While having a “mommy-melt-down” a few evenings ago, I finally said it out loud. “I hate to cook!” After that shocking confession, I dissected my situation to figure out why. Here’s what I came up with:
- KIDS. For those of you who don’t know, I have a two-year-old and a one-year-old. This is BIG reason #1. Need I say more?
- ENERGY LEVEL. I have a low energy level and a lot on my shoulders already. Cooking is just one more thing to do in the evening when I’m already worn slick.
- MORE DISHES. Cooking makes more dishes and more mess to clean up. Sometimes it just doesn’t seem worth it.
Although I hate cooking, I still do it. This is why:
Fresh Yummy Food. I like providing hot food for my family. I can also control the quality of ingredients I use and cook yummy food but HEALTHY food we all enjoy.
Family Time. I like having a reason to all sit down at the table together. A good portion of our laughing is done at the dinner table.
Leftovers. Not only do you get a yummy dinner, but often there are nice leftovers for my husband to take in his lunch the next day and/or for the kids and I to have at lunchtime.
So, here are some ideas to make cooking easier:
- Try the Kraft “Fresh Take” marinades and mixes. You add meat and cook according to the package directions. Fresh food FAST! You can usually find these near the shredded cheese for two or three dollars.
- Make a grilled chicken salad. You can grill the chicken earlier in the day or even the night before using a George Foreman grill. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and refrigerate. All that’s left is lettuce, veggies and cheese. Walla! A nice, healthy dinner.
- Turn your husband into the grill master. Pick a day every week or every couple of weeks when you have your significant other work the grill magic. All that leaves for you is a side dish or two!
So take a breath and know it’s ok not to LOVE to cook and it’s also ok to plan easy meals. Don’t be too hard on yourself! I’m currently still learning that “you can only do what you can do!”
