- Start Small: Choose simple recipes with a few ingredients to ease the pressure.
- Create a Fun Atmosphere: Play music, listen to a podcast, or light a candle to make the kitchen a relaxing space.
- Experiment With New Recipes: Trying new cuisines or ingredients can reignite your interest.
- Prep Ahead: Batch cook or chop ingredients in advance to save time during the week.
- Share the Work: Cook with family or friends to make it more social and less of a solo task.
Cooking doesn’t have to feel like a burden. With a few small changes, it can become a creative and rewarding part of your day. Start small, have fun, and rediscover the joy of making something delicious!
