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The Tiny Italian

Saucy Tips

Cooking mindset: 3 ways to cook with pleasure in mind.

Cook with pleasure? Food was the last thing on my mind last week.

Hit with endless bouts of nausea. The smell of food was too much to handle when walking past the bustling bars and restaurants of Palma, Mallorca.

Recently a good friend asked me to go on a last-minute trip, I didn’t hesitate for a second and within 12 hours I was on a plane to the Balearic island. My leopard print suitcase and I were about to embark on a new fun adventure. 

However, my luck dramatically changed after 36 hours when I was hit with one of the worst stomach bugs of my life. Honestly, I wanted to cry.

Luckily, I had spent the first day and a half doing what I love most. Embracing the food culture, experiencing different flavours and aromas, and enjoying familiar ingredients in exciting novel ways. 

And then it was all taken away from me and for the next 4 days, I was limited to sparkling water and sliced crusty white bread. I had to cancel all my dinner reservations. I couldn’t even stomach the smell. I felt so sad and felt bad for my friend who had to go out for dinner on her own.

See the real problem here was that food is my PLEASURE. My favourite form of self-care. And not to have that, had tainted my mood. I’m lucky to have been with such a good friend who understood, but I was miserable inside.

Food is what I always turn to first when I’m feeling flat. And no, I’m not talking about binging on take-aways or beige food. I mean, good, easy, sexy healthy cooking. Food that makes me feel good. Food that brightens up my day and gives me the energy to power me up.

However, I was so ill. I started to imagine what a life would look like without my edible joy. It was too sad to think about. 

Then it was time to go home. My parents picked me up from the airport and as soon as I got home,  I climbed the stairs and got straight into bed. I was so weak. I hadn’t eaten a proper meal in 4 days.

So when my mum walked into my bedroom with a plate of my favourite Colombian chicken, potato and rice, I wasn’t sure what my bodily response would be. I was scared that I wouldn’t experience that joy I usually get from eating food I love.

Sat up in bed, I collected a forkful of food and when I took that first bite, all those pleasurable feelings flooded my body and soul. With the delicious aroma, my taste buds were tantalised, a big food was embracing my soul.

OH, sexy food. How much I missed you. Not only was my body back on the mend but the dopamine and endorphins were lifting my mood. Food really is magic!!

Cooking with pleasure.

So let me ask you? Does your own food bring you pleasure? Or has home cooking become a life surviving skill?

Are you someone, who like me, loves food, and is able to recreate that pleasure regularly in your own kitchen or are you limiting yourself to food pleasure only once in a while? 

Has your cooking become so repetitive and bland that you have forgotten how to make yourself happy with good food?

Society has taught us that cooking is a life skill we should all have so that we can feed ourselves and our family but they forgot to teach us that it can also be the best form of self-care by bringing a smile to our face with a delicious meal made with love.

Some of us are so busy and tired that only feeding ourselves feels like all we can muster. However, enjoying food that makes you feel good can transform your day and mood. 

And let me clarify. to be able to cook the food you love is NOT A LUXURY. It’s not about money, time or energy. It’s about what you feel you deserve. You can even make a simple tomato sexy. It’s about making time to find out how.

We have to eat every day right? So why not make a dish that’s going to warm your soul, feed you with goodness, and pleasure you with flavours you love. We all deserve some edible deliciousness to brighten up our day. 

Here are 3 ways to create pleasure in your cooking when things feel flat.
Aim to try and eat one meal a day that will give you joy.

It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. It can be perfect scrambled eggs for breakfast, a delicious sandwich for lunch or it can be a 20-minute pasta dish.  It doesn’t matter how you get there. It’s about how that food will make you feel during and after eating it..  

Make time to recreate your favourite dish.

Look up the recipe online, write down the list of ingredients, go shopping for what you need and create a relaxing fun kitchen environment to cook your meal in. And when you’re ready to eat it, try not to eat it in front of the TV or surround yourself with distractions. Focus on the love on your plate and embrace each mouthful. 

Cook with your favourite ingredients.

Pick one or two ingredients and google recipes with them. Select a recipe that catches your eye and cook a new dish with your favourite produce. Why not try a dish you have never had before to bring some culinary excitement into your life.

If you like this post, then you will enjoy HOW TO REFRESH YOUR COOKING MINDSET


Would you like some help in getting some motivation and kickstart your cooking mojo?

