Maria: Discovering Tasty Meals for a Healthy Lifestyle

  • By Jackie Sun
  • August 27, 2014

Don’t be afraid to fail and don’t be afraid to try new things. Learning and finding meals you love requires a bit of both.

-Maria
#KitchenHero

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Maria: Hero in the Kitchen via @CookSmartsAs a personal trainer, Maria knows that to be healthy is not only about having an active lifestyle, but a balance between exercise and healthy eating. But that doesn’t mean that cooking comes easily to this health enthusiast! We all know that cooking requires a lot of time and planning, not to mention figuring out the best meals to cook for picky eaters. With some determination (and getting into a prep-ahead schedule), Kitchen Hero Maria is able to create tasty home-cooked meals for an even better healthy lifestyle. Read her Heroes in the Kitchen story below.

Name: Maria Patrick
Age: 27
City, State: Georgetown, KY
I cook for: myself and my husband.
Outside of the kitchen I: am a personal trainer and health enthusiast.
Being able to cook allows me to: try new things in the kitchen and to know what I’m putting in my body (and get my husband to eat healthier).
Favorite Cook Smarts meal: Pork and Pineapple Kebabs

How did you learn to cook?

I grew up with a family that cooked. I learned from my mom and dad who let me experiment in the kitchen at an early age.

What’s been your biggest cooking challenge in the past?

My husband is very picky and doesn’t like a lot of recipes I’ve made in the past which is discouraging. He’s always open to trying anything, though, so that’s helpful.

How has your cooking routine changed recently?

I’ve gotten better at prepping for dinners ahead of time (usually on Sundays) because I spend a lot of time away from home, and I’m tired when I get home. If it takes too much effort we will end up going out to eat.

“I’ve gotten better at prepping for dinners ahead of time (usually on Sundays) because I spend a lot of time away from home, and I’m tired when I get home.”

What new skill or dish have you cooked that you’re most proud of?

How to actually make a decent stir-fry! I’ve been making really terrible stir-fry dishes for years. My poor husband.

What advice would you give to other home cooks who want to cook more homemade meals?

Don’t be afraid to fail and don’t be afraid to try new things. Learning and finding meals you love requires a bit of both.


Thanks, Maria! We love seeing all of your delicious homemade meals on your Instagram (@mariatrains), and we’re happy to be a part of your cooking journey, whether it is getting you to stir-fry like a pro or introducing new ingredients to you and your husband.

Maria's favorite @cooksmarts meal: Pork and Pineapple KebabsTo join Maria and cook meals like her favorite Pork and Pineapple Kebabs, check out our meal plan service. You can get started for free!

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