Yes, I’ve decided that this modern wonder of innovation is not good for me. Why? Its makes me very lazy and keeps me unhealthy. First, you need to understand that I HATE COOKING. Ok, now that we’re clear on that point, I can go forward with my story.
The microwave allows me to throw “stuff” in it and eat quickly. BAD Rhonda…
So I visited my best friend in New York and the first thing I noticed was her kitchen had no microwave. Problem. I needed to cook.
I also needed to eat. So I found myself looking for healthier things to eat. Then, I found myself slowing down and enjoying my food. I asked my friend if she thought about getting a microwave and she said “Nope.” She said not having one make her think about her meals instead throwing in a three-minute frozen dinner.
Ever since then I have to start planning meals. I have to start really thinking about nutrition vs. taste only. I have to slow down and connect with my food again. As someone who doesn’t like to cook and who is still on a journey to a vegetarian, this may be best for me and my lifestyle.
I’ve read many articles on the topic like the one most recently published on Huffington Post called, “Is This Common Kitchen Appliance Harming Your Health?” by Dr. Joseph Mercola. Cooking the “old school way” – with recipes! – and allowing the food to cook slowly is something the Slow Food Movement also addresses.
This is one of my self-discovery moments so I know living without the microwave may not be for everyone. Some can cook very healthy foods with the use of the microwave and understand it’s a tool in the kitchen. I believe that we each have to find our way on our journey. For me, I need the extreme of removing it from my kitchen and allowing me space to try to create dishes for myself and learn to love cooking.
P.S. A great spot for me to get some great recipes for this journey is the Meatless Monday website. Check it out!
Tags: healthy eating, microwave cooking, Slow Food Indiana, vegatarian eating
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The new cook at my kids’ school unplugged and put the microwave into storage. NO heated up frozen stuff anymore!
I do rely on the microwave at work- mostly to hear up a frozen lunch or leftovers.
The only time we normally use the microwave at home is to heat up leftovers. I do have some frozen items I buy at Trader Joe’s that can be microwave prepared. But I don’t really do any cooking in it- ok, corn on the cob when I can’t grill it.
Our microwave is also a toaster and small oven so we use those functions the most!
Very interesting idea. I’m trying to think about what we use our microwave for. Definitely not real “cooking.” Mostly re-heating stuff, though I do steam veggies in it. Regardless of whether or not we use the microwave, I like your comments about re-connecting with the taste and nutrition of your food. Like you, I hate cooking, too. A lot of times, I’m just trying to make a deadline — put something on the table before football practice — instead of trying to create a taste.
I was using it for “Real” cooking. I was eating way too many frozen dinners because of my busy life.
Thanks for sharing!!
Rhonda you told the truth that so many of us have to admit — we don’t like to cook. For all of the cooking shows, cookbooks, etc. that are out there you would think people love to cook. The truth is we’re in love with the idea of cooking, but we don’t have the time to cook it slowly and eat slowly. Planning out meals is so important. I know when I really look at the family calendar and plan things out, we eat so much better. Alas, I don’t do it enough.
Good for you Rhonda! I detest microwave meals. Back in the day food was meant to be enjoyed and savored with friends and family. Meals were occasions instead of something we had to do.
Now I’m not a fan or cooking mostly because I’m terrible at it, but I try for myself and my family. Yes time can become crunched when I have only 25 minutes to get the dinner on the table from the time I get home from work until my husband has to leave, but that means I plan days in advanced. The amazing thing is when I cook from scratch, and not pre-packaged items, it tastes so much better. I think you just need to say to yourself your going to do it and try.
I will be checking out that website by the way.