Growing up, my family always made dinner at home. While most nights I stick to that habit, I know I am not alone in having difficulty finding the motivation and time to make home-cooked meals every night. Ordering take-out, buying a pre-packaged dinner, or going out to eat is often quite tempting. Doing these things on occasion can be fun, delicious, and a good way to mix up your routine, but if you want to know how to start eating healthy, the first step is to make cooking at home a priority.
From 1965 to 1995, the time spent cooking declined almost 40% in the US.[1] The average American spends only about 30 minutes a day on preparing and cleaning up food,[2] and a recent study showed that only half of American households cook dinner at home on a regular basis.[1] With more fast food and pre-packed meals available than ever before, this isn’t surprising. But this change is coming with negative consequences on our health. Pre-made food is often loaded with salt, fats, preservatives, sugar, and artificial ingredients.
Health benefits of cooking at home
Gathering with friends and family during the holiday season is often a time we take to remember what we are thankful for. This year, I am thankful for family and friends that love and support me, a job that brings me meaning, and continual improvements in my health. But why not focus on what we are thankful for each and every day, not just during the holiday season?
I love the holidays because it is a chance for my entire family to be together under one roof again. One thing I look forward to most is having both of my brothers home. I grew up with two older brothers, and being much younger than them, I was lucky to be the little sister. My brothers played with me and made me laugh, held my hand as we crossed the street, and made me feel loved and protected. That isn’t to say that we haven’t annoyed, teased, or bothered each other from time to time over the years, but we had – and still have – a great relationship.
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