This Is Your Sign to Break Up with Delivery Apps and Fall in Love with Cooking Again
I get it. It’s so easy to fall into the rhythm of delivery apps; the convenience makes it a no-brainer, and the options feel endless. With the choice between Thai and Mexican at your fingertips, why would you even consider chopping, stirring, and plating?
Even if it feels intimidating or time-consuming at first, there’s something deeply satisfying and healing about reconnecting with cooking at home. I can tell you from experience, you’ll never regret indulging a little food-focused self-care.
So, if you’re on the fence about breaking up with delivery apps, here are a few tips to help you finally delete them once and for all.
Reframe Cooking for Yourself as a Treat
Cooking for yourself shouldn’t be considered a chore or hassle, because it’s not. It’s a nice thing to do for yourself. Try turning it into a mindful practice. Put on music or a podcast (maybe Dinner for One 😉), pour yourself a glass of something tasty, chop slowly, be present in the moment, and enjoy the textures, smells, and sounds of your kitchen. This is your time.
Stock Your Pantry with Love
Make sure you have a few basics that serve as your tried and true foundation. Even if you’re out of ideas, you can always count on your staples to inspire you. My staples are olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, and anchovies. With those guys, I can whip up a simple and delicious pasta dish or a quiche (with a few extras). Building from a solid foundation helps to improve confidence, creativity, and enhance the palate. The goal is that, over time, you’ll be more eager to create.
Embrace Imperfection
Not every meal needs to be Instagram or TikTok-worthy, and that’s okay. Sometimes, a simple bowl of soup or scrambled eggs is the perfect expression of the care and treat you need.
Make (and eat) What You Crave
You don’t have to think about anyone else's preferences, allergies, or cravings. This is your meal, purely for your pleasure. Honoring and acknowledging your cravings is part of learning to trust and listen to yourself again.
Celebrate Your Progress
Every meal you make is a small, but meaningful way of saying, ‘I love me and I’m gonna be ok’. Even if you start with one home-cooked dinner a week, celebrate that choice. Over time, your ritual will feel less like work and more like the loving, kind act that it is.
Cooking for one is a simple yet very impactful act of self-love. And it’s never too late to fall back in love with your kitchen. So, here’s to you slowly peeling back layers of convenience to rediscover the magic simmering right at home.
