She Strengthens

Breaking Down Barriers to Cooking: Overcoming Common Obstacles

Growing up, I didn’t have the luxury of being taught how to cook by my parents. My dad was always on the road, and my mom wasn’t exactly a culinary enthusiast. As a result, I relied heavily on takeout and restaurants until I moved into my first apartment after college. It wasn’t until I lived with a roommate who was an avid cook that I learned the basics of cooking. Now, I’m passionate about cooking and believe it’s an essential skill for any independent adult.

The Importance of Cooking

Cooking allows you to have control over what you eat and how much you spend on food. It’s a crucial aspect of being self-sufficient and independent. However, many people struggle to incorporate cooking into their daily routine due to various obstacles.

Common Obstacles to Cooking

Lack of Counter Space

If you’re struggling with limited counter space, consider investing in an immersion blender, pot rack, or butcher block cart. These tools can help you maximize your kitchen space and make cooking more efficient.

Messiness

Messiness can be a significant deterrent to cooking. To overcome this, focus on creating a organized kitchen space. Invest in a sponge holder and prep bowls to keep your workspace tidy. This will make cleaning up a breeze and encourage you to cook more often.

Laziness/Lack of Time

If you’re too tired or lazy to cook, try stocking up on frozen foods that can be quickly heated up. A slow-cooker is also a great investment, as it allows you to prepare meals in advance. Additionally, a food chopper or pressure cooker can save you time on prep work.

Hate Grocery Shopping

If you dislike grocery shopping, consider meal kit delivery services or grocery delivery apps. These can help you plan meals and reduce food waste.

Forgetfulness

To avoid forgetting about leftovers, invest in freezable containers and label them clearly. You can also stock up on frozen or canned produce to reduce food waste.

Lack of Tools

If you’re new to cooking, start with the basics: a good pan, knives, cutting board, and stovetop or hotplate. These essential tools will help you get started on your cooking journey.

Limited Budget

If you’re on a tight budget, explore savings apps like Ibotta to earn points back on your grocery purchases. Create a master list of stores in your area to find the best deals on ingredients. Finally, don’t be afraid to bring tupperware to events or work to reduce food waste and save money.

By addressing these common obstacles, you can overcome the barriers to cooking and develop a passion for preparing healthy, delicious meals. Happy cooking!