Do you enjoy spending time in your kitchen?
Lets face it spending time in the kitchen can often be a chore, something that we have to do rather then something we look forward to, am I right?
And with food that’s convenient and apps that at the touch of a button can bring delicious food to your door, why bother with using the kitchen at all? But what about that sense of achievement, that proud feeling when you make a meal from scratch, something that you can really take ownership of and say, ‘I did that.
And lets not forget being able to cook can also mean you can give yourself and your family a different and tasty experience each day, far better than any micro meal or app can do!
For me I have loved cooking from a young age. At the age of four my mum and I enjoyed baking when my brother and dad went to watch Newcastle United (way back when they were worth watching – sorry to any Toon fans!) At the age of 10 I cooked my mum and dad a valentines meal from scratch and I felt immense.
So how can we start shifting that feeling of dread when it comes to cooking and really start to enjoy the experience itself?
I almost think of it as meditation because you’re in the moment rather than letting your mind wander off, you’re present. So why not join me for the next few minutes, even print this off and give it a go the next time you are planning to cook.
Lets start by turning those lights from harsh to soft, so that you can still see all your appliances but so it heightens all of your other senses. Turn on some music you enjoy to really get you relaxed and in the mood, ready to cook something amazing.
Open your fridge and take in the variety, sights and smells you have in front of you to choose from. Pick your ingredients with your dish in mind and lay them out on your bench. Choose which herbs and spices you wish to use and open them, giving them time to fill the air with their wonderful aromas.
Now pick your ingredients one by one and really feel them on your skin and how with ease your knife glides through, chopping and slicing everything to the size that’s right for you, smiling as you go.
Start creating your dish, will it be light, fresh and vibrant or hearty, warm and comforting. Let the ingredients combine creating the flavours you truly enjoy, enveloping your senses and starting your taste buds to salivate. Turn up your music just a touch to truly get you in the mood.
And when its time to plate up, make your dish a masterpiece for your eyes alone. As you sit take a moment to look at and truly smell your dish, take in the experience and be thankful of the wonderful meal you have created.
This is just a very small insight into the work I do with individual and corporate clients to improve habits and create confidence around food and cooking which result in reducing stress and sickness and increasing energy and focus.
Like to find out more? Then visit my website at www.nehhub.com
