Cooking at home is more than a ritual that feeds the stomach. It is a way of leading a healthy life. If you thought your parents’ obsession with feeding you only home-cooked meals was a bit too much, it may be time to rethink. Because home-cooked meals not only delight your taste buds, but also boost your health. Dr. Jeremy London, a board-certified cardiovascular surgeon from the US, with over 25 years of clinical experience, shares some miraculous benefits of cooking your meals at home. Let’s take a look. Conscious eating
When you cook at home, you are in charge of the ingredients and the preparation methods. You have control over what goes into your meal. Dr. London says this part is very crucial. There is a reason why your mom, dad, or guardian steers clear of excessive sugar, salt, unhealthy oils, flavour enhancers, or canned foods. “When you cook, you control the ingredients. This allows you to focus on whole foods and limit processed and ultra-processed foods,” Dr. London said. Instead, home-cooked meals are focused on fresh ingredients and whole foods. Easy on the pocket
Dining out or ordering takeout can often times leave a hole in your wallet. And what you get to eat may even cost you your health. Buying fresh ingredients and cooking them at home is easy on the pocket. “Cooking at home allows you to stretch your grocery budget, reduce waste, and save money every single week,” Dr. London Health benefits
Cooking at home saves not just your bank account, but also your health and well-being. When you have control over the ingredients, it will benefit your health. You can always cater the meal depending on a person’s health. Well, that’s not all. “People who cook at home regularly have a lower incidence of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Home-cooked meals equal long-term wellness wins,” Dr. Jeremy said, in a video shared on Instagram. Portion control
Whether it’s ordering in or dining out, you are often served oversized portions. People tend to overeat, either because there’s no convenient option to pack the leftovers or because they feel compelled to finish what’s on the plate to avoid waste. “When you cook at home, you not only control what’s on your plate, but how much,” the surgeon said. Portion control is crucial, not just for people on a weight loss regimen, but for everyone.
Building connections
Beyond physical health, cooking at home also fosters emotional and social benefits. As Dr. London mentions, preparing meals at home creates the opportunity to connect with family, friends, or even yourself. These connections are crucial for your mental and emotional well-being. So, the next time your loved ones cook you a meal, thank them! Its a love language, that can never go wrong.