4 Ways to Get More Confident About Cooking and Love Being in the Kitchen!

One surprising side-effect of sobriety? More trips to the grocery store.

If you’re on the path to recovery, you’ll likely start craving whole foods instead of the #3 combo meal. So, why the change in appetite? Your hunger for healthier fare, packed with vitamins and nutrients, is likely a signal that your body needs to repair itself and flush the toxins that have been built up in your system.

Are you working to quit the behaviors of addiction and a dependency on drugs or alcohol? Cooking at home can help you do just that – and in a lot of different ways. The simple act of preparing a meal can help you build self-esteem and a greater sense of independence. And, you’ll become more conscious of what you’re putting in your body.

But, if your cooking chops are a little rusty, you can learn new recipes and culinary skills at any age. With practice and a little coaching, you can make your kitchen an extension of your addiction recovery plan.

Here are 4 Ways to Boost Your Confidence in the Kitchen 

(1) Shop around the perimeter of the grocery store.
To get started, keep it simple and start with healthy ingredients. Most grocery stores stock processed foods in the center aisles. Stick to the outer areas of the store where you can find fresh produce, meat, fish and dairy items.

(2) Make it a social event.
If you’re interested in learning how to cook, chances are, your friends are too. Ask your friends to help you host an interactive dinner party where you pick a healthy recipe to make (and enjoy) together as a group.

(3) Start with just a few ingredients. 
When you’re starting a new habit, like cooking, it’s always smart to start small. To avoid getting overwhelmed, look for recipes that have just a handful of ingredients. That way, you’ll have less prep work, measuring and cleanup in the kitchen.

(4) Get inspired! 
Cooking should be more than just a chore. It can grow into a fulfilling hobby and a source of pride. To get started, you first need to get inspired. There are a lot of great (and free!) websites that not only offer step-by-step recipes, but also include fantastic photos of the finished product. By taking the time to research new recipes online, you can find new motivation to get in the kitchen.

Cooking Classes and Nutritional Guidance 

As part of our holistic approach to addiction rehab, we offer weekly nutrition courses, in addition to shopping preparation and cooking classes. At Rising Roads Recovery, we aim to fix old patterns and replace them with a healthy relationship with food. If the client feels they need additional help from our Registered Dietician, additional support will be arranged. Reach out today by calling us at (866) 746-1558.