Cooking Tips to Jumpstart Your Health Journey
Are you a fan of cooking?
If the answer is no… fear not! I think it is reasonable to not enjoy cooking.
Nevertheless, do you know cooking basics? In some recent videos, I shared a little bit about the history of African diasporic cooking traditions and its significance today. Watch the videos here:
Cooking is not just a means to an end… its part of our communication style… our cultural heritage… it expounds on the stories of our ancestors… it provides a finished product that allows us to rest and relax after a trying day or week.
So how can you incorporate more cooking into your lifestyle?
Well, first start with your cooking level.
Are you a beginner? Here are some resources:
How to sauté
How to measure
How to add flavor to your food
Best type of knives and kitchen utensils
Some basic meals to start off include
Pasta with marinara sauce and a protein (chicken thighs don’t dry as easily as chicken breast; peas are a good protein option for vegetarians/vegans)
Build your own dinner bowl (rice, protein such as chicken thighs, ground beef, peas, beans, eggs, vegetables of your choice, condiments)
*rice to water ratio (1:1.5 basmati, some jasmine rice, 1:2 basic white rice, brown rice)
*condiment ideas (salsa, guacamole, hot sauce, jerk sauce, rémoulade sauce)
Are you an intermediate cook? Here are some resources:
Choosing the right pan for your recipe
https://tinyurl.com/ytu4evhn (I do not recommend non-stick pans btw)
Cooking multiple meals at once (bulk cooking)
Best knife sharpeners
Seasonings to amp up your cooking (and prevent you from too many restaurant visits)
https://tinyurl.com/mry8nbu4 (omit the salt if desired)
Taste your food as you cook
Too busy to Cook? Here are some resources:
Make meat (chicken thighs and pot roast work well) for the week in the crock pot. Use the meat for quick recipes like sandwiches, pasta, tacos, and dinner bowls (like a burrito bowl or other dinner bowl)
Vegetarian/vegan? Make your protein and starch options for the week (crock pot beans, rice, sweet potatoes, white potatoes, sauteed peas, quinoa, sauteed chickpeas, roasted vegan meat substitute)
Buy rotisserie chicken and only cook the sides for a quick meal
Cook quick sides in the microwave:
Microwave red beans (Add rinsed canned beans, creole seasoning, garlic powder, and 1 tsp lower sodium better than bullion paste. Cook for 7 minutes in a ceramic microwave safe container.)*
Steamed veggies (add your favorite frozen veggies to a ceramic microwave safe bowl. Add about an inch of water. Add salt and seasonings. Cook for about 7-8 minutes. Toss with olive oil after cooking.)*
*Time may vary depending on microwave. Check frequently
Need Cookbooks? Try these
UPDATES
If you are looking for 1-1 cooking support, I am offering health coaching that focuses specifically on supporting you in your healthy cooking journey. I can provide you with tips on cooking on a budget, cooking with a busy schedule, and support you with hands on tips to become a better cook.