Cooking at home is a great way to save money and eat healthier, but sometimes, it can be challenging to motivate yourself to do so. In fact as I write this article, there is a package of chicken breasts in my fridge that are going to walk themselves straight to the frying pan themselves if I don't get off my butt and get cooking.
Whether you are a busy parent or a working professional (or maybe even both), finding inspiration and motivation to cook can be difficult. In this article, we will explore some strategies to help you (and me!) overcome a lack of motivation and start cooking more at home.
Whether you are a busy parent or a working professional (or maybe even both), finding inspiration and motivation to cook can be difficult. In this article, we will explore some strategies to help you (and me!) overcome a lack of motivation and start cooking more at home.
How To Find Inspiration And Motivation For Cooking At Home
Discover The Benefits Of Preparing Meals At Home
The first step to finding motivation for cooking at home is to understand the benefits. Cooking at home is not only cheaper than eating out, but it also allows you to control the quality and quantity of the ingredients in your meals. By educating yourself on the health and well-being benefits of home cooking, you can motivate yourself to do more of it.
If the idea of cooking after a long day of work has you steering your car into the closest drive-thru, consider these ideas:
Slow cooker: Nothing says set it and forget it like the handy dandy slow cooker. From soups to stews, a slow cooker allows you to prepare meals with minimal effort. You can simply throw in your ingredients, set the cooking time, and let the slow cooker do the work. The slow cooking process also helps to bring out the flavors in your food, making it taste delicious without much effort.
Instant Pot: With the various cooking functions of an Instant Pot, you can sauté, pressure cook, steam, and even make yogurt in one appliance. This means you can prepare meals in a fraction of the time it would take with traditional cooking methods, without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
Air fryer: My new BFF! An air fryer is awesome at making traditionally fried foods healthy meals by using hot air to cook food, giving it a crispy texture without using excess oil. You can easily cook frozen foods, vegetables, and meats in the air fryer, making it a versatile appliance for quick and easy meals.
If the idea of cooking after a long day of work has you steering your car into the closest drive-thru, consider these ideas:
Slow cooker: Nothing says set it and forget it like the handy dandy slow cooker. From soups to stews, a slow cooker allows you to prepare meals with minimal effort. You can simply throw in your ingredients, set the cooking time, and let the slow cooker do the work. The slow cooking process also helps to bring out the flavors in your food, making it taste delicious without much effort.
Instant Pot: With the various cooking functions of an Instant Pot, you can sauté, pressure cook, steam, and even make yogurt in one appliance. This means you can prepare meals in a fraction of the time it would take with traditional cooking methods, without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
Air fryer: My new BFF! An air fryer is awesome at making traditionally fried foods healthy meals by using hot air to cook food, giving it a crispy texture without using excess oil. You can easily cook frozen foods, vegetables, and meats in the air fryer, making it a versatile appliance for quick and easy meals.
Try New Recipes And Ingredients
Another way to find motivation for cooking at home is to try new recipes and ingredients. You might be surprised at how easy it is to incorporate your favorite ingredients into new and exciting dishes. Tonight, I'm going to whip up "Creamy Coconut-Lime Chicken Breasts", a recipe I've never made before. But I love all those ingredients, so I'm guessing I'll love the dish, too. Last week, I made a lentil stew that was delicious and perfect for the cold weather we were having. Having fun in the kitchen is all about experimenting, and there are countless ways to get creative in the kitchen.
If you don't want to commit to a lengthy recipe full of ingredients you're unsure of (especially if you're lacking time), why not consider a 30 minute meal or 5 ingredients or less recipe?
Fun Fact: I watched SO many of Rachel Ray's 30 Minute Meals shows back in the day that I can STILL recite her intro monologue off the top of my head!
If you don't want to commit to a lengthy recipe full of ingredients you're unsure of (especially if you're lacking time), why not consider a 30 minute meal or 5 ingredients or less recipe?
Fun Fact: I watched SO many of Rachel Ray's 30 Minute Meals shows back in the day that I can STILL recite her intro monologue off the top of my head!
I mean, does it get any easier than this??? (Sarcasm, people...sarcasm.)
  Taste of Home 30 Minute Cookbook, amazon.com |
  Taste of Home 5-Ingredient Cookbook, amazon.com |
Use a Food Delivery Service
If you are short on time or simply want to take the hassle out of grocery shopping, a food delivery service can be a great option. With these services, you get all the fresh ingredients you need to make several meals delivered right to your doorstep. Not only is it convenient, but a food delivery service can also be an affordable way to cook more at home. We love Blue Apron in this house, and they always offer a great deal for first time customers: $110 off across your first 5 orders + free shipping on your first order.
Check Out YouTube
If you need some inspiration for new recipes or cooking techniques, YouTube is a great resource. There are countless cooking channels on the platform, covering everything from classic comfort food to gourmet cuisine. Watching cooking videos can be a fun way to learn new skills and discover new recipes, too. Here's some of our favorites (in no particular order):
- Food Wishes
- Laura In The Kitchen
- Sip And Feast
- Hilah Cooking (note: Hilah hasn't uploaded in 3+ years, but that doesn't make what she's posted in the past any less delicious!)
- America's Test Kitchen
- Sam The Cooking Guy
- Tasty Recipes
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Take A Cooking Class
For those who want to improve their cooking skills, taking a cooking class can be an excellent option. Whether you prefer in-person classes or online tutorials, there are many ways to learn how to cook. By improving your skills, you may find that you enjoy cooking more and are more motivated to do it regularly. Consider taking a class with your husband or partner, and kill two birds with one stone by making it a date night, too!
Clean And Organize Your Kitchen
One of the most common reasons people avoid cooking at home is because their kitchen is disorganized or cluttered. By taking the time to clean and organize your kitchen, you can make it a more welcoming space to cook in. Not only will this help you find what you need more easily, but it may also inspire you to try new recipes and techniques!
  24 Pc. Food Storage Containers With Lids, amazon.com |
  Set of 12 Refrigerator Bins With Lids, amazon.com |
Invest In New Kitchen Utensils And Equipment
Finally, if you are looking for a way to motivate yourself to cook more at home, consider investing in some new kitchen utensils and equipment. From a high-quality chef's knife to a food processor that slices, dices and picks your kids up after school, there are many gadgets out there that can make cooking more enjoyable and efficient.
  Professional Chef's Knife With Finger Guard & Sharpener, amazon.com |
  Ninja Compact Kitchen System, amazon.com |
Cooking at home can be a healthy, enjoyable, and cost-effective way to eat. By using the ideas, tools and techniques mentioned above, you can overcome a lack of motivation and start cooking more at home. Whether you are a seasoned home cook or a novice just getting started, there are countless ways to make cooking at home a fun and rewarding experience.
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