Six reasons why it's important to cook, even if you are time poor

20 June 2019

Over the last couple of years, I have dramatically changed my lifestyle and my health, losing almost six stone in the process! Living off high calorie processed food was making me unhealthy, inside and out. I would feel sluggish, tired and grumpy all of the time (much appreciation to my other half for having the patience with me!)

The Quick After Work Cookbook

I decided to make the lifestyle change to cook from scratch every evening. It seemed like a daunting task at first, but once I had planned out the week’s meals by flicking through recipe books, choosing recipes I fancied and shopping the right ingredients, the rest was a doddle! I even found kitchen shortcuts and cooking hacks along the way.

There are indeed many benefits to cooking from scratch, however, when I say from scratch – I don’t mean fancy three-course-dinners. Meals can be quick, full of flavour and on the table in 30 minutes or less with just a few simple ingredients. Our Quick After-Work Cookbook is proof of that! The recipes’ nutritional information is provided too, meaning you can quite literally have your cake, and eat it! With a fabulous recipe for Hot Bakewell Blondies that is now a household favourite. Everything in moderation, right?

Below are my top 6 reasons it is important to cook at home, even if you don’t have much time.

It improves your physical health

Cooking from scratch means you can use all the fresh, unprocessed ingredients that make up a balanced diet. Foods such as fruit and vegetables, wholegrain products, nuts and seeds, dairy and oily fish are all packed full of vitamins & nutrition your body needs to thrive. This means that you will feel energised and full of life, you may even lose a few pounds!

Cooking improves, not only your physical health, but your mental health too

Cooking is not only good for your physical health; it has also been proven to help boost your mental health. The simple act of cooking and eating mindfully can help to improve your mood [1]. Given that our brain is made up of 60% fat, eating food that is rich in omega-3 & avoiding manufactured, processed fats can have a large impact on the way we feel too.

It brings the family together

Cooking at home can bring the family together, it is proven that families who eat home cooked meals together are happier as relationships are forged over delicious food[2]. Members of the family are encouraged to turn away from technology or social media and to have a real conversation with the people around them, in turn, gaining a sense of belonging and strengthening bonds between them.

New skills

Trying new foods opens opportunities to learn and teach new skills. From simply making your own pasta to learning how to professionally slice an onion (if there is such a thing!), there are endless possibilities – especially with the likes of YouTube at your fingertips. You will be the next Gordon Ramsey whipping up something delicious in no time.

Life gets hectic!

Sometimes the end of your day calls for a large glass of wine and something quick, greasy & unhealthy. But don’t fret, cooking bigger batches from home and freezing extra portions means that you can save time and effort by picking what you fancy from the freezer and effortlessly heating it up.

You can cook to save money

Cooking from home means you can save your pennies for something you really want, such as a new pair of jeans or a that thing that has been calling your name for a while! Planning my weekly meals has proven to be a great tool that has saved money. I know exactly what we are having each evening, which means I will only buy the ingredients that I need! Not only that, but it stops me calling the local takeaway when I’m lost for inspiration on what to have for dinner.

I could go on forever about the benefits of cooking at home, but I hope I have inspired you to get in the kitchen and rustle up something yummy today! Please share your cooking experiences with us, we would love to find out more.