The Wonderful World Of Cooking

Sundays were always a special day in our house for on that day, my Dad took over the kitchen. He would experiment and come up with all kinds of delicious things which we children loved. In fact, we were constantly hovering around the kitchen when he cooked because he was more likely to give us tit bits than my Mum. Even after he passed away, my Mum continued the practice and Sunday’s were a much awaited day. My Mum would plan a simple, special meal and as we grew older we were given the opportunity to do the same. That is how all of us syblings learned to love cooking and fooling around in the kitchen.

Over the years, it became a kind of food therapy for me and whenever I wanted to think things out or relax or calm my mind, I would go into the kitchen and cook. I go ga- ga at the thought of cooking and it is my favourite activity.

Why do I love it so much? There’s a strong sense of pride and accomplishment that comes from cooking your own meals; from taking ingredients and combining them to create eye-catching and mouth-watering dishes that can please you and others around you.

The whole family is involved in choosing a recipe, buying the ingredients, preparing the food and finally sitting down together and having a meal. This was a great motivator for me to keep spending time in the kitchen when I was learning to cook. And still is!

It makes me feel extremely happy. It relaxes me and helps me unwind. There’s nothing else I’d rather do.

It has helped me hone my skills and pass it on to others. In fact I love exchanging recipes with anyone willing to do so. My daughters were mixing cakes under supervision at 3 ½ years old.

I love sharing my food with others. It is a great way to make friends and I have become a much better person because of it. I believe cooking and eating are two of life’s great pleasures.

I also happen to love eating. So the best way to do that is to cook my own food be it ever so simple or a fancy restaurant worthy dish!

On the practical side, it is much healthier to make your own food.

The only problem, for many of us, cooking looks so complex and frustrating that it doesn’t seem worth our time. Start cooking your own food. It’s completely transforming.

Do you want to feel better? Do you want to have more energy? Great health starts in the kitchen.

You’ll make better choices because buying your own food will cut out more and more processed foods.

When people cook most of their meals at home, they consume fewer carbohydrates, less sugar and less fat than those who don’t.

It enables you to better practice portion control because you cook a few dishes for the family and you are not confronted with a vast array of food.

You know what you are eating. Cooking at home eliminates the guesswork. It also eliminates the chance that your food will contain an ingredient that could make you sick.

You’ll eat more mindfully. Cooking opens your eyes to not just what’s in your food but also how you eat it. Sitting down to regular meals with friends or family can also help improve your relationships.

Cooking brings you back to a nurturing home space. It creates an environment that’s supportive and helps you fight stress.

Cooking at home is very budget friendly. Eating out regularly can be pretty expensive. Whereas when you cook at home you are getting a high quality meal for probably half the price that is better and bought food and delicious too.

Everyone cannot cook. There are people who can’t make coffee or boil an egg, but for those who like to cook it is a great experience that makes you and others happy too. There is no better feeling than that.

You’ll find it’s easier than you think

Start simply — with a breakfast shake or one recipe a week. I used to bake cakes for every birthday and family gathering I was invited to and now can proudly say that’s how I became an expert.

The simplest foods are the healthiest and you can cook at any time you like. No matter the day, time, or place, it is always a good time to cook. If you are sad or happy, if it’s a dreary or sunny day, there is no bad time to cook. It is always there for you as something to do when you are bored or even when you are just in the mood to cook.

Cooking for yourself is one of the best things you can do for your own health and well being.