Late Bloomer in Kitchen

Prior to beginning my weight loss journey in 2014, I never really enjoyed being in the kitchen (except to eat). Despite coming from a family filled with amazing cooks, I did not like to do so. I simply had no interest in preparing meals.

I know that dining out was a huge contributor to my weight gain. It was not uncommon for us to out all 3 meals a day. I am saddened at the thought of all the junk food we ate and all the money that was wasted. 

Once I joined Instagram and started following great accounts like Kate (@drizzlemeskinny) and Gina (@skinnytaste), I realized that I could start cooking lower calorie versions of the food we enjoyed. I learned that eating healthy did not mean eating tasteless, bland food. 

And then the change began to happen. I started spending more time in the kitchen without dreaded it. I was excited to try new things. When my family responded positively to eating at home, it became even more enjoyable.

As time went on, I actually began to experiment with my own recipes. Say what? I was actually cooking without having to follow a recipe step by step. Best of all, it tasted good. Well, I should clarify that it tasted good most of time. I had some big misses along the way and still do but that just makes me more determined to keep trying until it’s right.

I was a late bloomer in the kitchen but I am super excited to have finally grown to like it. It has been vital to succeeding with my weight loss. I do not think I would be able to maintain this lifestyle long term without it. We still dine out but now it has become the exception and not the rule.

–Monica