Today I want to talk to you about why you should cook dinner and why I feel it is so important.
So, I talk about dinner being the meal families traditionally will gather together to enjoy. It could be a different meal in your house, but lunches are generally a quicker meal, and breakfast is usually cereal and off to school, or work, or whatever. But dinner is the time, traditionally, is when we get together as a family.
Here is my argument for the importance of meals together and cooking when you can.
- It’s healthier.
- It’s cheaper.
- It’s good for your kids.
- It’s good for your relationship.
Healthier – When you cook your own meal, you have the chance to use less processed foods. You are using less salt. So even though we might be opening a can of cream of chicken soup, the majority of the things that we make, that we season ourselves, should be a healthier way to cook. Don’t get me wrong, I open instant boxes and buy frozen food when I need too, but as a whole, cooking at home is good for our bodies.
Cheaper – Cooking at home saves you money; no doubt about it. Let’s say, for example, we’re going to buy a turkey in the off-season and it’s $40 for the turkey. (Whoa, I’m not paying $40 for a turkey! I bought one at Thanksgiving for $12.Remember turkeys cost more in the off season.) But the thing you need to consider is how many meals are you going to be able to make from the one turkey? I can make at least four. That’s $10 per meal. (See, it does save you money.) I love going out to dinner, but it easily costs $50 for two to go out to dinner now a day and that’s before you add in drinks.
For the Kiddos – It’s good for the family structure. I’ve never had children, but I know that from what I’ve read, it’s nice to have something they can depend upon. Subliminally it makes them more secure knowing they will have a meal. Structure is good. I know a lot of family discussions are based around mealtime. You’re sitting down, eating meals together, and it’s really healthy for the family.
For your relationship – Whoever in your home is the one who generally is stepping up to make a meal, take this into account. I believe feeding the ones you love is a gift of love, and it really helps build a relationship. My husband and I share the responsibility in our home. If anyone in the household can cook, have them do it.
I hate to say it out loud, but I believe by cooking and having a nice meal for my husband before we were married is why he wanted to marry me. I know that sounds terrible, and everybody’s thinking, “I don’t cook! My spouse still loves me!” but there is some basis of taking care of someone you love by the act of providing a meal. So, whether you’re a man or a woman, cooking is like a gift. And you give them something they want to come home to. It’s just good for your relationship.
Remember, to me cooking might just mean heating something up. The spirit and intent is still there. You don’t have to be a master chef to take care of the ones you love.
So, why cook dinner? Cooking dinner is good for your relationship, good for your family, you will be eating healthier, and let me tell you, it saves you money!
Aren’t these reasons enough to want to cook dinner? Did I win the argument?