How do you motivate yourself to cook after a hard day at work?

1. 81

   brenda12lynetteposted 12 years ago

   How do you motivate yourself to cook after a hard day at work?
   
   My job isn't even that difficult and there are days I come home with no motivation to cook. I know anything I make will taste better than carry out or frozen dinners, so why do I drag my feet? What do you do to convince yourself the effort is worth it?

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2. 80

   Attikosposted 12 years ago

   I find hunger to be a powerful motivation. It usually overcomes any reluctance. I do try to keep things like frozen chicken breasts and fish filets in the freezer, though, things I can throw in some foil with veggies and herbs, put in the oven, and have ready by the time I've changed and had a glass of wine.

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   1. 81

      brenda12lynetteposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      What do you put on your chicken breast? I seem to always have dry chicken when I bake it in the oven.

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   2. 80

      Attikosposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I seal it in a pouch of aluminum foil with a little butter, herb, seasoning and slivered veggies. Bake it a quarter hour if it's thawed, half an hour if not, and along with a hunk of bread there's supper. It's a method called "en papillote." Useful.

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   3. 84

      nochanceposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      That sounds so delicious. I'll have to try that.

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   4. 80

      Attikosposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Try it with a couple of very thin slices of lemon, some capers, a sprig of tarragon. That'll relax you after a long day's work.

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3. 64

   Handicapped Chefposted 12 years ago

   I can understand you about having to cook when you get home from work, I do agree with Attikos with that answer, but you can also try to cook things that can go more than one day like a bake chicken the left overs can be a tasty chicken salad then if there is any left it can be bbq chicken on another day the same can be done with a piece of beef , it can be sliced roastbeef  then the leftover can be bbq beef sandwich or you can even put the beef and chicken into a loaded potato, There is so much more i can tell you but there are recipes on my hubpage site that can help you also my website facebook and twitter page if all that fails just inbox me I will be glad to help you with your cooking needs.......Happy Eating.

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   1. 81

      brenda12lynetteposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for the advice. I will check out your recipes and be ready next time I go grocery shopping!

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4. 61

   Life-is-liveposted 12 years ago

   My stomach!
   Usually cook after a hard day of work, changes ideas.
   
   To help you, take simple ingredients ... and when you do something, you must do it by keeping the smile! Whatever happens!!

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5. 88

   Victoria Anneposted 12 years ago

   I work in an architecture office and am usually at job sites or meetings most of the day leaving me little time to eat. When I get home I'm usually starving and it's tempting to grab something quick and easy, but instead I start dinner (usually something baked) then go shower and get my things ready for tomorrow and by the time I'm done that my food is almost finished.
   
   I also love to cook so that helps

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   1. 81

      brenda12lynetteposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Baking seems to be a general trend here, and it's something I don't do as much of. I do a lot of my cooking on top of the stove. I think it's time to switch things up!

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6. 84

   nochanceposted 12 years ago

   Make a plan of what you're going to cook. Sometimes the reluctance lies in the decision making.
   
   Just start cooking. I've found this works for me. I don't like to "start" projects, but once they're started I really enjoy it. That's how it is with cooking. Once I'm already going I get really excited about the seasonings I want to use and if I'm going to try something different than normal.
   
   Make a list of easy meals to make on nights you don't want to try very hard. Sometimes having a visual list to choose from can make the decision easier.

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   1. 81

      brenda12lynetteposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I'm the same way about starting projects. I usually have a general plan of what I'm going to make, but I think putting it in writing would help. Thanks!

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7. 66

   miss1maginationposted 12 years ago

   I make sure I have some easy meals to go just incase, I don't want to cook much some nights, buy frozen lamb shanks from aldi they come marinated already all you have to do is put them into the oven:) very easy!

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   Megan McLeesposted 12 years ago

   I think the trick is having the right ingredients that will allow you to make a great meal. I have many favorite things to cook but I love to try new recipes with what I have in the kitchen at the time. There is nothing better than eating a delicious meal after a hard days work, even though it may be tempting to throw something in the microwave. I enjoy putting some music on while I cook as well, which usually helps keep my mood up while I prepare my meals. While having the right recipe and ingredients is important, it is essential that you aren't starving while you cook, otherwise you can rush and it doesn't turn out right.

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9. 81

   brenda12lynetteposted 12 years ago

   Thanks for all the great advice everyone! I've been doing a lot of stuff with family this week so I haven't had a chance to cook, but I plan on making a list and doing some serious grocery shopping this weekend so I'm ready for next week!

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10. 72

    M K Paulposted 12 years ago

    Yeh, Its difficult to motivate yourself after returning from job.But I motivate myself with light songs and take rest for 1 hour.And when you cook for your love one and also he/she helps you, it is also easy to motivate to cook good food.My husband helps me alot...

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11. 69

    vinesh777posted 12 years ago

    We always try to do something new....from no where....but it works...

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    Jools99posted 12 years ago

    I usually plan every meal for the coming week at the weekend before so that every night I know what I am making and I try to have one night when I just do something I can put in the oven and all I have to do is either prepare a salad or some vegetables to accompany it; this one night off cooking always feels like a treat!

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13. 65

    Wrenbirdposted 12 years ago

    Though out the day I think about what I want to eat for dinner, so that when I get home not only do I know how to quickly make dinner, but I'm also looking forward to eating it.

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14. 72

    moonfairyposted 12 years ago

    I usually don't have time to eat a good meal during my work day so when I come home, I'm ready for something delicious, so I always look forward to it. I love to cook and I love good food, and by the end of a long work day, I'm ready for something yummy!

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    ChitrangadaSharanposted 12 years ago

    when something is to be done, it has to be done and has to be done. I am sure many women feel the same as you, including me. But when you see the faces of your loved ones, for whom you have to cook, you give in. Nothing delights more than the happy faces of your dear ones, after a grand home made meal, the primary ingredient of which is love.

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16. 0

    Kella Hanna-Wayneposted 7 years ago

    I recommend food prep. Figure out ahead of time what you're going to eat that week, as others suggested, and prep as much of those meals as you can at times you have more energy, like on the weekends. There are tons of websites dedicated to showing how to do this! It's a little like having pre-made food, but fresher and better for you.
    
    I also make sure to make really big batches of food that doesn't go bad quickly and I try to save these easy to re-heat leftovers for the times I'm exhausted, and do the more time consuming cooking heavy meals when I have energy.

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