We live in a world where convenience rules our daily choices, often leading us toward ultra-processed foods (UPFs) that are easy but damaging to our health. Cooking, once a vital part of everyday life, has taken a backseat to fast food, takeaways, and pre-packaged meals. However, knowing how to cook is a life skill that can significantly impact not only your health but your happiness and overall well-being.
Why Learning to Cook Matters
Cooking is more than just preparing food—it's about taking control of your health, your choices, and even your future. Here are some compelling reasons why cooking should be encouraged:
Reduction of Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) One of the biggest culprits behind poor health and weight gain is UPFs. These are foods stripped of nutrients and packed with additives, sugars, and unhealthy fats. Studies consistently show a link between UPFs and various health issues, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. By learning to cook, you can steer clear of these pitfalls, opting instead for whole, nourishing foods. When you cook from scratch, you’re in control of what goes into your body. This simple shift can lead to incredible improvements in your energy levels, mood, and overall well-being.
Improved Physical and Mental Health Cooking your own meals has a profound effect on both your physical and mental health. Research shows that people who cook at home more frequently tend to have healthier diets, lower body mass indexes, and better nutrient intake. A study published in Public Health Nutrition found that those who cooked dinner at home at least five times a week consumed fewer calories, less fat, and more vitamins and minerals compared to those who didn’t.
Mindfulness Mentally, cooking can be a meditative practice that reduces stress and anxiety. It gives you the chance to disconnect from the fast pace of life, focus on a creative process, and be present in the moment. Plus, there’s a deep sense of satisfaction that comes from making something yourself, which can boost your mood and self-esteem.
Financial Savings Eating out or ordering in regularly adds up, especially when we don’t realise how much we’re spending. By learning to cook, you’ll quickly notice how much cheaper it is to prepare meals at home. This not only benefits your wallet but also allows you to make healthier choices on a budget, making cooking a sustainable habit over the long term. You’ll also waste less food- those left overs will be easy to use up when you know how and batch cooking means you’re saving money and time!
Empowerment and Self-Sufficiency There’s something empowering about knowing that you can provide for yourself, create delicious meals, and nourish your loved ones. Cooking makes you self-sufficient, allowing you to make choices that suit your personal preferences and dietary needs. You’re no longer at the mercy of food manufacturers or takeout menus; you become the master of your own kitchen.
Building a Relationship with Food Cooking helps you develop a healthier relationship with food. When you cook, you become more aware of the ingredients and their nutritional value, and you can begin to enjoy the process of creating something that fuels your body. It fosters mindfulness around food, which can help you become more in tune with hunger and fullness cues, leading to better portion control and satisfaction after meals.
Ways Cooking Can Change Your Life
Boosting Confidence: There’s a great sense of achievement in mastering a new recipe or technique. With every dish you make, your confidence in the kitchen—and in life—grows.
Better Family Relationships: Cooking can be a communal experience. Whether you’re cooking for or with family and friends, it can bring people together. It’s a way to share love, care, and creativity.
Healthier Choices for Generations: Teaching children to cook is a gift that keeps giving. When kids learn to prepare their own meals, they’re more likely to eat healthily, carry these habits into adulthood, and pass them on to future generations.
Personal Anecdote: My Journey with Cooking
When I first started my journey in nutrition, I didn’t realise how much of it would be about cooking. I didn’t even get why we had to do cooking lessons at university! But the more I cooked, the more I saw the transformative power of preparing meals with fresh, whole ingredients, and the fact that this is the ‘how’ of nutrition- no point learning about all these key elements to a diet but not be able to apply them. It’s not just about following recipes—it’s about learning the science of food and how it impacts our bodies. Cooking has allowed me to feel more energised, make informed choices, and feel empowered in my health journey.
I also use my cooking skills to reduce the amount of UPFs I consume. Instead of reaching for pre-packaged snacks, I make my own meals from scratch. Whether it’s a quick salad or a full dinner, I know exactly what’s going into my food, and that control has made a huge difference in my health. I can eat well, for less money and in a faster time frame than a trip to (or delivery) McDonalds would take!
The Science Behind It
There’s a wealth of scientific research supporting the benefits of cooking. For instance, research from Harvard Health confirms that cooking meals at home can lead to a higher quality diet and better health outcomes. Another study from Public Health Nutrition reveals that frequent home cooking is associated with reduced consumption of unhealthy food and a greater intake of fruits and vegetables.
From my kitchen to yours,
Karis (Educate Your Plate CIC Founder)
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