Do you have Kitchen Confidence?
Is low kitchen confidence the missing piece in your health journey?
When I started culinary school 15 years ago I knew I loved food. I was hungry to learn. I did not know how to cook many things. I had zero technique or culinary vocabulary. I barely could describe food beyond spicy, sweet or salty. I remember hearing the names of different pieces of equipment and thinking to myself “what is the world is that???”. Frequently, I put myself back in those shoes and think about how much I have learned and how (unknowingly at the time) that changed my relationship with food.
I was participating in a webinar last week for continuing education about culinary medicine and the chef/dietitian mentioned how low kitchen confidence and a poor diet are directly linked. I thought about my own journey with food and said “Ahh haaaa”. That was it. When I became CONFIDENT in the kitchen it eased so many of my negative thoughts about food. You know, the past diet culture stuff. Instead of worrying about following someone else’s rules, I started creating my own. That is when it all changed for me.
How can you increase your kitchen confidence?
First I would suggest thinking about your current relationship to food. Identify where your struggles are and what you want to change about them. Then answer these questions to yourself without any judgement.
Do you meal plan?
Do you meal prep?
Do you enjoy the foods that you eat everyday?
Are you happy in your kitchen and dining space at home?
Is your fridge, freezer and pantry well stocked?
Can you create simple meals that you enjoy without a recipe?
Is what you are spending at the grocery story sustainable for your budget long term?
Then we work to start to increase your confidence where it’s needed.
Start with simple recipes: Begin by trying out easy and straightforward recipes that don't require extensive culinary skills. This will help you gain confidence in the kitchen and develop a sense of accomplishment.
Follow step-by-step instructions: Read the recipe carefully and follow the instructions closely. Take your time to understand each step before proceeding. Following the recipe precisely will help you achieve better results and boost your confidence.
Learn basic cooking techniques: Familiarize yourself with fundamental cooking techniques such as chopping, sautéing, boiling, baking, and grilling. Understanding these techniques will give you a solid foundation to build upon.
Take cooking classes or watch tutorials: Joining cooking classes or watching instructional videos can be immensely helpful. They provide valuable guidance, tips, and tricks to improve your skills and build confidence in the kitchen.
Start with familiar ingredients: Begin by cooking with ingredients you are comfortable with or those commonly found in your pantry. This way, you'll feel more at ease and be able to focus on honing your cooking techniques rather than worrying about unfamiliar ingredients.
Experiment with flavors and spices: Gradually venture into exploring different flavors and spices to add variety to your dishes. Experimentation will help you develop a better understanding of flavors and enhance your creativity in the kitchen.
Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities: Don't be discouraged by mistakes or less-than-perfect outcomes. Use them as valuable learning experiences to identify areas of improvement and refine your cooking skills.
Practice regularly: The more you cook, the more confidence you'll gain. Set aside regular time for cooking and try new recipes to expand your repertoire. Consistent practice will help you become more comfortable and proficient in the kitchen.
Share your creations: Share your culinary creations with family, friends, or supportive communities. Their positive feedback and encouragement will boost your confidence and motivate you to continue exploring in the kitchen.
Enjoy the process: Remember that cooking is not just about the end result—it's also about the journey. Enjoy the process of preparing food, savor the aromas, and appreciate the flavors. Building confidence in the kitchen is a rewarding and enjoyable endeavor.
If you feel like you need more personalized support I am available to meet with you one-on-one. I would love to support you and help you increase your kitchen confidence! Get Started Here