Navigating the culinary chaos
I often find myself in a whirlwind of thoughts; when I'm not actively engaged in something, a sense of anxiety and restlessness creeps in. As a visual artist for most of my life, I've always sought outlets for my creativity. The introduction to cooking opened up a new world that captivated me completely.
The kitchen really is my happy place. I can spend hours immersed in a recipe, losing track of time as I focus on every intricate detail. From the precision of my knife cuts to the perfect moment of adding fresh herbs. Each ingredient . I’m consumed by every step. The delightful blend of flavors, the rich aromas wafting through the air, and the visual appeal of the dish all come together, creating a beautiful and satisfying experience. Cooking has transformed into a creative expression that not only calms my restless mind but also ignites my passion for art in ways I can’t even explain .
But that’s not the case for everyone .
It’s astonishing to realize how many individuals aren't familiar with even the simplest techniques in the kitchen.
Cooking is not just a necessity; it's a valuable life skill that can enhance our well-being and creativity. Yet, there is an overwhelming number of people who struggle with preparing basic meals.
In today's world, it seems like every meal choice comes with a label—paleo, carnivore, keto, vegan, low carb, no carb, vegetarian, plant based, gluten free—you name it. Too much protein , too little protein . Too much fat-no fat. Fruit is bad or is it good ? Salt bad! Carbs are good-no wait are they bad? Stay away from potato’s ?? Eggs? I think they are on the good list for now anyway. Soy is our enemy or the mono crop that will save us all !! It’s fucking insane …
Navigating the world of food labels can be incredibly confusing too, especially when it comes to options like fake meat. Many of these products are packed with chemicals that raise concerns about their health impact. Similarly, the term “organic” doesn’t always guarantee that what you’re consuming is truly organic, and “cage-free” doesn’t necessarily mean the animals lived a happy life.
We see labels boasting non-GMO status and USDA certifications, but then there are questions about whether the packaging is BPA-free or if the ingredients are truly wholesome. With so much information—and misinformation—it’s no wonder that many people feel overwhelmed and unsure of what choices to make. Instead of just enjoying the experience of cooking and eating. Bombarded by a myriad of political and cult-like food movements. It’s disheartening to see something as fundamental as eating becoming so divisive.
Being extreme in any aspect of life can lead to negative consequences. At least from my perspective. I once considered myself a strict vegan, meticulously meal prepping and adhering to a rigid set of standards. However, this intensity came at a cost—my health suffered significantly during that time, and I experienced some of my worst ailments. It's a tough realization to admit, but I had to adopt a less rigid approach because at the end of the day …I just love food … good food (most of the time), made right, it highlights the importance of finding a sustainable approach that prioritizes well-being over perfection. Embracing balance can lead to a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle.
It’s not a one size fits all approach . I can’t beat myself up anymore over being human . Especially right in this moment , living on the road has its own challenges and I have to be able to modify and adapt.
It’s a little ironic that here I am, passionately chatting about health and my love for cooking real food, all while devouring a bag of Cheetos! Talk about a contradiction! Perfection? Nah, not my style. And let’s be real, those cheesy snacks are definitely not vegan! It’s a balancing act!
Despite the plethora of options available, a lot of society seems to be relying solely on processed foods or takeout instead of preparing nutritious meals at home. This reliance on convenience can diminish our connection to food and its role in our health, well-being and family.
Regardless, I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn and experience the joy of cooking.
I’ve cooked in just about every type of kitchen you can imagine, from fully equipped setups to bare essentials. Right now, as I travel, I’m working in the most dysfunctional kitchen I’ve ever encountered, yet we always find a way to make it work! It’s a journey filled with plenty of cursing, numerous failed attempts, and lots of laughter, and always full bellies ! So really, there are no excuses- just jump in and try-it’s all part of the adventure!
There’s a common belief that eating healthy comes with a higher price tag, and this notion certainly deserves a thorough examination. It’s alarming to see many families resorting to ordering meals through services like Uber Eats night after night (not at all cheap) while children over consume heavily processed (cheap)food-like products loaded with harmful seed oils and toxic chemicals, unconsciously glued to their screens, seemingly disconnected from one another.
Eating poorly may seem like a cheaper and easier option in the short term, but it can actually end up costing us significantly more in the long run. Not to mention the financial burden of unhealthy eating manifesting in other ways, from increased medical expenses due to chronic illnesses and drastic reduction in quality of life and less time with the ones we love.
Cooking can be simple and enjoyable! It doesn’t have to be complicated or filled with overwhelming ingredients (maybe 5 to get started)
A gamer changer for me in the kitchen was learning to batch cook for the week. This approach not only saves time and cuts down on food waste but also sets you up for success in the kitchen.
I love involving my kids in the cooking process. Each one takes on a different task—one washes the veggies, another does the chopping or someone stirs the pot. We throw in a pinch of this and a dash of that.
Honestly, most of the time it’s just them hanging out, driving me nuts about “how starving they are,” but we’re all together in that moment. That’s when the real magic happens—the cringeworthy dad jokes that make us groan and the playful finger smacks for sneaking little tastes of things before the meal is ready. The jiujitsu technique learned that day being repped right on the floor right in the middle of everything. Cooking becomes a therapeutic escape from the chaos of outside world, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the present moment with our family. It’s a time to connect, laugh, and create lasting memories together.
A dear friend of mine often reminds me to “go with the flow,” and I can’t help but wonder how liberating it would be to apply this mindset to cooking. It doesn’t have to be picture-perfect, Instagram-worthy meals every night. Instead, focus on creating real, wholesome foods made simply, with love, and shared with our loved ones.
I can’t say this enough :
It doesn’t matter what label we give it. Just cook ! Real food , simple ingredients , made with love ! And indulge every now and then because: hey man, it’s life .
That’s the recipe.
Learning to cook will empower you and inspire your family in countless ways. Cooking offers an incredible array of benefits, and once you learn to take control of what goes into your meals, you’ll find that the rewards are endless. It’s a journey that will never leave you disappointed, as it opens the door to healthier choices, creativity, and memorable moments shared around the table.
Cooking can be fun and stress-free when we let go of the pressure to impress. Embracing a more relaxed approach allows us to connect with our food and those around us, transforming mealtime into a cherished ritual rather than a chore.
Please give it a try and if you ever need help message me. I’m always more than happy to share my love for food with others ❤️
