Learning How to Enjoy the Process of Cooking

When I first started Crossfit, there were many days I would end a workout more frustrated than fulfilled. Unfamiliar with Olympic lifts and many higher level gymnastics skills, I felt like a wet mop on the floor while my fellow athletes were crushing it. It felt defeating as a former perfectionist ballerina, but I knew that if I just suck with it and practiced, one day I would be able to execute all those lifts without struggle. Luckily for me through all the years of ballet training I learned patience of process. What does that mean? I’m so glad you asked! It means that I learned to find enjoyment in the learning curve of something new. Let’s face it, ballet is incredibly difficult both mentally and physically. Putting my mind through boot camp for all of those years taught me how to deal with all of the growing pains of learning.

If you find yourself frustrated in the kitchen, it is most likely because you have yet to learn how to be patient with the process. If you’re like me and love a good challenge, then getting the hang of learning something new might seem like a fun game. If not, then it is time to start playing detective and figuring out what is frustrating you. What a novel idea right? Where I see most people lose their patience is in the prep stages of cooking. For Example, my sister HATES chopping veggies. Why? Because it takes her forever to do it! I couldn’t agree with her more. Taking too much time to dice and slice can be BOR-ING. The key here is to figure out how to resolve the issue. For starters, picking out the proper knife, peeler etc will greatly increase your efficiency. Would you use a butter knife to cut a carrot? Let’s hope not. Now what if you have the right tools and you’re just slow? You would need to learn how to get faster right? The only way to do that is to practice. We take convenience for granted here in the U.S. Instead of buying pre-sliced anything, go for the bulk item and practice cutting the food yourself. It sounds silly but every little bit counts. The more you practice something, the better you’ll get I promise.

If your prep skills are on point and you're still frustrated, then maybe it comes down to whether your actual cooking skills need some fine tuning. Again, this won’t magically improve overnight unless you are actively practicing. Let’s say you always get your pan too hot and end up smoking out the kitchen and setting off the smoke detectors. What do you do? Call for Take out? No! Learn how your range top heats up and adjust accordingly. Remember, you’re building a relationship with your kitchen. Most mishaps can self correct as long as you’re aware and willing to adjust. I find that if I’m in a happy mood when I begin to cook, the process goes along smoothly. I always, ALWAYS have music playing in the background; something that is going to make me either want to dance or sing while I’m chefing up a storm. Kitchen dance parties are the best and I find my food always tastes better when the tunes are blasting.

Still not enjoying the process? Perhaps it is because there is a disconnect between why you’re cooking in the first place. Making a delicious, healthy meal is the ultimate self care. Giving your body nutrient dense food says thank you to your amazing body and all of the amazing things it helps you do! Too often I see people take for granted the awesomeness of the human body and treat it poorly. Think of food as the deluxe spa treatment. The better quality the ingredients, the better you will look on the outside and feel on the inside too. Over the years, I’ve learned to say thank you to my body through proper rest and nutrition.Everytime I step into the kitchen, I know I am making a meal for my next PR as well as one that nourishes my soul. Hopefully with time, you'll be able to find your reason to be in the kitchen and love the process as much as I do.