Contributors: Tammi Hall (Leigh Parent), Kristi Blumstein (Leigh Parent Alumni)

Learning how to cook can be a fun creative outlet for many people, but for others it can feel intimidating.  Luckily there are numerous YouTube videos on how to make just about anything you desire. 

As you begin to develop your cooking skills it is important to try to incorporate nutritious foods into your diet. Eating a well-balanced diet that is rich in nutrients is important for your health.  In addition to providing energy, food is information that tells the cells in our body how to behave in all situations. 

Consuming high-quality foods can help prevent diseases and maintain health, while eating poor-quality foods can actually create disease and damage our health.  Incorporating a variety of rainbow colored vegetables and fruits (aim for at least 5 servings daily) will provide your body with important phytonutrients needed for optimal cellular health and function.  

In addition to that, limiting your consumption of sugary foods and drinks, processed foods and refined grains will help prevent numerous chronic health issues.  Have fun in the kitchen and explore a variety of seasonings and herbs to bring your food to life.  

Before embarking on your cooking journey be sure to check out how to safely handle and prep food here.