From chore to creative hobby
How a busy grad student can find joy in cooking
We’ve all been there—work drags on longer than expected, protocols need troubleshooting, and by the end of the day, the idea of cooking feels more and more like another chore. Why didn’t I meal prep this Sunday to avoid this current dilemma? Energy levels are low and take-out sounds so good. As a fourth year PhD student, cooking for myself was beginning to feel like another task on my never-ending to-do list, like vacuuming that still needs to get done.
To further compound the self-guilt about my eating habits, my doctoral thesis focuses on understanding how your gut microbiome interacts with your body and can influence your immune system. I spend so much of my day thinking about those little microbes that co-evolved with us, only to inevitably end up feeding myself (and my microbes) quesadillas or cheddar & Ritz crackers. But I wanted to be more thoughtful with my food choices.
Eating is more than just a necessity—it’s a form of self-care that nourishes both body and mind. It’s something I have to work on daily, a practice in mindfulness that requires continual effort and intention. When I cook my own meals, I remind myself that I’m not only fueling my creativity but also making thoughtful choices about what goes into my body. Selecting fresh, wholesome ingredients and crafting dishes that align with my health goals is an ongoing journey. This mindful approach is a daily practice that transforms mealtime into an evolving act of love and care for myself. But how do you find motivation and inspiration to cook for yourself?
Turning cooking into an adventure
My friends and I have a fun way to push creative boundaries when it comes to making dinner. Welcome to Cooking Adventures, where dinner becomes a creative journey to explore and expand our palates. We each pick out a fun ingredient at the grocery store, then make a meal together using everyone’s ingredients. My favorite iteration of this game was when we ended up with a fun Asian-Mexican fusion ahi tuna dish featuring green chile chutney (sorry no link, this recipe exists only in my head). Cooking with others, even virtually, can be an incredible way to connect and help each other explore new flavors. Despite being 3,000 miles away, my friends and I still connect over food.
Cooking can be a chance to be creative and try new things. This year, I discovered that cumin and coriander are my favorite spice combo—I put them on almost everything. When I first added them to chicken pot pie filling, my husband gave me a look, but the result? Deliciously spiced pot pies that became a household favorite.
I’m always on the lookout for new recipes to try; most of my saved videos on Instagram and TikTok are cooking-related. I’ve found some great chefs who inspire me, like Justine Dorian (@justinesnacks), who always manages to balance simple recipes with complex flavors.
Even if you see a recipe you may be skeptical of, it can be fun to experiment and try new flavors. I’m not a fan of dill, celery, or olives, but I came across a pasta salad recipe containing all three and gave it a chance. To my surprise, I loved the combination of flavors. It was like channeling my inner Remy from Ratatouille (you know that scene where he combines cheese and berries, and fireworks go off?). Cooking became less about following rules and more about trusting my gut, experimenting, and having fun.
Practical tips to make cooking enjoyable
To make cooking more enjoyable and less of a burden, here are some practical tips:
1. Prep ingredients ahead of time
I’ve found that prepping ingredients ahead of time can be a game-changer. Wash and chop your veggies, marinate your proteins, and measure out your spices on a day when you have more energy. Then, when you’re tired or in a rush, you can throw everything together quickly without the hassle.
2. Explore new recipes
Keep your cooking exciting by regularly trying new recipes. You can find inspiration from cookbooks, food blogs, or social media. I have a whole saved folder on Instagram for recipes I find. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and experiment with ingredients or cuisines you’re unfamiliar with. Here is a link to the pasta salad I did not expect to like but then totally loved.
3. Make it a social activity
Cooking doesn’t have to be a solo activity. Invite friends or family over for a cooking night, or involve your partner or kids in the kitchen. It’s a great way to bond and share ideas, a chance to play off of each other’s creativity.
4. Embrace imperfection & taste as you go
Not every dish will turn out perfectly, and that’s okay. Cooking is about experimenting and learning. Sometimes the best recipes come from happy accidents or unexpected combinations. Little tweaks to the seasonings can have a huge impact if you taste along the way.
5. Personalize your dishes
Use cooking as a way to express your personal tastes. Like certain spices? Add them to your dishes. Prefer a certain texture or flavor? Adjust the recipe to suit your preferences. When it comes to cooking, a recipe can be more of a guideline than a detailed protocol to follow. Note: Baking is an exception, follow those recipes closely. It’s chemistry at work!
By setting yourself up for success with ingredient prep, you can prioritize being creative and experimenting with new flavors. You may even learn you enjoy a recipe containing ingredients you’ve never been a fan of. By experimenting with flavors, trying new recipes, and making the process fun, you can turn cooking from a task you dread into something you look forward to. So next time you’re tempted to just order takeout (or have another meal of cheese & crackers), remember that with a little creativity, cooking can be a delightful escape.
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