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Writer-s-Bloc

Kick your kitchen fatigue

By Zahra Tromsness

During the past year, you’ve probably spent more time in your kitchen than ever before, and let’s be honest, it’s exhausting.

While you may have dabbled in some of the latest food trends — sourdough starter or TikTok feta pasta, anyone? – answering the age-old question of “what’s for dinner?” every day has started to wear us down.

As we continue to attempt to maintain some form of routine and manage the changes in our day-to-day lives — juggling working from home along with the end of the school year — I’m sharing a few tips that I’ve found helpful, to kick your kitchen fatigue and inspire you to keep cooking.

Grow your own food

Gardening is a great way to breathe some excitement back into the kitchen, while also reducing stress and giving you a reason to spend more time outside.

As you begin to plan your garden, a planter full of herbs or veggie patch, think about the basics such as lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers, as well as herbs such as basil, rosemary, chives, and cilantro to kick start a delicious summer of fresh salads and herbs to be added to marinades, dips or even infused into your water or cocktails.

Take dinner outdoors

Barbecue season is in full swing so let’s take mealtime outside. Bring meatless Monday to the grill with grilled halloumi and veggie skewers or try marinating chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, fresh rosemary, and garlic and serve on a bed of grilled zucchini, eggplant, and peppers.

If you can’t cook outdoors try having a picnic in a local park with an assortment of snack-able treats if your local health guidelines allow it.

Meal planning is your friend

Taking 30 minutes once a week to plan your lunches and dinners for the week can help relieve much of the daily mealtime stress.

Start by looking at what’s already in your fridge and pantry and what’s on sale at your local grocery store for cost-saving inspiration.

If you’re stuck on what to do with those ingredients, follow me on Facebook or Instagram where I often share new recipe ideas and inspiration.

Meal plans also don’t have to be concrete — be flexible and shift meals around if you need to.

If you end up ordering in now and again, don’t sweat it.

It’s OK to take a shortcut

Taking the easy way out can sometimes be seen as a negative, but with all the convenient options available at your local grocery store,

it’s OK to lean into what works best for you.

Pick up a ready-to-go rotisserie chicken to serve with a fresh summer salad or a meal kit to make weeknight dinners a breeze.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Getting started can feel overwhelming. You’re not alone! As your local Kelowna registered dietitian, I am here to help with tips and recipe ideas. Book a free 15-minute virtual consultation with me at yourindependentgrocer.ca/dietitians

Zahra Tromsness is a registered dietitian at Peter’s Your Independent Grocer, Kelowna.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.



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About the Author

Welcome to Writer’s Bloc, an opinion column for guest writers to share their experiences and viewpoints with our readers.

Do you have something to say that is timely? of local interest? controversial? inspiring? foodie? entertaining? educational?

Drop a line. [email protected]

Opinions expressed in this column are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent those of Castanet. They are not news stories reported by our staff.



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The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet. Castanet does not warrant the contents.

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