Ok ok, I know that this isn’t a cooking/recipe type of blog, but since we are trying to live a better life and improve ourselves and others around us, well then we have to talk about food and diet and maintaining a healthy body.
I also know that if you’re one of my readers from the US for example where it’s more popular to eat outside or order takeout, this article might not be what you want to read… but I encourage you to at least glance over it.
Personal story incoming (don’t worry, going to keep it super short):
Look… for almost all of my adult life I’ve used to weigh over 115kg (or 250 lbs if you’ve got freedom in your blood, erm… talking about Americans here). After dropping about 50kg / 100+ lbs, I gotta say, that cooking at home was definitely one of the ways to do it.
But cooking at home is not also only about weight management or weight loss, it’s also about using better ingredients, using less harmful things like palm oil, experimenting with different recipes to make it just the way you like it (this part is fun), and also of course, the money you save while doing it.
Is cooking at home better than eating out or ordering takeaway? Yeah, I would say it is, but then again don’t listen to me… I’m nobody, instead here are a couple of reasons that most dieticians and people smarter than me can agree on:
Control What Goes on Your Plate
Alright, alright, so you might be thinking “Here we go again with another ‘eat your veggies’ lecture.”
But trust me, this ain’t your mama nagging you to finish your broccoli.
Cooking at home gives you the ultimate superpower: you control what goes on your plate.
Remember that greasy takeout you ordered last week that left you feeling sluggish?
Yeah, you probably wouldn’t have doused it in that much oil or hidden a whole salt shaker’s worth of sodium if you’d made it yourself.
Cooking at home lets you choose fresh, healthy ingredients and tailor them to your taste and dietary needs.
Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Boom, add a handful of spinach to your stir-fry.
Craving a lean protein? Grill some chicken or fish instead of opting for deep-fried options. You’re the master of your culinary destiny!
Save Those Benjamins (or Euros, or Pesos)
Let’s face it, eating out and ordering takeout can put a serious dent in your wallet. Restaurant markups are a real thing, and delivery fees can feel like highway robbery sometimes.
By whipping up meals at home, you can seriously stretch your grocery budget further. Think about it – a pound of chicken breasts costs way less than a single chicken entree at a restaurant.
Plus, you can often get multiple meals out of one batch of cooking, making it a total win-win.
Those saved bucks can then be channeled into experiences, travel, or that fancy gadget you’ve been eyeing, or new wheels for your sweet ride.
I honestly got fed up with my neighborhood shawarma and kebab place, they raised the prices many times in the last year, yet they’ve made the portions a bit smaller from 200g of chicken breast to 180g while the price is the same or even higher… that’s no bueno for me, I like a nice shawarma after an intense leg day at the gym, but I also don’t like eating less for more money. But that’s just me… anyway, moving on.
Unleash Your Inner Masterchef (Even if You Can’t Boil Water… Yet)
Okay, maybe you’re a complete kitchen newbie and the idea of cooking sends shivers down your spine.
Here’s the thing – cooking at home is FUN! There’s a reason why cooking shows are so popular. Experimenting with new flavors, mastering a dish you love, and the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch is incredibly rewarding.
Plus, the internet is overflowing with easy-to-follow recipes for every skill level, so there’s no excuse not to give it a whirl.
Who knows, you might surprise yourself and discover a hidden culinary talent!
And yes, it does waste a bit of your time, and it’s much easier to order food at home or go out to eat, but it’s also a time to reflect on some of your decisions and personal goals that you might have… While those noodles are boiling you can let your mind free to wonder and solve things.
Beyond the Bod: Cooking at Home is a Feel-Good Fiesta for Your Soul
Sure, shedding kilos and saving money are fantastic perks, but there’s a whole other layer of magic to cooking at home that goes way beyond the physical. Let’s talk about the feel-good factor!
It honestly feels good knowing that you did that, when you put the food on the table and getting ready to eat it. It’s a small victory, a testament to your effort and creativity.
Sharing that meal with loved ones adds another layer of joy. Food becomes a way to connect, to create memories, and to nourish not just bodies, but also spirits.
Picture a cozy dinner night with friends and family, laughter filling the air as you savor a dish you all made together. That’s pure gold, my friend.
But yes, cooking at home gives you the ability to use fresh and clean ingredients, that result in much healthier meals with less calories. This was key when I used to drop weight.
I even started doing my own super-duper keto protein chocolate/ice-cream. It was way cheaper than the store bought ones, and much better with more protein than you can imagine. Wanna know the recipe? Leave a comment below. I don’t want to make this article too long.
Become a Kitchen Casanova (or Carmen Miranda) – Spice Up Your Life (Literally!)
Let’s be honest, restaurant menus can get a little… predictable. Sure, they might offer a few seasonal specials, but overall, it’s the same old, same old.
Cooking at home opens up a world of culinary possibilities! You’re no longer limited to a pre-defined selection.
Want to explore the fiery heat of Thai chilies? Go for it! Feeling adventurous? Dive into the world of exotic spices and create a Moroccan feast.
Sure, some might hate pineapple on pizza, but have you ever made sweet-and-sour chicken with pineapple? It’s amazing… google it 🙂
The world is your oyster (or maybe your mussel, depending on your taste buds). Experimenting with new flavors and cuisines keeps things exciting and adds a spark of adventure to your weekly routine.
Bonus Round: Cooking at Home is a Self-Care Power Move
In our fast-paced world, taking care of ourselves can often fall by the wayside. But cooking at home is a sneaky way to sneak in some serious self-care.
Yes, you save a bit of time by ordering food or going out to eat, but then again… is rushing through life and not giving yourself a bit of a break really something good?
I dunno, I mean I’m used to the hustle and grind mentality, but that’s not always the answer, simple living is much better than chasing the newest and shiniest thing out there or always trying to catch up with the neighbors or whatever…
Related article: Time vs. Money
The act of cooking itself can be therapeutic. Chopping vegetables becomes a mindful practice, focusing on the present moment. It gives you time to relax after a hectic day. Especially if you’re doing it with your loved ones and spending time with them in the process.
Not only that but knowing exactly what’s going into your food gives you a sense of control and well-being.
So there you have it, a couple of ways that in my opinion, home cooking is better than eating out or ordering food at home. Do you agree? Let me know.
P.S: Invest into some nice pans and pots and utensils, you’ll thank me later… no seriously I’ve thrashed like 3 pans in the last year or so.
