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Wanting to cook but anxiety holding me back

Katy

Hi, I'm new here, and hoping that this is something some of you might understand.

I'm 28 and have autism. I struggle in such a big way with seemingly normal every day things. Because of my physical health problems I'm unable to work but I want to become more independent so like doing my own banking, my parents do this for me at the moment. And I want to start learning to cook so I can look after myself as and when I need to when my parents aren't around anymore.

But there's a problem. My anxiety. It's absolutely monstrous and it affects me in so many ways, physically and mentally. I want to learn to cook but I'm so anxious about doing it for so many reasons.

I'm worried about,

  • Giving myself and others food poisoning.
  • Burning myself.
  • Being a terrible cook. 
  • Food disagreeing with me and making me ill.

I know I shouldn't let my anxiety win and rule my life but I can't help it. It's got this bad that it always wins and I've had therapy and everything but nothing has helped me. 

I'm open to any suggestions and advice. Please help. I desperately want to be able to cook and enjoy the stuff I make. I've bought so many pots and pans, and cooking tools, but I haven't been able to use any of them yet.

Parents

  • I've taught many people to cook and it's something I really enjoy doing, as others have said start with something simple like scrambled egg, or a salad. I'd suggest getting Delia Smith's How To Cook, its an older series of books, but is aimed at people who want to cook, but have no idea of the basics, it was a staple of every student kitchen I've ever been in. It's also a good resourse book as it gives you the recipes for things that you might not cook often, but become a regular part of you repetoire when you become more confident, like puff pastry for example.

    If you're afraid of burning yourself get a tube of aloe vera gel and keep it handy for minor burns.

    Think about what foods you like to eat and try making them, for example if you like lasagne have a go at that, theres a few proceses involved, but whilst time consuming, fairly basic and easy as well as hugely satifying.

Reply

  • I've taught many people to cook and it's something I really enjoy doing, as others have said start with something simple like scrambled egg, or a salad. I'd suggest getting Delia Smith's How To Cook, its an older series of books, but is aimed at people who want to cook, but have no idea of the basics, it was a staple of every student kitchen I've ever been in. It's also a good resourse book as it gives you the recipes for things that you might not cook often, but become a regular part of you repetoire when you become more confident, like puff pastry for example.

    If you're afraid of burning yourself get a tube of aloe vera gel and keep it handy for minor burns.

    Think about what foods you like to eat and try making them, for example if you like lasagne have a go at that, theres a few proceses involved, but whilst time consuming, fairly basic and easy as well as hugely satifying.

Children
  • in reply to TheCatWoman

    Thank you for your great suggestions and for the book suggestion. I just found it on eBay and will order it when I can. Thanks for suggesting it! It sounds like it will be really useful for a total beginner like me. Hopefully :/ 

    I'll get me some aloe vera gel too. I'll definitely need it for sure. I'm so clumsy I know I'll burn myself at some point. Best to be prepared! 

    I love soup so I'm thinking maybe I can try and make my own homemade soup first of, if it's not too difficult to do. I've always loved soup and am really ambitious to make it and see if it's any good.

    Thank you for your helpful reply and suggestions. I greatly appreciate it.