Let’s face it, vegetables and unprocessed foods can be pretty boring, especially if you’re used to eating the usual junk our society thrives on.  But my friends, as a former fat person and a major foodie, let me assure you there is a wonderful world of flavor if you take the time to learn how to cook.  The right recipes will make you look forward to “healthy” food…even vegetables!

However, we have to stop with the excuses. So often I hear “I can’t eat healthy because I can’t cook” or “eating healthy is so expensive!” Of course, all of this is nonsense. I promise you all that you can, in fact cook. I’ll even go so far as to say you can’t really love food if you don’t cook.

You don’t lack the skill or ability to cook. You may lack recipes, time, experience, or the tools. Much of this is going to be on you to rectify. I can’t give you more time in your day so perhaps you need to work on your time management. If you are trying to be “fit-ish” then you need to put in a bit of effort. Look, I get it, we’re all busy. Take out, processed foods, and quick meals (cereal, sandwiches, cup-o-noodles, etc…) are sometimes necessary evils. They should not be the norm! A much healthier meal can be made in 5-10 minutes with almost no cleanup.

You may need to practice. If you screw up a meal, don’t get mad and give up. Look at what went wrong and try to fix it. Burn the chicken? Don’t cook it as long or maybe reduce the heat. Too salty? Use less salt next time (I realize that this may seem like common sense). Don’t give up on cooking. Just learn from your mistakes.

Lack the right recipes? There’s no excuse for that one. Google them! Better yet, sign up to follow this blog because I will be sharing lots of them! There are a limitless number of ideas and most of them are great! The best part is that you control what goes in your food. No weird chemicals, no preservatives, no crap. Even your “cheat meals” can be made better by making it yourself. For example, a VERY popular burger from a VERY popular clown fronted fast food chain has 563 calories. It only has 3.4oz of beef (hence why most people can eat 2 or 3 of them). That only makes up 170 calories. You can make a burger at home with TWICE the meat and even some bacon for the same calorie count! It will probably even taste better.

Now, I am not a hypocrite, and will admit I LOVE going out to eat. But, only to a GOOD restaurant. It’s important to know the difference and again remember that it should not be the norm. Take the time, cut the crap, and learn to cook.