We all know how important it is to cook healthy, nutritious meals, but it’s normal to go through times where cooking feels like a chore.

When you start to feel like you’re in a mealtime rut, why not turn to the same solution you use for everything else? (Hint: it’s in your pocket, or maybe even in your hands right now.)

Our smartphones, the internet, and other tech devices are right there, full of solutions that make cooking fun and easy — while keeping things healthy at the same time.

Shop Local, Cook Global

You don’t have to ditch your standby recipes, but the quickest way to make cooking more exciting is to try something new.

International cookbooks have always been around, but the availability of online videos and cooking TV shows gives you many more options for sampling cuisine from around the globe.

Even if you aren’t excited about exotic tastes, tuning into a cooking show is an easy way to find new takes on old favorites.

Don’t worry if you’ve joined the many people who have cut the cord on cable, or if you’ve considered going that route. Our favorite and most affordable way to access cooking programming is to use a low-cost streaming device.

All you need is a safe Wi-Fi connection and a TV - no cable required! Plus, these devices are super portable, so you can follow the best cooking shows from any room in your home. Some services even have mobile apps so they can be used on your devices, freeing up the TV for other members of the household.

Of course, cooking usually requires a trip to the grocery store, too, which isn’t the funnest part of being a home chef.

To make grocery shopping easier, Paste Magazine recommends using mobile apps that help manage your list or even provide delivery options.

Make Cooking an Experience, Not a Chore

If you feel like cooking is a chore, one way to get around that is to turn it into “me-time.” Play some music that gets you pumped or download a podcast you’ve been meaning to catch up on.

If you like wine, search for a wine subscription service and have fun pairing wine with your meals (and enjoy a glass while you cook).

Another way to make cooking more of an experience is to replicate your favorite restaurant meals. Join our next virtual cooking class and we will show you how. 

Many local chefs are incredibly approachable, so reach out on social media to ask if they’d be willing to share their recipes. Even if they aren’t open to that idea, the internet is full of tips for creating restaurant-style meals at home.

Don’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

This tip doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be an adventurous cook. On the contrary, you should get creative in the kitchen - just go into it prepared so you don’t get frustrated.

Plan to try new things when you won’t be in a rush, like on a Sunday morning, rather than attempting them for a big dinner party. 

It’s also important to give yourself the tools you need to be successful. Good Cheap Eats suggests practicing your skills and investing in new gadgets that help. This tip isn’t just limited to the tricky things either.

We love videos of cooking hacks that make everyday tasks easier and more fun. And while you don’t necessarily need new gadgets, you should ensure that all of the essentials are in good working condition.

For example, have you been putting off having a pro look at your refrigerator? Is your stove not operating properly?

Now’s the time to look for a handyman who can get your appliances in great shape. Checking reviews and ratings beforehand can help you find a handyman you can trust with the job. 

The bottom line is that cooking takes time and energy, but technology gives you easy solutions to these problems. When time is an issue, order groceries for delivery.

When you’re feeling tired of the same old recipes, subscribe to a new cooking channel to find inspiration. Whatever your cooking challenges are, all you have to do is take advantage of these resources to break out of a rut and get back on track.

The Color Me Beautiful Gourmet Food + Wine Cooking Class offers recipes that are easy to follow with ingredients you can find at your local grocery store. Each class includes wine pairing suggestions from our chef & consultant Milan as well as tips on how to incorporate healthy habits into your daily life even if cooking isn't something you normally enjoy doing. Join now before the price increase!

SoNaturelle aims to help highly motivated women change their bodies and their lives to achieve health, happiness, and comfort. Schedule a consultation today!

Photo credit: Unsplash

Guest Blogger: Sheila Olson of fitsheila.com | [email protected]