Cooking My Way to Independence with IBD

After being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, I noticed that my relationship with food felt like a constant gamble. The relentless fatigue made it easier to choose quick, convenient meals like fast food, takeout, or restaurant options. However, while I gained time and energy, I lost comfort. I never knew exactly what was in my food, and I constantly worried that something I ate might trigger a flare or worsen my symptoms.

The lack of control left me feeling disconnected from my body, and over time, I longed for a way to take charge of my health through what I ate.

I wanted to feel empowered

My path to independence in the kitchen started unexpectedly with a show called "The Bear." The series, set in a chaotic restaurant kitchen, is primarily about the high-stress world of cooking (the genre of the show is called a "psychological comedy"!), but it also conveyed a simpler message: cooking is an act of creation. It's a way to bring a vision to life, using your hands to choose ingredients that reflect what you value.

I've felt the same sense of creation and connection in other hobbies of mine, like throwing pottery on a wheel. After finishing the show, I realized I didn't just want to eat to get by. I wanted to feel empowered by preparing my own meals.

Not compromising on taste or health

The first step I took was buying an air fryer. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it quickly opened up a world of possibilities in how I prepared food. I could make crispy, delicious foods without the guilt or heaviness that deep frying usually brings. Plus, it required minimal effort: just marinate chicken, toss it in the air fryer (400 degrees, 10 minutes on each side is my go-to), and focus on other things.

I found that my struggle between wanting convenience and the desire to prepare my own meals was resolved with the simple addition of the air fryer. As I experimented with new recipes (thank goodness for the internet), I realized that I didn't have to compromise on taste or health.

Calming my mind while nourishing my body

The biggest surprise of this journey has been the joy I've found in the cooking process itself. What started as a drive to manage my health quickly turned into a rewarding act of self-care. There's something really satisfying about chopping vegetables, watching them simmer, and knowing exactly what's going into the pot.

Cooking has become a mindful practice, a way to disconnect from the stresses of daily life and focus on something simple and nourishing. It calms my mind as much as it nourishes my body.

There are still days when fast food or takeout is my preferred option. After a long day, ordering in can feel like a small luxury. However, now, those moments don't make me feel so guilty.

I've found balance by appreciating the convenience of takeout while also savoring the joy of cooking for myself. It's about giving myself permission to have both the freedom to cook and the ease of convenience when I need it.