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It isnt uncommon to hear the praises ofcooking our own meals.
Many applaud this practice because it can save money, improve our health, and deepen our cooking skillsets.
Yet, despite these benefits, many can find cooking to be a bore.
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Cooking Supports a Brain-Boosting Diet
Did you know that certain foods can boost yourcognitive functioning?
A study conducted in 2014 illustrated a connection between poor mental health and unhealthy diets.
An example of food options that can boost these mental health benefits is the Mediterranean diet.
In addition, some offer low-cost fruit and veggie boxes to support community members experiencing financial hardship.
Give them a call to see what your options for support are.
Cooking Increases Social Connection
How often does a recipe yield just one serving?
It is pretty rare.
Food is meant to be shared, and cooking offers an easy excuse to build community.
Regardless of your choice, there are plenty of routes tosocial interactionwhen it comes to food.
The socialization linked to cooking is grounded in recent research.
Nailing a recipe youve been hoping to perfect can bolster yourself-esteemsignificantly.
Even if it is as simple as a three-ingredient pasta dish (noodles, butter, parmesan voila!
), cooking is clinically proven to be asignificant confidence booster.
This is because the feeling of creating something tangible that others can enjoy can be very gratifying.
Cooking can become a pillar in your routine, thus contributing to your increased overall well-being.
Everyone starts somewhere and the mental health benefits of cooking provide plenty of reason to dig in.
Farmer N, Touchton-Leonard K, Ross A.Psychosocial benefits of cooking interventions: a systematic review.Health Educ Behav.
2014;104(10):e31-e42.
2021;55(2):348-361. doi: 10.1002/jocb.459
