How to Actually Enjoy Cooking at Home
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Yes, Chef: You know that moment when you open the DoorDash app for the third time in a week and think, “I really should just make some pasta?” Cooking at home is genuinely good for you, but knowing that doesn’t make it feel any less like a chore. The trick to doing it more often, however, lies in viewing it as self-care rather than a task to optimize.
The Benefits: A Johns Hopkins study found that people who cook most nights consume less sugar and fewer calories than those who don’t, even without trying to eat healthier. Cooking also engages all five senses in a way that can feel genuinely grounding after a long day, and the repetitive motions of chopping and stirring are soothing to the nervous system.
How to Do It: Start by cooking for yourself before you cook for anyone else, so you don’t put pressure on yourself to impress. Pick something you already like to eat and keep it as simple as possible. Once you’re comfortable with that, branch out and have fun with trying a new recipe or spice you’ve never used before.
