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By Haley Golich, MS, RD, LD

Last Updated: 7/30/23

When done repeatedly without much change, cooking – like anything else – can become monotonous. But cooking doesn’t have to feel like a chore; in fact, it shouldn’t! Eating should be a pleasurable and satisfying experience, and good meals often start with good preparation. But don’t worry, you don’t need to be a 5-star chef to make cooking more enjoyable! Here are a few simple tips to help you experience the joy of cooking.

Plan for the week ahead:

Planning out what you will be eating for the week ahead of time will take the guesswork out of cooking, making it simpler and more enjoyable. Choose one day per week to sit down with your significant other, your kids, or your computer and plan out what meals you would like to have the following week. Inventory the items you already have in your kitchen, and make a list of the things you still need. Write down your weekly plan somewhere where you can easily refer to it later. These simple steps will take 15 minutes of your week, but can greatly improve your overall cooking experience.

Prepare what you can ahead of time:

Meal preparation is a great strategy to set yourself up for success for the week ahead. Additionally, preparing meals when you have more time, are less hungry, and have lower levels of stress will significantly improve your experience. This can be as simple as chopping up the vegetables you will need for the week to creating casseroles that you can quickly pop into the oven on a busy weeknight.

Try a new recipe, but remember that less is more:

Trying out something new in the kitchen can be fun, but expecting yourself to master a handful of new recipes at a time may become extremely daunting. Instead, commit to trying one new recipe at a time, and cook that recipe on multiple occasions. Be sure to try a new recipe when you know you have the time and patience to spend a little extra time in the kitchen. Once this recipe becomes second nature for you to cook, you know it is time to find a new recipe to try. This strategy will help you to build your recipe arsenal while keeping cooking fresh and fun. For some great, RD-Approved recipes, head to our Online Forum.

Create an enjoyable atmosphere while cooking:

Take advantage of the time you spend cooking, and make the most of it by creating an environment you enjoy. This might mean inviting the kids in to help with food preparation, calling a close friend to chat while you prepare food, or putting on your favorite music or podcast to enjoy while you cook. Cooking is an opportunity to take time for yourself away from work and other commitments, so get out of the mindset that it needs to feel like yet another chore. Instead, allow cooking to be one of the best parts of your day!

Step outside your comfort zone:

It’s easy –and often practical – to stick to a few staple recipes you know are a hit, but don’t let that stop you from trying new things! Consider working your way through a cookbook, or perhaps attempt to master a new cuisine. Experience the joy of expanding your palate!

If cooking has felt more like a chore lately, make a commitment to try out one of these strategies this week. Give yourself the opportunity to find more joy in cooking, and reward yourself with a homemade, delicious meal!