Many people live a super-busy lifestyle which unfortunately means they often choose not to cook and order takeout instead. When you combine a demanding job, busy schedules, children, and to-do lists, you may feel tired and not inspired to cook at all. If on top of it, you aren’t very skilled in the kitchen and find food prep boring it’s no wonder you choose to eat out a lot. 

This is unfortunate because cooking your meals at home has countless benefits and it can be a great, fun hobby. Living on processed and fast food is proven to be extremely unhealthy for you in the long run and we know that a healthy lifestyle is essential for your overall well-being. If you shift from processed, sugary foods to real, whole, fresh food you will see an instant change in your digestion, mood, and energy levels and you can prevent many future health problems. Making a transition to whole foods is huge and the big part of it is preparing those foods.

You may think cooking is difficult, time-consuming, or boring but it really doesn’t have to be. There are a lot of ways to make cooking at home a fun experience you will enjoy. This is especially important nowadays because we all spend most of our time at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns. Why don’t you use this time at home to make a change and become healthier? Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced chef, here are some strategies that will help you enjoy your time in the kitchen. Let’s begin!

Start Using Helpful Tools

If you are one of those people that like actual cooking but don’t enjoy the prep, you are in the right place. When it comes to kitchen tools, a good food processor is an absolute must-have. Many chefs consider it their best friend because it helps them a lot and saves them time. You can use it to pre-chop anything or to make a dip, pate, peanut butter, mayonnaise, and whipped cream. It helps you make delicious guacamole and hummus in a few minutes.

Another great tool you should invest in is a blender. Blenders don’t need to be expensive at all. In fact, you can get one for $30 and be surprised how much this gadget helps you out. Professional reviews at https://ktchnessentials.com/ explain the multitude of uses - from making blended cocktails to smoothies and your own sorbet. But there are other recipes you can make and it will be quick, simple, and fun. For example - pesto, carrot-ginger dressing, hollandaise sauce, homemade peanut butter, kale and apple soup, pudding, almond milk, and even the pizza sauce. Don’t miss out on all the great opportunities a blender can provide. It can really be a game-changer. When it comes to choosing a blender for your home, Check out the ones like Ninja Professional Blender it is extremely powerful and can make a variety of recipes that you and your family will enjoy.

Cook A Themed Dinner

Indian dinner, tapas dinner, Mexican dinner, or just a simple meatless Monday or macaroni Friday can make cooking much more fun for you. Themed dinners are becoming more and more popular and it’s easy to see why. When you assign a theme to each day you will feel more inspired and have a clear idea of what to cook. Remember that rules aren’t set in stone and that this should be fun for the whole family. Here are some ideas to help you get started. 

• Vegan Dinner 

If you, your family member, or your guest is on a plant-based diet it doesn’t mean your food has to be plain. Try making spicy Chinese eggplant with Szechuan sauce, vegan Alfredo, crispy quinoa cakes, ramen, or miso soup.

• Greek Dinner

From moussaka and kleftiko to refreshing greek salad with feta cheese, there is something for everybody. Tzatziki sauce and homemade hummus are a must! When it comes to dessert, most Greek people would recommend loukoumades or baklava. You can even set the table and decorate it in the Greek style. Listening to taverna music while cooking will make the experience more pleasant.

• Italian Dinner

Italian food is always a crowd-pleaser and it’s very simple and easy to make. Most people enjoy cooking delicious pasta and looking for Italian recipes online. Keep things simple and don’t go for complex and time-consuming recipes, such as making handmade pasta and pizza dough. You can always buy a premade version that will help you not spend hours in the kitchen. The key to Italian cuisine is to cook with fresh and quality ingredients. Make sure you invest in a good cheese (parmesan, pecorino romano, etc.), extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, tomatoes, and basil leaves. This will be your basis, no matter which recipe you choose to cook.

There is something about cooking your own food from scratch that makes it very special. It’s delicious, fun, and a great hobby. Chopping up your veggies may feel therapeutic and when you see your dish come together it’s just more enjoyable than ordering in. Plus, there are numerous health benefits.

“Cooking with love provides food for the soul.”