Cooking is a great skill, but it is a skill that many Americans don’t have. In fact, in 2019, only 20% of Americans were cooking from scratch daily. The rest were getting takeaway and eating out.
But while takeaways and restaurant meals may be an easy option for those who don’t feel like they have the time to cook, it can be incredibly expensive and unhealthy. With coronavirus still very much a threat in the United States, many people no longer feel safe going out to eat.
If you want to start cooking more, here are some of the benefits of cooking, and some beginner tips to get you started.
Benefits of Cooking
Here are just a few of the many benefits of cooking:
-
Better for your physical health: a 2017 study from the University of Washington Health Sciences found that people who ate at home at least three days per week had an overall healthier diet and made healthier food choices than those who did not. If you are eating out all the time, you are more likely to be consuming more calories than if you were to cook at home. This is because you can’t control what goes into your food when you eat out, so you are more likely to pick unhealthy items. When you cook from home, you know exactly what you are putting in your body.
-
Better for your mental health: if you have had a really stressful day at work, cooking when you come home can allow your mind to relax and de-stress. When you cook, your mind focuses on the food rather than anything worrying that might be on your mind will be forgotten as you create something tasty.
-
Better for your financial health: if you are eating out regularly, chances are you are spending a lot of money every month on food. When you’re at home, you can buy exactly what you need, and budget accordingly. Moreover, if you invest in a smarter kitchen (with energy-efficient appliances) you can save a lot of money on your energy bill. If you are looking for other ways to lower your energy bill, check out comparison websites where you can search different electric providers and pick the best company for you.
Tips to Thrive in the Kitchen
Now you know the benefits of cooking, how do you start becoming a cook? Here are some easy beginner tips to help you thrive in the kitchen:
-
Read some recipe books: pick out some recipe books that have lots of meals you really want to eat. These books will not only tell you all the ingredients you need but will also have a list of all the kitchenware and appliances you might need. If you have never cooked before, buy some beginner recipe books and read them thoroughly before you start cooking
-
Invest in some good knives: knives are one of the most important pieces of cooking equipment, so make sure you have good ones. Do some research and find the best cooking knives for your budget. Make sure you sharpen them regularly, too, as this can make cooking a lot easier.
-
Prepare your ingredients before you start cooking: to make cooking even easier, make sure you wash, measure, peel, and chop all of your ingredients before you start cooking. This means that you will not have to be running about while you are cooking, but will know exactly where everything is and can cook with ease.
-
Buy some herbs and spices: once you’ve mastered the cooking basics, invest in some of your favorite spices. This is one of the easiest ways to make your food taste even better. Make sure you also season your dishes with salt, as this will make your meals rich and flavourful.
Conclusion
Cooking doesn’t have to be difficult. Once you’ve learned the basics, cooking can become a fun and relaxing activity that can help you save money and stay healthy.
