Cooking for One
In a culture and civilization that preaches we should love ourselves first and shouts examples of that to an extreme to the point of self-absorption and self-centeredness, there is an area in which we tend to think of ourselves last. We will spend hundreds of dollars on workout equipment, memberships, clothing, beauty supplies etc. without a second thought. However, fast food lines are always seemingly long, the prepared and robotic style food counters at markets and large chains are growing and the frozen food section at most stores occupies far more space than the fresh produce and meats.
What does it say? It says we will go to great lengths to take care of the outside of our body but not the inside. I think a huge part of that is because of fear and a lack of a true sense of self-worth. Loving someone is all about really tuning in and giving that person what they really need at the deepest level. We don’t love ourselves enough- sad but true.
I have spoken with many people in my cooking classes at the shop and one of the most prevalent reasons that they don’t cook at home is surprising. The reasons such as skill level and knowledge, money, convenience are all secondary to the answer…”it is just a lot of work for just me….” Whether these are single people or empty-nesters, most people do not feel they are worth the time and effort of a good home-cooked meal. All the other things which consume our time and finances are acceptable- but preparing a healthy and delicious meal and sitting down to enjoy it are not. How odd-
We need to break that way of thinking and begin at the start- we should care about ourselves, feel comfortable with ourselves and allow ourselves to treat our own selves and admit we are worth it. Buy a cookbook or go online and look at some of the things you really enjoy. Instead of ordering it at a restaurant or buying it prepared by someone else- do it as a gift to yourself. Instead of wandering the aisles that have package after package of pre-made foods or frozen entrees that at some point probably were actually food- stroll through the fresh produce aisles and meat cases and see for yourself that there is a step you have been missing. The journey from the farm, the stream or the ground does not go directly from there to your box, bag or microwavable container. It stops along the way, just waiting for someone to grab it and cook it into a delicious and healthy meal.
I realize that with today’s faster paced lives, there is not an ability to always sit down to a full meal at home every night- but there is time, and if not….make the time. You will not regret the decision. Create a time for yourself to cook and relax and enjoy a nicely prepared meal for YOU! It is worth it- for so many many reasons.
You may find yourself repeating that “date” over and over again.
