Ditch the Takeout, Embrace the Apron: The Joyful Benefits of Cooking at Home

Ditch the Takeout, Embrace the Apron: The Joyful Benefits of Cooking at Home

Life in our fast-paced world is only getting busier; and the temptation to order takeout or take-in delivery is undeniable. When we order in (or go out), we lose out on the benefits of cooking at home. While many consider the economic benefits of cooking at home, there is so much more in preparing a meal for yourself and loved ones. 

Skip the takeout and enjoy some of these lesser-known benefits of cooking at home:

Cooking together strengthens familiy connections. With safety precautions in place, children as young as two can help in the kitchen! Kiddos that prepare the food they're eating are more likely to eat from all food groups. Children who engage in frequent family mealtimes preform better in school. Cooking encourages creativity, builds self-esteem, and helps develop fine motor skills, manual dexterity and hand-eye coordiation. 

Improve nutritional intake with control over the ingredients used. Cooking at home can improve nutritional intake. Home cooked meals give you control over the portions served, the freshness of produce and meat, and can control added ingredients such as butter, oil, salt and sugar. Restaurant and fast foods often utilize fried foods and sneak calories into tasty sauces. 

Hang on to a little dough with budget friendly cooking! Cooking at home can reduce a strain on your grocery budget as it's usually more cost effective to cook at home. Taking advantage of in-season produce and shopping sales can go a long way in stretching your food budget. In addition, you can reduce food waste by repurposing leftovers! Did you know you can save money by replacing drip bowls annually with Range Kleen's Heavy Duty Chrome Drip Bowls? Our premium, OEM-grade drip bowls reflect heat toward cooking elements, saving your appliance energy as it functions at peak capacity! 

Engage in an act of self care - cooking allows you to express yourself creatively. Unleash your inner chef as you try cooking different cuisines and cooking techniques. The rhythmic act of chopping, measuring and the smells of aromatic spices can decrease your stress levels and help you relax. The best part of this self care is that it's free! 

If you don't love cooking, but want to increase the cooking you do at home, here are some tips to get you started!

Start small - Cook simple recipes to start with; as your skills in the kitchen increase, your appreciation for homecooked food will, too. 

Plan meals - Decide what you're going to cook ahead of time for the nights you do cook at home and shop for the ingredients when you're not pressed for time. Grocery delivery has gained popularity over the past few years and frees up time for many folks, giving them a bit more time to do the things they enjoy. Consider grocery delivery if it's within your budget and available in your area. 

Accept imperfections with grace - Cooking doesn't come naturally to everyone, forgive yourself for the mistakes you gain more experience in the kitchen. 

Will you join us in doning your apron and getting into the swing of cooking at home more often?