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.

 

[simji_is_offline]

I'd suggest finding one-pot/one-pan recipes you like and seeing how you can cut even more of the complexity/time out of them. Like buying pre chopped veggies or pre-cooked meats (the frozen aisle is good for getting both of these cheaper than fresh, though the texture might be affected by the freezing process so keep that in mind). Not sure if grocery shopping is part of the stress, but if it's an option for you financially, grocery delivery can make things more accessible. Trying to take care of myself when I'm depressed is hard enough that I usually resort to takeout, so good on you for wanting to learn to cook while being in the thick of it. The fact you're looking for advice on this is awesome. Good luck <3

 

[maggineko]

Hi, I'm a little late to this thread! I started picking up cooking when I was 15 so I can offer a little bit of advice. I dunno what type of eggs you cook, but this is my scrambled eggs recipe: (i make a bomb scrambled eggs btw)

• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoon milk (basically 1 egg=1 tbsp)
• pinch of salt
• mix
• butter/oil up your pan, don't let the butter/oil burn, it's just for non-stick purposes
• pour in your egg mix
• let it sit for a bit on low-medium heat (i use an electric stove so i dunno)
• when the egg starts to turn a little solid but is still mostly wet, start scrambling it around with a spatula or something
• cook it to however you like. I like my scrambled eggs slightly wet, but you don't have to eat it like that if you prefer them completely dry. Just be careful not to cook them until too dry or overcook.
• take pan off the heat, serve on a plate, add a bit of seasoning if you desire, andddd voila!

I also recommend egg fried rice. U just need overnight rice (put in the fridge the day before)(MANDATORY), oil/butter, egg, soy sauce and some seasoning. Any recipe online will do. I recommend adding chunks of meat (sausages or SPAM) to your rice too. In my culture, we normally use a wok, but I don't own one, and can confirm that a pan gets the job done.

I also recommend Nino's Home where he shares recipes and you can follow what he's doing on video. TikTok and reels are okay for recipes, but I don't really recommend it as they have to simplify the recipes and skimp on the details cus it's short form content, unless they offer a full detailed recipe somewhere. The first recipe I ever followed was his Double Cheese Toast recipe which was simple enough to follow! It's also where I adapted my scrambled egg formula from.

If it's available to you also I recommend cooking classes. They're super fun, can't go wrong, and u can make a couple friends if you're up for it.

 

[Kenny]

French toast is usually pretty forgiving, there are lots of recipes for it online, and it's one of my favourite things to make. I would note that if you do make it, it's better to cook with lower temperatures than the recipe says by just a little bit so that it doesn't burn as fast.

 

[dungeon keeper]

Few of my friends attended cooking classes and couldn't stop talking how good it was