If you didn’t grow up cooking, you may not feel comfortable in the kitchen. I’ve found that the solution to this problem is to simply spend more time preparing meals.
With practice, you’ll get better at cooking, which can lead to several important changes in your life. Here are the top five best reasons to learn to cook.
1. Cooking at Home Helps You Eat Better
The best reason to start cooking more is to improve your health. The average person fills up on processed foods whether you’re buying frozen meals at the grocery store or going through a fast food drive-thru window.
When you purchase fresh ingredients, you’re more likely to make better decisions about what you put into your body. In fact, one study found that people who prepared their own meals six days per week consumed less sugar and fewer calories compared to those who eat out regularly.
2. Learning to Cook Helps You Learn Portions
It’s easy to order a triple cheeseburger and large fries without worrying about the portions. When you prepare your own meals, portion control is a little easier.
People who cook their own meals tend to be more mindful. You’re less likely to eat too much and may even take your time to eat. Slowing down and savoring each bite is also better for your digestive process.
3. You Get to Know the Ingredients
When you order food at a restaurant, do you really know what they’re putting in it? For example, you may not know whether the meat was cooked in vegetable oil or olive oil.
Learning to cook gets rid of this guessing game. You know what ingredients you put in your food when you’re preparing a meal from scratch.
4. The Whole Family Can Get Involved
Cooking doesn’t need to be a solo activity. You can get the whole family involved in the cooking process.
It’s a great way to spend more time together and it also helps parents pass on positive eating habits to their kids.
5. Cooking Is Not That Hard
The final reason to learn how to cook is that it’s not that hard. If you can find and read recipes, you can cook a meal. Check out our favorite cookbooks that every home-chef should have.
Most recipes are not that hard to follow. While I’ve messed up plenty of recipes, the most common mistake is skipping an ingredient. Just remember to take your time and follow each instruction.
I also suggest that you double check your measurements. Just as with woodworking, you should measure twice to avoid making a simple mistake.