Get Cooking!

Have you wanted to learn how to cook, but don’t feel like you can? The truth is: anyone can cook! As long as you practice being safe in the kitchen, there is no one right way to cook.

Cooking can transport you away from the stresses of your daily life by getting your hands active. Plus, you will create something delicious to eat! Additionally, a study in 2017 found that there are psychological benefits to cooking! Cooking can increase your socialization, self-esteem, state of mind, and quality of life over time

Are you still not convinced you will be successful in the kitchen? Alton Brown, a Food Network chef said “You might think it's better to know what you're doing...but when you know what you're doing you're not as awake and aware and careful and sensitive to what's going on around you... [it’s] better to taste things and try things because you're finding your way by doing it.

Tips and ideas to get started:

Don’t be afraid to mess up! It might not look as good as you want or even taste like you want at first, but the goal is not to create a perfect meal every time.
Be patient! Your relationship with cooking will continue to grow and change the more you do it.
Notice the sounds and aromas as you cook.
Taste as you go!
Be creative! This is your creation.
Try something new. You may discover something new that you love!
Pick a recipe to follow or make something up with ingredients you already have in your pantry and freezer!
Play your favorite music while you cook.

Blog post written by Amelia Stone, Dietetics Intern

References:

Farmer, Nicole; Touchton-Leonard, Katherine; Ross, Alyson. Psychosocial Benefits of Cooking Interventions: A Systematic Review. Health Education and Behavior; Thousand Oaks Vol. 45, Iss. 2, (Apr 2018): 167-180. DOI:10.1177/1090198117736352. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320985270_Psychosocial_Benefits_of_Cooking_Interventions_A_Systematic_Review
Hevrdejs, J. (2010, Jan 11). Cooking away stress: Chopping, dicing and stirring a recipe for relaxation and comfort. McClatchy - Tribune News Service Retrieved from https://library.semo.edu:2443/login?url=https://library.semo.edu:4836/docview/456743843?accountid=38003