Culinary Therapy

Culinary Therapy

Cooking as THERAPY: A Recipe for Mental Well-Being

Have you ever heard that cooking is a form of therapy?

Cooking is more than just a way to nourish the body. It can also be an excellent tool for mental health. Many people find that spending time in the kitchen helps them relax, focus, and express creativity. Whether following a simple recipe or arranging a beautifully presented dish, cooking can provide comfort and a sense of accomplishment.

Cooking can serve as a form of care and therapy for those facing:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Chronic stress
  • Eating disorders
  • ADHD
  • Addictions
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Burnout
  • And other mental health conditions.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t seek professional help or therapy if you're struggling with mental health issues or a psychological crisis. If you feel that something requires a professional’s attention, please seek support as soon as possible. Se você acredita ou sente que algo precisa da atenção de um profissional, por favor, busque apoio o mais rápido possível.

Culinary therapy is just one of many ways to improve mental well-being. It is not a substitute for professional care.

Video
Play Video

I love cooking sometimes because it helps me focus, brings a sense of calm, and allows me to decorate and arrange the dish beautifully, just the way I like it.

Some people don’t enjoy cooking. In fact, many even dread it, and that’s okay. When cooking becomes an obligation, it can feel exhausting, and for those who have to do it daily without any enjoyment, it’s really not fun. But there are also those who don’t know how to cook and have no desire to learn, yet they love watching cooking videos because it soothes them and serves as a distraction. In the end, everyone is different, and we can’t generalize.

But how does cooking help?

The act of cooking provides a sense of control and accomplishment, boosting self-esteem and emotional well-being. Additionally, it fosters a deep sense of connection, whether by sharing meals with family and friends or dedicating this moment to yourself. Cooking for yourself is an act of self-care, a way to show self-love and recognize your own worth. Preparing a meal, no matter how simple, brings a sense of purpose and usefulness, making it a comforting habit for both mind and body.


Why is Cooking Therapeutic?

  1. Mindfulness and Focus

Cooking requires attention to detail, helping shift focus away from stress and into the present moment. Measuring ingredients, stirring a sauce, or watching a dish come together engages the senses and promotes mindfulness.

  1. Creativity and Self-Expression

Experimenting with new flavors, trying different ingredients, or plating a dish artistically can be a form of art. It allows for self-expression and boosts confidence.

  1. Sense of Accomplishment

Finishing a recipe, especially a new one, brings a sense of success. The process of cooking can be rewarding, and sharing a meal with loved ones makes it even more special.

  1. Connection and Togetherness

Cooking brings people closer. Preparing a meal for family and friends strengthens bonds and creates unforgettable moments. Don’t wait until a funeral to gather with loved ones. Let’s cherish life while we can.

  1. Sensory Pleasure

From the aroma of herbs and spices to the sizzling sound of food in the pan, cooking stimulates the senses, providing a full experience beyond just eating.


My Journey in the Kitchen

I must confess that I’m not the best cook. But I love to eat. Watching cooking shows, especially when they focus on plate presentation, fascinates me. That’s why, when I go to a restaurant and the dish looks poorly presented, I get disappointed. It feels like the chef didn’t put love into it. That’s why I’m picky about choosing restaurants. I won’t pay a high price for poorly plated food or drinks.

Cooking is therapeutic and highly recommended for improving mental health. That’s why I’ve decided to share some of my favorite recipes, most of which I learn from cooking videos on YouTube and Instagram.

I prefer easy recipes. nothing too complicated. So, if you have a simple and delicious idea, feel free to share it with me. I’d love to try it!

 

Let’s Cook Together

If you’re looking for a way to relax and improve your well-being, try spending some time in the kitchen. Whether you're an experienced chef or just starting out, cooking can be an enjoyable and calming experience.

Do you have an easy recipe to share? Send it to me, and let’s enjoy this culinary journey together!

Max. file size: 2 MB.

Baked Salmon

Ingredients:

  • Salmon
  • Salt
  • Olive oil
  • Paprika
  • Black pepper
  • Red pepper
  • Lemon
  • Any seasoning you like!

Side dish suggestion:
Rice with Peas & Carrots

Video
Play Video

Leave your favorite recipe or an easy one for me to try! If you have a Reels video with step-by-step instructions, send it to me on Instagram. I’d love to share it and try cooking it myself!

My Instagram: @ale.york

🎥 Videos from "Cooking with Alê"

Receitas Compartilhadas

Ground Beef Parmesan with Prosciutto

By Aline

Ingredients:
• 1 lb (500 g) ground beef (such as top round or chuck)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• Optional: ½ cup breadcrumbs (helps with firmness but can be omitted)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 5 oz (150 g) prosciutto, sliced
• 7 oz (200 g) mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• Oregano to taste
• Olive oil for greasing
 
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat:
• In a bowl, mix the ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
• If you prefer a firmer texture, add the breadcrumbs (optional).
2. Shape the Patties:
• Divide the mixture into portions and shape them into patties or hamburger-style steaks.
3. Searing:
• Heat a pan with a drizzle of olive oil and sear the patties on both sides until golden brown. They don’t need to be fully cooked, as they will finish in the oven.
4. Assemble the Dish:
• In a greased baking dish, arrange the seared patties.
• Place a slice of prosciutto on each one, followed by a slice of mozzarella.
• Pour the tomato sauce over the top and sprinkle with oregano.
5. Baking:
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
6. Serving:
• Remove from the oven and serve hot, paired with white rice or mashed potatoes.
 
This version with prosciutto adds a sophisticated and delicious touch to the traditional recipe! Let me know how it turns out if you try it. 😊

Cooked Ground Beef Casserole

By Priscilla Machado

5 well-cooked and mashed potatoes. Mix with 2 tablespoons of butter. This will form a watery paste.
 
In a baking dish, spread half of this mixture on the bottom. Then I added the ground beef to your taste, sprinkled cream cheese on top, and a few slices of mozzarella. Then cover with the other half of the mixture on top, sprinkled a few more slices of mozzarella, some olives, cherry tomatoes, basil and oregano, and bake until the cheese melts...
 
Then serve, accompanied by a salad and potato chips if you prefer.
 
Yum... It's delicious!!! 😍😋😚
Shopping Cart