Cooking for Health, Money, and Fun
I love eating and who doesn’t? As a result, for many years I chose to buy a quick lunch or go out for dinner rather than cooking meals myself. As we moved into our new home, my husband and I, realizing that restaurants were draining our finances, made a commitment to cook more and eat out less.
Here are some reasons to consider refraining from restaurants:
Healthy Options
By developing meals from scratch you take total control of the fats, oils, and sweets involved. Often establishments that offer quick meals have less healthy options. Instead of buying “fast food”, pack a lunch at home to guarantee that you will have healthy meal.
Fun
Cooking can be a fun way to explore the world. Right now I am learning about Japanese food, but there is unique and interesting food history everywhere. Cooking is also creative. As you develop cooking knowledge, you are able to combine your skills and create free form one-of-a-kind masterpieces or at least funny mistakes.
Cost
Every time I am about to take the easy way out and buy my dinner I consider the numbers. For my husband and I to eat a decent meal we will pay between twenty to thirty dollars in a restaurant. If I instead spend that money on groceries, I can purchase enough food for at least three very filling meals for both of us.
Keep Special Occasions Special
By eating out only on holidays and special occasions these events become more memorable. Moreover, by eating out less you avoid guilt over that rare expensive meal.
Additional Busy Foodie Tips:
- Keep some energy bars in your briefcase or purse for days when you really don’t have time to cook before work or leaving the house.
- Buy snacks in bulk then repackage them into small reusable bags for on the go economical consumption.
- Get inspired. There is a long and entertaining history to cooking, pick up some books or magazines at the local library for fun ideas and recipes.
Cooking my meals has been a delightful experience. I am learning about foods from all over the world and know I am making strong financial decisions for my family.
Amara Dumlao is a Reviewer, Writer, Designer and Marketing Consultant. A graduate of the Eller College of Business Management at the University of Arizona and a former Banker, Amara combines global business savvy with creative real world financial applications.
A regular community volunteer, DIY enthusiast, social networking guru, and avid traveler, Amara believes in applying the wisdom of the past with the technology of the future to create a fulfilling balanced life.
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