How to Make Food Easier (Esp. When Neurodivergent)

The pressure to achieve healthy, home cooked meals weighs heavily on so many of us. Particularly those of us who are neurodivergent, as we tend to struggle heavily in the area of food for a multitude of reasons.

Media paints a picture of a lone chef executing culinary masterpieces, giving the illusion that food is simple (and even stress relieving *exasperated sigh*), but this expectation simply doesn’t reflect reality. In fact, meal planning and cooking were never meant to be a one-person job.

Historically, meal preparation was a communal affair. Families and communities gathered around the hearth, sharing tasks and conversation. This collaborative approach not only lightened the workload but also fostered a sense of connection and belonging.

Fast forward to today’s fast-paced world, and the solo cook reigns supreme (at least in societal expectations). This ideal is further complicated for neurodivergent individuals who may struggle with executive function, sensory sensitivities, or time management. Planning a week’s worth of meals, let alone prepping and cooking them, can feel overwhelming and lead to frustration and unhealthy choices.

I, myself have struggled HEAVILY with this area of life. I’ve done my best to bring it back into being a group effort but the truth is that it’s…