Why not check out my Saucy Society – it’s a monthly membership that’s here to kickstart your cooking mojo alongside an incredible online community all from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Or if you would like to join my FREE newsletter with fun cooking inspiration to help you take those first steps to help out with your motivation in the kitchen. Sign up here.

TAGS:cooking at homecooking mindsetcooking pleasure
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The Tiny Italian

Ciao, I’m Paola I’m Paola (The Tiny Italian). I'm an Italian food expert cook and teacher. I teach people to not only cook but teach them how to LOVE TO COOK. I help change peoples mindset by showing them that cooking is not only for 'FOODIES' and sharing the fun, stress-free side with recipes, tips and cooking experiences.

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Ciao, I’m Paola
Ciao, I’m Paola

Ciao, I’m Paola

I’m Paola (The Tiny Italian). I'm an Italian food expert, cook and teacher. Cooking doesn't come easy to everyone. However, I help you LEARN to LOVE to cook and eat better with EASY SEXY HEALTHY Italian RECIPES. Plus TIPS and HACKS to build your kitchen CONFIDENCE. Come cook with me at one of my fun stress free cooking classes or courses. It’s all about helping others BELIEVE IN THEIR OWN SAUCE!

Follow Along

ITS HERE! THE ONLY PASTA DISH YOU’RE GOING TO WANT TO ENJOY THIS SUMMER.

A no-cook pasta, jam packed with flavour. 
A summer tomato tuna Riccioli using the best pasta @garofalopastauk and a wealth of quality store cupboard ingredients.
If you’re a lover of fusilli, move over as we have a new pasta shape Riccioli (curly) to get to grips with. It’s curves and crevices are perfect to collect all the wonderful ingredients in this dish.
Available from @ocadouk and @amazonuk. 

For the full recipe head to the link in my bio. 

#garofalo #summerpasta #pastasalad #easypasta #pastalover.
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
ITS HERE! THE ONLY PASTA DISH YOU’RE GOING TO WANT TO ENJOY THIS SUMMER. A no-cook pasta, jam packed with flavour. A summer tomato tuna Riccioli using the best pasta @garofalopastauk and a wealth of quality store cupboard ingredients. If you’re a lover of fusilli, move over as we have a new pasta shape Riccioli (curly) to get to grips with. It’s curves and crevices are perfect to collect all the wonderful ingredients in this dish. Available from @ocadouk and @amazonuk. For the full recipe head to the link in my bio. #garofalo #summerpasta #pastasalad #easypasta #pastalover.
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
1/2
BELIEVE IN YOUR OWN SAUCE is the only mantra you need right now if it feels like you may be struggling to feel your best. It’s not always easy to believe in your self but remember you can always get there will some love and self care.
Recently you may have read about how I had some struggles with my mental health. I’ve had so many life changes recently that my head couldn’t cope with it and was sending me down a weird spiral.

However with few changes, including making my self care number one priority, I’m  back on the mend and feel happier than I have in weeks. And when I think of this saying it reminds me of who I am and what I can be. And I want to tell you all. You can be as happy as you want to be, you can live a better life if that’s what you want and you can be as saucy as you like. 
Just don’t forget about yourself, needs or happiness. It can be the smallest thing but it can all make a difference.
Just always believe in your own sauce 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻
Paola x
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
BELIEVE IN YOUR OWN SAUCE is the only mantra you need right now if it feels like you may be struggling to feel your best. It’s not always easy to believe in your self but remember you can always get there will some love and self care. Recently you may have read about how I had some struggles with my mental health. I’ve had so many life changes recently that my head couldn’t cope with it and was sending me down a weird spiral. However with few changes, including making my self care number one priority, I’m back on the mend and feel happier than I have in weeks. And when I think of this saying it reminds me of who I am and what I can be. And I want to tell you all. You can be as happy as you want to be, you can live a better life if that’s what you want and you can be as saucy as you like. Just don’t forget about yourself, needs or happiness. It can be the smallest thing but it can all make a difference. Just always believe in your own sauce 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻 Paola x
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
2/2
@thetinyitalian

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Recent Posts

  • Simple summer tomato tuna summer pasta x Garofalo pasta

    28th June 2022
  • 3 ways cooking can be self-care

    24th June 2022
  • Easy seared tuna and Panzanella salad

    29th May 2022
ITS HERE! THE ONLY PASTA DISH YOU’RE GOING TO WANT TO ENJOY THIS SUMMER.

