I used to hate cooking. My late husband commented to my family once that he actually asked for meatloaf for his birthday meal. Just meatloaf. Something so simple, but since he ate Cereal, PBJ's, and hot dogs everynite, meatloaf was a special thing to him. He was lucky if I cooked twice a month. And never homemade. I always used prepackaged foods. My mom is an avid cook and cookbook collector. She started buying me cookbooks (that I never opened). Why do I need to cook when Lean Cuisine, Kraft, Hamburger Helper all did a fine job at it for me?

When I lost my husband almost 6 yrs ago, I weighed about 200 (always overweight me whole life). But then over a 2 yrs span, I gained another 50 lbs. I moved 3,000 miles away (from VA to OR) to start my life over again 4 yrs ago. I still hated to cook. I ate fast food, sandwiches, frozen stuff, deli stuff, you name it. When I got my band 3 1/2 yrs ago, I STILL hated cooking. I still ate crap.

Over this past year, I've discovered my inner cook. Pinterest recipes is my very fav website. I scour cookbooks at nite while watching tv. My husband is a carb-a-phobe, so he basically eats meat and veggies. Not too difficult. Every Saturdy nite we play poker at a friends and have a potluck. This is my night to shine! I practice my skills on them - and they LOVE it! i usually make a main course and a dessert. Last Saturday nite I made chicken enchiladas and Mexican sopapillas. So many compliments. Now I can't cook enuf! I wish my husband would eat a more variety of foods. I hate cooking just for myself! I try out low carb recipes that fit his taste, and those are good for me too!

And baking....I'm even more fond of making homemade cakes than opening the package of Duncan Hines! Now is the time I wish I had 4 kids to cook for! I'm part of a group at my church that brings meals to people that are sick, just had a baby, or in the hospital. I can create masterpieces there also!

Just wanted to share how getting healthier has affected my cooking skills! The only things in my freezer now are meats and veggies. No frozen meals, burritos, pizzas, etc. Love to cook!

Marci

Better for you than processed foods... but watch out for those cakes!

Pinterest is the best!! I agree about the cooking though.....something strange is happening to me in the kitchen too.

Hi marfar7. You can cook for me all your heart desires. How much for shipping to N.D.? lol

Me too! I am always on the hunt for recipes that will satisfy my family and my band!

I also love PInterest. Last week I made the chicken Parmesan meatballs and they were delicious!

I think it's because now that I eat less quantity, I look for more quality and stronger flavors.

I haven't been banded yet and I am on the hunt for recipes. Its silly!!