When is the last time you cooked a meal at home? According to a 2010 Harris Interactive Poll, 1 out of 3 Americans ages 18-33 cook at home five or more times a week. When reviewing the top motivators for cooking at home, 82 percent of respondents love or enjoy cooking when time is available. With the recent influx of cooking shows on television, home cooked meals may finally be garnering the attention they deserve.
But with all this attention comes the question, does cooking matter? With all the pre-packaged convenience foods, restaurants, fast food companies and vending machine options, what advantage does a home-cooked meal offer? Cooking at home is a less expensive alternative to dining out, and can be a healthier and equally convenient option. For instance, the amount of time spent driving to a fast food restaurant, waiting for the food to be prepared, paying for the food, and driving home could easily be spent preparing a 15-minute dinner in the comfort of your own home.
Often, we view cooking as a great culinary feat that requires specific training and large amounts of time. At the very least, we may be intimidated to cook and rely on specific recipes or directions. For those with this idealized vision of cooking who are intimidated by lack of skill or time, rest assured. Anyone can cook. Basic cooking skills, such as boiling water, can lead to more advanced cooking skills. Personally, my favorite part of cooking is learning a new skill or technique. Often, this is learned through trial and error. But when you finally discover how to make the perfect frittata or master the crockpot, cooking can provide a deep sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
With all the deadlines and responsibilities of college, making time to meal plan, grocery shop and cook are often low on the list of priorities. Find your motivation to get cooking by keeping these three benefits in mind.
1) Cooking pays off. When comparing a nutritious and balanced meal in a restaurant to a home cooked meal, it makes sense to eat at home. Instead of spending $15 eating a single meal at a restaurant, use this money to purchase groceries for three home-cooked meals.
2) Be in control. When you prepare your own meals at home, you have total control of the quality of ingredients and amount of fat and calories in your meals. Restaurants and fast food companies are concerned about their profit, not your waistline.
3) Life Skill. When you eventually graduate and leave college, there are few skills as important as meal planning and cooking that you will use every single day for the rest of your adult life. So why not start now? Build healthy habits, including meal planning and cooking, you are establishing a healthy lifestyle. If you are a cooking novice, start by mastering small skills. Just like any skill, so get cooking.
Marissa Rudley
can be reached at [email protected]