Chicken Lessons

I used to hate to touch raw chicken, or raw meat of any kind.

As a kid, I used to electively eat broccoli, and salad, and…that was about it. It took a lot of persuasion to get me to eat meat. I was a vegan before vegan’s were cool.

I didn’t like sushi for the longest time because of the texture.

My version of cooking myself dinner in college was salad and deli turkey.

I am one of those people who gets their steaks well done.

(I apologize in advance to the meat lovers of the world out there. I know it hurts your hearts to hear me say that.)

Tonight I’m going to make chicken and broccoli from scratch - and I had this thought as I was running to the grocery store - my how I’ve changed.

The kid who wouldn’t touch raw chicken meat has now dubbed herself as the family gourmet chef.

The kid who couldn’t be bothered to cook…ever, has now become excited by recipes, and cookware, and nutrition.

The kid who didn’t eat sushi for the longest time is now going to Japan for her honeymoon.

My how I’ve changed.

The teacher in me has been thinking about my change in cooking/eating/nutrition habits lately, and, naturally wondering where the lesson is - I mean, there’s always something to be learned, right?

So here’s what I got.

It’s amazing what we are capable of once we quit believing the lies that we tell ourselves that inevitably keep us small.

I always “thought” I hated to cook.

I don’t.

I just hate the feel and texture of raw meat in my hands - and you know what? I still do.

I always “thought” I hated sushi.

I don’t.

I just hate viscous food.

So what’s changed since childhood? I try things more. I go out of my comfort zone. I explore.

Sometimes, I hate the food that I try. Sometimes, I love it. But if I never pushed myself into a space that allowed for change, well, I wouldn’t really know what I’m capable of accomplishing.

So go on, try that new recipe.

You might love it, or you might hate it, but if you don’t try, you'll never know.