Feeling like you’re cooking the same thing over, and over again? If you’re feeling rather uninspired when it comes to serving up dinner every night – we’re here to put the pep back into your step.
Cut yourself some slack
Firs things first, it’s TOTALLY fine to feel uninspired in the kitchen from time to time. Say you’re cooking dinner six nights a week, with one night a week to splurge on takeaway – that adds up to 312 dinners you’ll make each year. Unless you’re some sort of culinary wizard, at some point making dinner is going to feel like it’s draining your life. To save yourself from ordering Uber Eats when this mood strikes, plan ahead. If you’re making a stew, soup, curry or casserole – make a bigger batch than you intend to eat. Freeze the left overs, so that you have them stashed away for those nights that you really, really can’t be bothered to get off the couch. Your future self will thank you for it!
Feel good favourites
We all have our go-to, all time favourites that we can whip up with our eyes closed. Myself, I’m all about a super green soup. Dr Paul Sims, BARLEYMAX®™ Technical Business Manager – well, his go to is cheese-stuffed red capsicum (yum). If the thought of getting into the kitchen is getting you into a state of panic, take the pressure down. Sometimes, our comforting go-to dinners are just what we need. Do your best to keep the ingredients for these dinners in your pantry and fridge, so that you can auto-pilot your way to a quick, easy, and most importantly, enjoyable dinner.
Small changes
Rather than thinking that you need to cook something new every night, why not challenge yourself to try one new recipe each week? Make it an enjoyable task – perhaps even a shared task in your family – to select a recipe you haven’t tried before. If it’s a winner, it stays in your permanent rotation of dinner ideas. If it’s not a crowd-pleaser, well at least it was only one dinner!
Mystery box challenge
If you’re a fan of MasterChef, you’ll know exactly what I’m referring to when I mention ‘Mystery Box’. If you’re feeling a little flat on the culinary front, set yourself a challenge to prepare dinner using whatever you have in the fridge and pantry. Of course – having a well-stocked pantry will give you a huge advantage! Tinned vegetables, a variety of sauces and spices, as well as a selection of wholegrains and legumes will have you well on your way to a ‘Mystery Box’ masterpiece in no time. Set the clock, aprons on – get cooking!
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Intended as general advice only. Consult your health care professional to discuss any specific concerns.
