3 reasons why cooking can be self-care

Cooking has and continues to help me get through tough times. It is my self-care.

Yet, many believe ordering a takeaway or heating up a ready meal is the better option when feeling low or tired.

While doing that now and again is ok, the long-term effects can contribute to low moods and energy.

As you know, cooking as you know creates the food you eat to stop hunger and provide energy. But, it has other powers.

It doesn’t have to feel like a chore you’re trying to avoid.

It can be the total opposite.

It can be the one thing that improves your mood after a long hard day.

EAT BETTER, FEEL BETTER.

Here is the cold hard truth. If you choose to eat crap, you will feel like crap. If you don’t get pleasure from what you eat, then you are ignoring your personal needs.

What you feed yourself can be a reflection of your self-worth. Deep I know.

But, when you choose to eat better, you will start to feel better. You will feel more confident and energised. Plus, the only person that can make that happen is YOU.

It’s about implementing delicious self-care that will have you feeling healthier and happier.

My tips would be to try and plan at least 2-3 meals in a week that you know you love. Easy, simple quick recipes. Dishes that make you feel good.

Plan to buy your ingredients in advance and love yourself to make those meals happen. Don’t overthink it.

I guarantee you won’t regret cooking a meal that will make you feel good and happy.

DE-STRESS IN THE KITCHEN

For some people, cooking can be stressful, overwhelming. But, cooking can be a mindful activity and can help you relax after a frantic busy day. Focusing on your cooking, without distractions, can help the daily burdens slip away.

My tips are:

Chop and weigh all your ingredients before you start cooking. This makes the cooking process less frantic.

Create a fun relaxing environment. For example, play your favourite music or treat yourself to a glass of wine while cooking. Finally, clear YOUR kitchen tops and put away anything you don’t need. It helps keep your mind uncluttered.

ENJOYING AND SHARING YOUR FOOD WITH OTHERS CAN BOOST YOUR MOOD.

You may cook for others often. But, feel like your effort goes unappreciated? Or do you live on your own, and not see the point in cooking yourself a lovely meal as it’s only you?

Why not get those who live with you to help in the kitchen, set the table or do the washing up? Give them an insight into the effort made in the kitchen. It will make you feel more appreciated.

Plus, avoid eating in front of the TV or switch it off. Having no other distractions will mean you can connect over your food and that’s special.

If you live on your own, why not organise a dinner with your favourite people. Making human connections is so important to our mental well-being.

If you would like to start taking care of yourself and implement some self care cooking, then download my FREE GUIDE – 12 essential Italian self care ingredients to cook feel-good everyday meals.

Do you want to discover how easy feel-good healthy cooking is self care to create a healthier, happier you!

Why not check out the Self Love Cooking Club – a cooking community membership where you discover how easy feel-good healthy cooking can create a healthier, happier you!

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The Tiny Italian

Ciao, I’m Paola, I'm a self care cookery teacher and Italian food expert cook and teacher. I'm the founder of The Tiny Italian and the best online self care cookery school on the planet. I help busy people inject balance into their hectic lifestyle by transforming their cooking mindset. I open their eyes that cooking is a fun delicious form of self care rather than a dreaded chore.