I'm not a cook. I have the ability to burn water and have been known to mess up Mac&Cheese for my kids. It's just not my thing. I leave the cooking to the wife. (she cooks > I clean). The problem is that she isn't thrilled about changing her ways for my new plan. She is very supportive of me standing up and doing something about me ever-expanding belly but I don't think she is happy about the recipes. Does anyone have advise on how to get her motivated to cook healthy? Should I try cooking myself and maybe when I burn something she'll feel bad for me?? I'm at a loss. I'm definately hitting the flower store on the way home from work tomorrow!! Anyone else run into this problem?? Have any advice???

I had a pre-nuiptual, wife doesn't cook and I don't do dishes. Cooking is easy be patient and do one thing at a time and stay focused. Usually when things burn it is because you are trying to cook fast and the heat is to high or you are trying to watch the news the kids and 2 or 3 other things at the same time. I sometimes use a timer when I have to many things going on this way I am reminded to check on the food. I think if you try doing 1 or 2 of the recipes do them on a day you don't have alot going on so you have plenty of time to get it right and share it with the wife she will see the recipes are good. The hard part is the planning and shopping. I am sure this is why your wife is resitant to the change. It makes her have to change her routine that she is comfortably with for what she probably thinks is another one of your hair brain ideals that you will give up in a few weeks as we all have in the past. My wife's comment would be get off your rear end and go for a run on Sunday instead of watching the ball game and drinking beer. I have it easy my son is over weight and I have him on the same diet minus the Alli so I triple the recipe and split it 3 ways no special or extra meals to prepare.

 Don't know why, but I finally just read this post. When cooking on the stove, because of the high heat it is easier to burn things.

One idea is the Crock Pot. It uses slow, low heat to cook over longer periods. Because of the nature of the device, it's much easier to prepare healthy foods without the worries of burning them. And there are a TON of recipes online adapted to Crock Pot cooking.

If you use the Crock Pot to prepare a stew or chili, it frequently can be stretched out for several meals. You can't use it for everything, but you certainly could try your hand at a few specialty dishes. Reynolds sells liners now for the crock pot that you put in before you add the ingredients, so even cleanup is a snap.

Hopefully this idea might help.

Best of success to you,

Jim 

jazzman:

One idea is the Crock Pot

 

I just posted a crock pot recipe on the dinner forum. It is "souper" easy and the portions are very generous.  Trust me, you can't mess this one up.