Help Learning to cook while extremely depressed

[hellstar_paradox]

So something I've been wanting to do for a while is learn how to cook for a multitude of reasons, but the problem is that I really don't know where or how to start. It also doesn't help that I'm struggling really bad with depression right now and most of the time barely have the energy to make myself a microwavable meal, much less spend like an hour in the kitchen prepping and cooking something. I still want to at least try though, I'm tired of eating the same things over an over again and I think my life would be a bit happier if I had the option to make a lot of different things for myself. Currently I only really know how to do simple thing like make a grilled cheese or eggs, so I'm as much of a beginner as someone can be. Any advice on how to get myself started would be appreciated , thank you.

 

[deadofdespair]

Maybe you could scroll TikTok looking for inspiration and cook the most appealing one to you? I was starting to learn how to cook aswell like that; however I stopped.

 

[hellstar_paradox]

Maybe you could scroll TikTok looking for inspiration and cook the most appealing one to you? I was starting to learn how to cook aswell like that; however I stopped.

I mean I ain't downloading tiktok but I could try something similar, thanks!

 

[deadofdespair]

I mean I ain't downloading tiktok but I could try something similar, thanks!

Yeah for sure, I wish I didn't aswell. Maybe just look for a website with clear images.

 

[ForsakenEcho]

What helped me get started was looking for recipes that weren't too fancy and didn't take too long to make. Not necessarily because they were simple, but because when there's a lot of cleaning involved, it can be really discouraging to cook when my energy is low

So I'd suggest starting by looking for something that sounds tasty to you and is relatively easy to make

And don't be afraid of making mistakes, especially if you're cooking just for yourself. It's completely normal to mess up when you're learning something new! Over time, you'll get used to making things in a way that suits your own taste better

 

[never mind me]

I second the others about starting with easy recipes you can find online. If you are too lazy to go shopping first you can also search for recipes with certain ingredients you still have at home.
And there are many simple meals that can be prepared in 15 to 20 minutes maximum that are still a lot more interesting and healthier than fast food you just put in the microwave. Some ideas: Fried tofu + fried vegetable (like zucchini or peppers), fried or scrambledd eggs + bread, omelette with vegetables mixed in + bread, pasta (any kind) + pesto, pasta (any kind) + tomato sauce (you only need a package of mashed tomatoes as a base + spices, but you can add fried onion and garlic and add vegetables to the sauce as you like), salad (choose any of the following: lettuce, tomatoes, sweet corn, cucumber, peppers, feta chesse, radish, walnuts) with bread and cheese or ham (if you eat meat), cereals or porridge with fruit and milk, tomatoes and mozarella with balsamico vinegar and olive oil and basil leaves with bread, fried (soy) meat with boiled potatoes/bread/ boiled rice.