When we live by the clocks, the idea of healthy cooking can often feel like another chore, a time-consuming burden that's easier to bypass with takeout or pre-packaged meals. But Vanilla Zulu is disrupting that idea in a big way because it doesn't require drastic overhauls or hours spent in the kitchen. We’re making healthy cooking sexy! We’ve got a few simple yet effective habits that you can start today to pave the way for delicious, nutritious meals and a healthier lifestyle without sacrificing precious time or flavour.

#1 Plan your meals

One of the easiest healthy cooking habits to adopt is planning your meals. Take just 15-20 minutes at the beginning of the week to sketch out your meals. You’ll find it to be a game-changer and a major source of stress relief. It allows you to create a shopping list, ensuring you have all the necessary ingredients on hand and reducing the temptation for last-minute, less healthy choices. Meal planning also saves you time during the week, as you'll have a roadmap for your cooking.

#2 Choose whole foods

Another crucial habit is to prioritise whole, unprocessed ingredients. Focus on filling your pantry and fridge with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. These nutrient-dense foods form the foundation of healthy eating. Start consciously choosing whole foods over processed alternatives, and you will naturally reduce your intake of added sugars, unhealthy fats and artificial additives. You will start to notice a difference in how you feel in no time.

#3 Master healthy cooking techniques

There are some basic cooking techniques that can significantly simplify healthy cooking. However, it does require some practice to get them right. You could watch videos or sign up for a cooking class to learn how to roast and steam vegetables, sauté lean proteins and cook whole grains efficiently. It will empower you to create quick and nutritious meals. These fundamental skills are versatile and can be applied to a wide variety of ingredients, making healthy cooking less daunting.

#4 Use herbs & spices

Don't underestimate the power of herbs and spices. These flavour powerhouses can transform simple dishes into culinary delights without adding extra calories, salt, or unhealthy fats. Experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices to add something interesting to your meals, making healthy food both exciting and highly satisfying.

#5 Choose healthier fats

Saturated vegetable oils are a common ingredient that make meals unhealthy. They can lead to high cholesterol, heart attacks and weight gain. To adopt healthier cooking today, limit the use of unhealthy fats and choose healthier options like olive oil or avocado oil in moderation. You could also opt for water or low-sodium broth as your primary cooking liquids whenever possible. 

#6 Make it mindful 

Cooking and eating are natural processes of being human and they should be enjoyable but healthy at the same time. Try to be mindful of the entire cooking process and portion sizes when it’s time to eat. Cook and eat slowly, use smaller plates, and try cooking with friends or loved ones. These simple mindfulness habits can have a significant impact on your overall calorie intake. It's about making small, sustainable changes that accumulate into significant positive outcomes for your health and well-being.

Your kitchen could soon be your very own hub of healthy and delicious creations. Vanilla Zulu offers an ‘Eat Yourself Sexy’ healthy cooking class in Brisbane designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to adopt these healthy cooking habits with confidence and flair. We provide all the essentials, you just bring yourself and a positive attitude. Explore our upcoming class schedule and book your spot today!