A no-cook pasta, jam packed with flavour. 
A summer tomato tuna Riccioli using the best pasta @garofalopastauk and a wealth of quality store cupboard ingredients.
If you’re a lover of fusilli, move over as we have a new pasta shape Riccioli (curly) to get to grips with. It’s curves and crevices are perfect to collect all the wonderful ingredients in this dish.
Available from @ocadouk and @amazonuk. 

For the full recipe head to the link in my bio. 

#garofalo #summerpasta #pastasalad #easypasta #pastalover.
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
ITS HERE! THE ONLY PASTA DISH YOU’RE GOING TO WANT TO ENJOY THIS SUMMER. A no-cook pasta, jam packed with flavour. A summer tomato tuna Riccioli using the best pasta @garofalopastauk and a wealth of quality store cupboard ingredients. If you’re a lover of fusilli, move over as we have a new pasta shape Riccioli (curly) to get to grips with. It’s curves and crevices are perfect to collect all the wonderful ingredients in this dish. Available from @ocadouk and @amazonuk. For the full recipe head to the link in my bio. #garofalo #summerpasta #pastasalad #easypasta #pastalover.
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
1/5
BELIEVE IN YOUR OWN SAUCE is the only mantra you need right now if it feels like you may be struggling to feel your best. It’s not always easy to believe in your self but remember you can always get there will some love and self care.
Recently you may have read about how I had some struggles with my mental health. I’ve had so many life changes recently that my head couldn’t cope with it and was sending me down a weird spiral.

However with few changes, including making my self care number one priority, I’m  back on the mend and feel happier than I have in weeks. And when I think of this saying it reminds me of who I am and what I can be. And I want to tell you all. You can be as happy as you want to be, you can live a better life if that’s what you want and you can be as saucy as you like. 
Just don’t forget about yourself, needs or happiness. It can be the smallest thing but it can all make a difference.
Just always believe in your own sauce 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻
Paola x
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
BELIEVE IN YOUR OWN SAUCE is the only mantra you need right now if it feels like you may be struggling to feel your best. It’s not always easy to believe in your self but remember you can always get there will some love and self care. Recently you may have read about how I had some struggles with my mental health. I’ve had so many life changes recently that my head couldn’t cope with it and was sending me down a weird spiral. However with few changes, including making my self care number one priority, I’m back on the mend and feel happier than I have in weeks. And when I think of this saying it reminds me of who I am and what I can be. And I want to tell you all. You can be as happy as you want to be, you can live a better life if that’s what you want and you can be as saucy as you like. Just don’t forget about yourself, needs or happiness. It can be the smallest thing but it can all make a difference. Just always believe in your own sauce 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻 Paola x
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
2/5
THE ONLY PASTA SALAD YOU WILL WANT TO EAT THIS SUMMER. 
Flavourful, super easy to recreate and full of goodness. What’s not to like, right?

Still a couple of days until the recipe video is revealed but in the meantime I thought I would share with you the shopping list along with where to get this amazing Riccioli @garofalopastauk pasta shape which you can order online @amazonuk or @ocadouk. 

🍽Serves 2/3 people 

🍝 250g @garofalopastauk pasta
🍅 400g cherry tomatoes on the vine.
🧄 1 garlic clove
🍃 Fresh basil
🐟 160g good-quality tinned tuna (in olive oil)
🫒 80g black kalamata olives
🌿2 tbsp capers
🍋 Lemon
🍶Extra-virgin olive oil
🧂Sea salt + black pepper

Perfect for dinner or wonderfully served up as a pasta salad for some alfresco dining. It involves no cooking however to make this dish extra special it’s all about using the best quality ingredients you can get your hands on. 
Remember it’s all about cooking food that makes you feel good. ❤️ We are all worth it. 

