Healthy living: make cooking at home a part of your lifestyle

Most of today’s health problems are primarily the result of indiscretion: most illnesses are self-inflicted. Not always, of course, but it is efficient when we are at fault, and we could have done much better.

Nutrition is a big part of it. What we put into our bodies matters a lot more than you think. Food is more than just fuel. However, even on that note, think of it this way. If you owned a luxury car like a Bentley or Ferrari, would you go for “low grade” fuel? You have to treat yourself as you deserve, and it’s the best. You must not only eat well, but also cook most of the time. Do both at the same time…

1. Make cooking convenient. Perhaps your reason for not preparing your meals is lack of time or practice. The second is easily solved – cook more often! There is no better day than today to start: millions of recipes are at your fingertips, with a search distance.

Lack of time can be a barrier, and that’s why you need to make cooking convenient. Cook a couple of times a week but make large portions to cover multiple meals. Or cook regularly, but keep simple, healthy meals. Reserve the most elaborate dishes for the weekend.

If it helps, treat yourself to new kitchen gadgets—anything that makes cooking more convenient for you.

2. Make cooking enjoyable. Cooking doesn’t have to feel like a chore…

• have background music or listen to a podcast.

• try some new recipes.

Cut down on cooking time by perfecting your favorite dish – if it takes 30 seconds less each time, it will add up. Anything much longer than 30 minutes on a weeknight will make many people reluctant to cook. However, if you find that you can prepare a meal in 20 minutes or less, you’ll enjoy it because you’ll be looking forward to eating a meal that you’re sure to like, well, most of the time.

Do the above and you will quickly make cooking a habit. It’s a habit that pays for itself: the time you invest will pay dividends in the form of better health. Even if you’re not always preparing perfectly healthy meals, chances are you’ll do better than throwing prepared food in the oven or microwave.

Take pride in preparing and cooking your meals. Invest more in this essential life skill. As long as you don’t have bad habits too often, like snacking or being completely sedentary, the difference will be positive. It will help you prevent common health problems and improve your health, and in turn, live a healthier life.