Get in the habit of cooking at least a couple times a week. Making your own meals gives you more control over what goes into them and is a great way to learn about food. The meals don’t have to be extravagant, so don’t be overwhelmed. Making your meals can be as easy as making breakfast for dinner or throwing together some tacos using precooked beans and whatever veggies you have on hand.

The best way to make this happen is to plan ahead. As a beginner, the best way to set yourself up for success is to use a recipe and make sure you have all the ingredients before you start cooking.

Cooking without a recipe is like trying to build something without the instructions (definitely overwhelming if you’re a newbie). Plus, finding out you’re missing a key ingredient halfway through cooking is a surefire way to leave you frustrated, hungry, and on your way to nearest fast food joint.

Buy cookbooks, look at food blogs, or browse Pinterest. There are so many recipes out there. Just pick a few new recipes, make a grocery list, and have everything ready before your week starts.

Not a big fan of cooking? Don’t write it off just yet! In the Personalize Your Approach section of my book, I help you determine your eating style. Working through this exercise will not only help you build an approach to eating that works best for you but might even change your outlook on cooking.