I'm Too Busy to Cook {Confessions of a Workaholic}

As I write this post I am scarfing down a Jimmy John's sandwich, contemplating a second beer, and making a list of things I cannot forget to do when I get to the office tomorrow.  Between getting to work early, leaving late, and trying to have a social life, I have completely let my love for cooking take the back burner in terms of priorities.  The only thing pushing me into the kitchen are social engagements that require a homemade meal or shared dish.  Both of which have resulted in fueling my ever growing hatred for doing dishes and a resentment of anyone with a dishwasher.  What was a I thinking when I started this blog with Bethany?! What twenty-something has time to cook?! Because I sure as hell don't!

I feel like I am a minority among my twenty-something friends-- I love my job.  I wake up every morning and I get to send people abroad. I get to experience the excitement and the thrill (vicariously) of traveling internationally every day.  After graduating from college, the real world hit me with some rude actualities and it was easy to forget about the magic that travel has on my heart. My job allows me to be a part of that magic every weekday... and even sometimes on the weekends.  Hello, my name is Whitney, and I'm a workaholic.

Don't get me wrong, my job has challenges and frustrations just like any other.  But I enjoy what I do, I believe in what I do, and I work hard.  But because I've found something I'm passionate about I have let my other passions fall away...

I write to you all on a Monday, and it was possibly one of the worst Mondays I could have had.  I ended the day by chatting with a colleague and calling my sister on my wintry drive home.  Both conversations sparked this post and my previous question-- what twenty-something has the time or energy to cook!?

As twenty-somethings it is easy to find excuses not to cook.  We are trying to make a name for ourselves.  We are trying to have healthy romantic relationships.  We are trying to have fun.  As I justified my Jimmy John's run over the phone with my sister (a working mother who just recently left the twenty-something demographic) she validated my efforts.  But, being the good sister she is, she also offered amazing advice on how to motivate myself to cook, save money, and how to balance my crazy work schedule with my kitchen.

You can take the following advice with a grain of salt, as I'm currently saying, "Do as I say, not as I do." But take solace in the fact that I am giving this a shot too.  Let this be my very public decree, that I am going to cook more, eat out less, and not feel guilty or resentful about what time I do or do not spend in my kitchen.

1. Plan Less

If you've been with The Twenty-Something's Table from the beginning you know that I'm a freak when it comes to planning, especially my meals and grocery lists.  They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions, well so is the road to a balanced checkbook and a home cooked meal.  I can plan all I want to make enchiladas, curry, pizza, and soup all in one week. Heck, I can even get the groceries, but in actual application, it won't happen because of other priorities.  I work late 50% of the time and the other 50% of the time I'm trying to hang out with a cute boy or see friends.  If you don't really know your schedule for the week or you know that things might come up, make your meal plan more flexible.

2. Cook in Bulk

Make carnitas from a huge pork shoulder or shred several chicken breasts at once.  These proteins can be used in sandwiches, on top of a starch, in soup or salads,  or in a variety of creative ways.  It is winter (and a damn cold one here in Minnesota) so use your slow cooker to stalk up on leftovers. As it starts to warm up you can pair already prepared items with fresh meals on the grill.

Keep in mind your budget, meal possibilities, and freezer space.  You might get more mileage and variety from a roast or chopped and frozen veggies than from a large batch of chili that uses up all your Tupperware and refrigerator space.

3. Stock Up on the Right Things

Stocking your pantry is an inexpensive way to prepare yourself for meals in pinch.  Quickly made starches such as pasta and couscous should be staples in your pantry.  A jar of marinara or a can of tuna can go a long way in saving you time and energy.  Think about your favorite meals that can be ready in 20 minutes or less and make sure to keep the basics for them on hand.

If you haven't had time to plan your meals for the week or you have gotten off track, make sure to grab hearty vegetables and fruits that will last.  Broccoli, peppers, carrots, onions, citrus fruit, and apples are great examples of foods that might not be on your meal plan but could quickly be used in a recipe and will last for awhile if you don't get a chance to use them right away.

4. Go Veggie

Most of you know that I'm particular about my meat and that I like to go veggie a few times a week so I can put that money towards quality protein.  Not only are vegetarian meals good for you and your pocket book, but they also save you loads of time.  Rice and beans, veggie couscous, and fajitas are easy and quick.  Save that juicy steak for a night when you have time to cook it the right way.

5. Cook and Prep on the Weekend

On average, I have about 3 hours of time between leaving work and when I want to crawl into bed.  If I cook a huge meal from scratch and manage to do the dishes, it limits the precious time I have for the cute boy, catching up with family and friends, hanging with my cats, and let's be honest, my current Hulu Plus addiction.

Prepping meals on the weekend can allow you to have a fantastic meal during the week with half the effort.  Cut and prepare vegetables for sautéing, marinate meats for tasty meals with minimal clean up, and prepare hotdishes (what Minnesotans call casseroles) or meals that can be tossed in the oven for 30 minutes while you pop a bottle of wine and kick it with your cats.

6. Buy Frozen Meals

Gasp! Yes. I said it.  Buy a frozen meal or two, hell, buy ten. This advice comes directly from the older and wiser of the Westley sisters. While it is a little more expensive, stick to Trader Joe's or organic options, this way you avoid mystery meat (cringe) and unnecessary preservatives.  Pick meals that you can add a fresh component to such as lasagna with a quick side salad or a burrito with homemade guacamole.  These options may not appeal to the foodie in you but they are less expensive and better for you than take-out or fast food. Again, you can tell yourself  you are going to cook every night, but being honest about your time is the first step back into the kitchen.

7. Swap Meals with a Friend

A coworker recently told me about food swapping and I have to say, I'm dying to try it.  I love lasagna, chili, shepherds pie, and hotdishes but as a single lady I can't eat all that the recipe prepares and after one day of leftovers, I'm bored.  Food swapping allows you and a handful of friends to make one large dish and swap portions for a week or two worth of delicious and easy meals.  While this requires planning and good cooks, the application and ease could prove to be amazing.

Food swapping could also be as easy as trading off meals with a good friend.  Is your friend completely swamped this weekend?  Offer to cook for her and ask that she reciprocates on Tuesday when you know you'll be wore down.

8. Stop Feeling So Guilty

Seriously. Just stop.  You are in your twenties.  No one expects you to be making awesome meals 7 days a week.  You are human. Enjoy your damn Jimmy John's.

I hope these tips motivate you the same way they have motivated me.  Don't forget to share how you balance your time and your kitchen! We are always looking for wise advise from our fellow twenty-somethings.

As always, much love and cooking!!!

Whit