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4 Common Excuses Holding You Back From Cooking More

June 25, 2020 by Monica Nelson Leave a Comment

Pixabay – CC0 Licence

Cooking is something you’d love to do more, but there always seems to be something in the way. You may not view them as excuses, but they are, for the most part. Ask yourself, how many times did you have a legitimate alibi? How often could you justify your motives with a genuine defence?

Before you answer, you should take a look at the following excuses that hold people back from cooking. These are very common, especially for those who haven’t grown up in a kitchen, yet the solutions are insanely straightforward.

Here’s what you need to keep in mind.

I’m Too Tired

Yes, tiredness is the most played out excuse on the planet. Whether it’s cooking or going to meet friends, you can always fall back on your lack of energy. Well, you can’t anymore because the right recipes will ensure you only need fifteen minutes of personal time to create something special. If you have fond memories of Grandma’s meatloaf, the instant pot meatloaf version is quicker but still as tasty. Even if it takes a while to cook, you can do other things when the dish is in the oven, such as take a power nap or chill in front of the TV.

It’s Too Complicated

Complicated and tired are on the same scale. The reason you can’t be bothered is that you think a dish is too complicated to prepare, which is why you’d rather order takeout or zap a microwaveable meal. In truth, you should never eat with your eyes as most recipes are simpler than you’d imagine. A traditional carbonara sauce with pasta takes around ten minutes, and all you need is bacon, veggies, pasta, and eggs. As long as you get the pan off the heat when you add the egg mixture, you can’t go wrong.

Pixabay – CC0 Licence

It’s Better From A Restaurant

Okay, certain recipes are better at a restaurant as they are specialized. When it comes to Asian cuisine, you’re not going to learn the secrets in less than an hour, so it’s probably wiser to order out. However, the key is not to lump all takeout food together. A pho soup may be a challenge, but anybody can whip up a chicken tikka masala or a vegetable stir fry. You need to be savvy and lookout for signs that you’ve fallen into a rut. Ordering out should be a treat, not something you do every other night.

You’re Not Any Good

Everyone has to start somewhere. The trick is to practice until your skills improve. At the very least, you should give it a go and try and develop a love for the process. Once you enjoy cooking, you won’t be able to fall back on excuses such as you’re not good at it. For those who don’t know where to begin, a classic cookbook is an excellent starting point, as are basic online recipes that are readily accessible.

What are your excuses for not cooking? Are you ready to toss them out and start again?

This is a collaborative post.


Filed Under: Blog

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Let’s fire up the grill and here is a healthy ye Let’s fire up the grill and here is a healthy yet super tasty and fun treat for the 4th!
You can also use this same coconut cream again and just serve with your favorite fresh berries all season long! Enjoy. 

GRILLED PINEAPPLE WITH COCONUT CREAM
🍍🍍🍍

INGREDIENTS

For the Marinade:
• 1 tbs coconut oil (can also use olive)
• 1 tsp  ground cinnamon
• 2 1/2 tbs dark honey
• 1 vanilla bean (can be optional – but I love it here)
• 1 tbs of fresh lime juice
• 1 firm yet ripe pineapple, can buy already cut
For Garnish (Optional):
• 1 tbs dark rum
• 1 tbs grated lime zest from the lime
My Coconut Cream:
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup cream of coconut (such as Coco Lopez)

DIRECTIONS

Marinade:
1. In a large bowl – combine the oil, cinnamon, honey, vanilla bean (if using), and lime juice; whisk to well to blend together. Set aside.
2. Place each pineapple half cut-side down and cut it lengthwise into four long wedges; slice away the core. NOTE: Or you can slice it in rings too, which I do often. 
3. Place the pineapple in the bowl with the marinade and stir to coat the pineapple. Heat up the grill.
4. Place on the grill and cook about 3 to 4 mins. You can baste once or twice with the remaining marinade. Turn the fruit and move it to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat. Baste again with the marinade. Grill until the pineapple is tender and golden, about 3 more mins.
5. Remove the pineapple from the grill and place on a platter. Next, brush with the rum – if using. Last, sprinkle with the lime zest. Serve hot or warm!

For the Coconut Cream:
1. With an electric mixer, beat the heavy cream and cream of coconut until soft peaks form. TIP: You can also use this same cream again and just serve with your favorite fresh berries all season long.

So perfect for a summer treat with friends. Enjoy!
Let’s make my GREEN ME UP smoothie! I’ve been Let’s make my GREEN ME UP smoothie! I’ve been making this smoothie or a variation of it for the past 13-14 yrs, heck before there was TikTok. 😂 Such a delicious way to pack in some serious nutrition and those GREENS. 

Smoothies are an incredible tool to your wellbeing. They are super easy, versatile, and gosh dang - delicious and healthy. (If made correctly). That’s why I’m all about getting my clients on the smoothie train - if they’re up for it. 😉 

Just love providing clients with dozens of smoothie recipes I’ve created packed with protein and fiber, including healthy fats that keep you full 3-5 hrs easily. No matter what season of life I’ve been in personally: serious training, fitness modeling, both pregnancies/postpartum/nursing, healing, and now being a busy mom feeding our kids smoothies each morning, smoothies have been an essential piece.

This is a loose recipe so you can add anything else you want. Just make sure you have your protein source, your favorite veggies (hello phytonutrients), fiber sources and healthy fat. 

** Tip: put all the ingredients (EXCEPT the liquid) in the blender the night before! This tip has helped for years.

🥬GREEN ME UP SMOOTHIE🥬

• Handful of organic greens
• 1-2 cups organic celery (vitamins A, K, C, hydrating, supports digestion)
• 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower rice (makes it thick, extra fiber)
• 1 Brazil nut (gives daily selenium, which is important for fertility)
• 1/4 of an avocado
• 1/4 cup wild blueberries
• 1 tsp organic spirulina @nowfoodsofficial 
• 1/4-1/2 ceylon cinnamon (helps regulate blood sugar, antioxidant)
• 1 scoop @paleovalley bone broth powder
• 1 scoop whey - I like isolate and @nowfoodsofficial has a good one
• Creatine @nowfoodsofficial (fav supplement for 10+ yrs)
• 6-8 oz of unsweetened almond or coconut milk
• 1 scoop of @beeyawellness for topping, optional 

Other options I rotate in: ginger root, basil & chia seeds, psyllium husk powder, lemon (vitamin C), herbs like cilantro & mint, dandelion greens (great source of vitamin K).

1. Place everything in a HIGH-speed blender (yes this is important. Otherwise you’ll get salad texture). Blend for about 1 min. Enjoy!
Happy 2nd birthday to this special girl who I’m Happy 2nd birthday to this special girl who I’m utterly positive is a true magical fairy princess. We did a purple bday theme to match her cast. We just love watching you shine and embrace your world! 
You bring such joy and laughter to us Aubyn and may your birthday be as extraordinary as you are, sweet one. 💜🎂💜
Your kids are always listening. Always watching. A Your kids are always listening. Always watching. Always paying attention to your every move. They want to be. just. like. you. Healthy habits start young! Glad to see these two at 23 months & 6 yrs old lifting all on their own. 💪🏻

Recently Asher rushed home from school and said “I’m working out for 10 mins to get strong.” Followed by “then I can break free from all the hugs.” We learned that apparently 3 girls at recess hug Asher nonstop and he wants to get strong to “get away from all the girls.” 😳 Never a dull moment.
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About

Hi! I'm Monica Nelson and I'm thrilled that you're here. As a healthy chef, personal trainer & fitness expert, competitive athlete & sports model, I love helping people look & feel great! Try a recipe or read a wellness blog and tell me what you think.

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