9 Benefits of Cooking at Home

 9 Benefits of Cooking at Home 

There’s nothing like a home-cooked meal, right? Your time and hard work seem to pay off with a flavorful and delicious meal. Plus, you get to decide what goes into your dish. So why don’t you do it more often?

Here are some reasons why you should consider cooking dinner for yourself tonight!

1.    It’s Healthier

Restaurant meals typically contain higher amounts of sodium, fat, and overall calories than home cooked meals. When you cook at home, you will be adding more fresh ingredients, less processed foods, and less additives like salt and fat. 

2.    You Save Money 

Going out for meals isn’t cheap. Adding in the price for drinks and transportation and you’re looking at a bill almost as much as your whole grocery trip! It works out to be cheaper to buy your ingredients – or work with what you have at home than you eat at a restaurant. Growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs can also save you more money!

3.    You Have the Control  

When you’re the chef you control what goes into your meals. This can be especially important if you have any type of allergy or dietary restriction. Some of the most common allergens – nuts, gluten, shellfish – are prepared in the same place that all meals are prepared at a restaurant. It is easy for cross-contamination to happen. Why risk an allergy accident when you can be 100% sure to avoid it? 

4.    It’s Personalized  

You can make substitution and choices as you cook based on your preferences or health goals. Add ingredients, take some out, or substitute them for what you like. You can double the veggies in a recipe, take out the onion, or use a different oil. It’s all about you and what you want!

5.    Time Management 

Eating out can take a lot of time, especially if you are going to a restaurant. Don’t even get me started on the waiting times of take-out! Cooking at home doesn’t have to take a lot of time if you don’t want it to. Planning your meals ahead of time allows you to manage your time and cook when it works best for you. There are so many meals that are done in 30 minutes or less. If you meal-prep over the weekend, dinner will just take the time to heat it up! 

6.    You Can Socialize with Family 

Cooking together can offer an opportunity to reconnect with your partner and loved ones. Working together to create a meal is a fun and bonding experience with a tasty reward at the end. It’s also a great way to introduce new foods and healthy eating habits to young ones. 

7.    Portion Control is Easier 

Most restaurant offer portions that are much larger necessary. And the problem with that is, if all that food is in front of you, chances are you’re going to eat it. When you cook at home, you can regulate your portions and eliminate the unnecessary extras. 

8.    Doing is Learning 

Cooking more often means you will be reading different recipes books and websites. By doing this, you’re likely to see new cooking methods and foods you haven’t cooked with before. Trying new things in the kitchen may seem intimidating at first for someone who isn’t used to it, but as you continue to prepare meals at home, you will gain confidence. As with anything, the more time you spend in the kitchen, the better you will become at creating fantastic meals. 

9.    It’s Fun!

Cooking a delicious meal is sure to bring a smile to your face. Sharing your meal with others and seeing them enjoying your cooking will make you even happier! Cooking with loved ones is a great way to relieve stress, experiment with new things, create conversation, laugh, and make memories. 

So what are you waiting for? Get to cooking! 

-       DZ