#pastasalad #summerpasta #eatbetterfeelbetter
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
THE ONLY PASTA SALAD YOU WILL WANT TO EAT THIS SUMMER. Flavourful, super easy to recreate and full of goodness. What’s not to like, right? Still a couple of days until the recipe video is revealed but in the meantime I thought I would share with you the shopping list along with where to get this amazing Riccioli @garofalopastauk pasta shape which you can order online @amazonuk or @ocadouk. 🍽Serves 2/3 people 🍝 250g @garofalopastauk pasta 🍅 400g cherry tomatoes on the vine. 🧄 1 garlic clove 🍃 Fresh basil 🐟 160g good-quality tinned tuna (in olive oil) 🫒 80g black kalamata olives 🌿2 tbsp capers 🍋 Lemon 🍶Extra-virgin olive oil 🧂Sea salt + black pepper Perfect for dinner or wonderfully served up as a pasta salad for some alfresco dining. It involves no cooking however to make this dish extra special it’s all about using the best quality ingredients you can get your hands on. Remember it’s all about cooking food that makes you feel good. ❤️ We are all worth it. #pastasalad #summerpasta #eatbetterfeelbetter
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
3/5
In my newsletter last week, I discussed how as humans it’s easier to convince ourselves to not do that ‘thing’ that will make us feel better.
For example, 
- to stay in bed rather than get up to do some exercise which will give you the energy to get your work done.
- order a takeaway rather than cook a dinner which will make you feel 💯 better.
- scroll on your phone for 15 mins rather then have  a lovely cup of tea in peace.
It happens so often in our lives we probably don’t notice it. But due to our busy lifestyles it sometimes feels easier to not do anything “EXTRA”. 

But let me ask you, why does everything else take precedent over “US” and our self-care.

Why is it that what we really need to make us feel good, isn’t as important. 
Why do we focus on how hard those actions will be rather than focus on how that EFFORT will make us feel so good after.

The truth is if we don’t take care of ourselves than we will never feel our best to take on everyday or live our best lives. It’s as simple as that and I recently learnt that the hard way.

 I wish this was something I was taught from an early age rather than thinking life was about working and making money. 

This is a topic I constantly discuss with my Saucy Society cooking members. The importance of enjoying your love of food at home by cooking dishes that will make you feel good and give you so much pleasure. That’s correct. Cooking can be self-care and not just that chore you want to avoid. 

If you’re someone who could benefit from making better food decisions, get help with cooking motivation and would love to transform your cooking relationship to develop a delicious healthy self-care habit. 
The Saucy Society is what you’re looking for. 
The best self-care online cooking community on the planet. 

More info? Link in bio. 

#eatbetterfeelbetter #selfcareroutine #goodfoodgoodmood
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
In my newsletter last week, I discussed how as humans it’s easier to convince ourselves to not do that ‘thing’ that will make us feel better. For example, - to stay in bed rather than get up to do some exercise which will give you the energy to get your work done. - order a takeaway rather than cook a dinner which will make you feel 💯 better. - scroll on your phone for 15 mins rather then have a lovely cup of tea in peace. It happens so often in our lives we probably don’t notice it. But due to our busy lifestyles it sometimes feels easier to not do anything “EXTRA”. But let me ask you, why does everything else take precedent over “US” and our self-care. Why is it that what we really need to make us feel good, isn’t as important. Why do we focus on how hard those actions will be rather than focus on how that EFFORT will make us feel so good after. The truth is if we don’t take care of ourselves than we will never feel our best to take on everyday or live our best lives. It’s as simple as that and I recently learnt that the hard way. I wish this was something I was taught from an early age rather than thinking life was about working and making money. This is a topic I constantly discuss with my Saucy Society cooking members. The importance of enjoying your love of food at home by cooking dishes that will make you feel good and give you so much pleasure. That’s correct. Cooking can be self-care and not just that chore you want to avoid. If you’re someone who could benefit from making better food decisions, get help with cooking motivation and would love to transform your cooking relationship to develop a delicious healthy self-care habit. The Saucy Society is what you’re looking for. The best self-care online cooking community on the planet. More info? Link in bio. #eatbetterfeelbetter #selfcareroutine #goodfoodgoodmood
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
4/5
Tonight, C4, 8pm. New show. One question with @claudiawinkle 
If you’re in tonight make sure you watch it xxx 
Such a fun thing to do before my bestie @marie_davies1 moved to NYC. Find out what happens tonight x
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
Tonight, C4, 8pm. New show. One question with @claudiawinkle If you’re in tonight make sure you watch it xxx Such a fun thing to do before my bestie @marie_davies1 moved to NYC. Find out what happens tonight x
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
5/5
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