Surprising–and proven–ways preparing home-cooked meals can improve your mental health
| Let's take five minutes to see this week in a new light. | | | There's undeniable joy in ordering in, grabbing takeout, or dining out with friends. But science also tells us that cooking meals at home is really good for us in more ways than just the obvious. Not only are balanced, home-cooked meals healthier on average, going through the steps of preparing and making our food at home has some surprising mental benefits, too. | | | Don't let fear or a lack of confidence intimidate you. Everyone starts somewhere and the mental health benefits of cooking provide plenty of reason to dig in.” | | Below are just a few proven ways that preparing home-cooked meals can be a boon to your mental well-being.
- Boosts Self-Esteem: Whether simple or complicated, nailing a recipe can bolster your self-esteem. The feeling of creating something tangible that you and others can enjoy is quite gratifying.
- Encourages Routine: Keeping a consistent routine is crucial to our well-being from the day we're born. Cooking meals at home consistently gets us into a familiar groove that's comforting and encourages a balanced circadian rhythm.
- Expands Creativity: Adding creative activities into your daily life can significantly boost mood and overall well-being—and cooking definitely counts.
- Fosters Connection: Cooking with loved ones is an excellent way to spend quality time together. It can help strengthen relationships and, if you're cooking together, can even help with communication skills.
| We can't deny the science—donning your chef hat and courageously exploring your kitchen can lead to feeling better than ever. That said, it can be a wee bit intimidating to cook meals if you're not into the groove. Here are a few ways you can shift to more home-cooked meals:
- Start Simple: Don't feel like you have to jump into a marathon right out of the gate. Start with something simple, like a salad or casserole you can whip together easily.
- Find Recipes You're Excited About: If you struggle to find the momentum, recreating food you love can help jumpstart the process. Maybe it's a family classic or a meal you had at a restaurant and can't stop thinking about.
- Keep Organized: Staying organized in the kitchen ensures success. Make a list for the grocery store and prep all your ingredients before you start the cooking process.
- Take a Class: A course in cooking basics can help instill more confidence. You can take an in-person class or even consult YouTube!
| | Ways to Stay Positive This Week | | | Ways to Nurture Your Mind and Body | This week, take 15 minutes to come up with a game plan for one or two new meals to cook at home. Dig around the internet to find a recipe you're excited about, make a list for the grocery store, and carve out a day to make it happen. Bonus points for inviting a friend and making plenty to share. | | | |
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