Like everyone else, few people are immune to burnout and fatigue from going and more going plus the stress, instability, and the sense of insecurity of the times we are in.
Lately, I have been preparing more of my own meals and have been reminded of the richness and the sense of peace and joy I have been experiencing. I find while cooking, my attention goes into the cooking, and I feel a sense of well-being. Maybe it’s because I am making something I really want to eat and am feeling more joyful.
One simple arena we have more say so and can make a big impact in the quality of our life is in preparing your own meals.
You may be saying shoot me in the head, cooking and preparing meals is one of those non-stop chores of doing more and more while working, raising your family and…….. I have some thoughts about this below.
Cooking is one of the natural remaining sources of self-nurturing and calm that engages your own creativity and senses including smell, creativity, taste, and connection.
Research has shown, kids eat the food they grow, it seems like they would also eat the fun food they make.
The benefits and rewards are plentiful.
Autonomy-Being the Creator, the Artist
Ultimately you are the creator. You may start with a particular recipe. You
Have As Much Creativity and Control As You Would Like. You can create new flavors from new spices and turn a current recipe into a nutritious and delicious stew or soup.
Control
We all love to have control. You control where you source your ingredients. You get to pick. You also are taking control of what you eat.
Customization
You get to customize your meal to your specific health objectives and taste. You can remove ingredients that you may have an allergy to. For me, it’s sesame seed. When I eat it, I itch. Not fun.
Adding specific ingredients or vegetables like zucchini are a great source of fiber, Vitamin A, and magnesium.
These are natural and easy ways for you and your family to get your much-needed nutrition.
Emotional and Mental Health Benefits
Lighten up Loneliness
Personally, I find cooking to be one of the most meditative things to do that helps center my mind. Especially, when I am feeling lonely. There is a distinct difference from being lonely to being alone and connected to yourself. I notice a sense of ease on the feeling of loneliness while cooking.
Reduce Stress
It’s an easy way to focus on what you are doing, pay attention to the smells, and sample the ingredients and their flavors. Create a nice presentation on your plate. Express the quality and beauty you created.
It’s so easy for us to jump on social or other external experiences and the time goes by. We never feel satisfied. It’s like coming out of a dream when we step away from our device.
Not to mention the variety of health benefits you and your family receive when preparing your own food.
Creates Smiles and Joy
We all love to eat, especially if the food is delicious. Enjoy the smiles on your own face and your family’s face when they eat.
A couple of Tips
If you fall into the category of cooking, is a major chore. Consider picking one meal to make with your family. Include them in all aspects of the meal prep. Take them shopping to pick out each ingredient. They may start to appreciate everything that goes into them eating and may create interest for them to participate more and create their own meals or family meals. When doing this, if you are super focused on every ingredient, let the kids splurge on including things they like, that you may not deem as healthy as it should be.
More Money In Your Bank Account
Use the money you save from going out to eat to buy organic or other higher-quality ingredients that provide the most nutrients. If your budget doesn’t allow for lots of organic, pick one staple that you eat most often.
Parenting and Teaching Skills
Preparing your own food is a skill set we can teach our children that will last a lifetime. More time together engaged and communicating, and less screen time alone is a big win.
Don’t forget to include Good Fat. (: I had to include this.
Eating Good Fat goes a long way in providing additional energy, and brain health.
Please share with us and the community. Share your own low-carb, keto, and diabetic-friendly recipes on Facebook or Instagram and tag us, @goodfatcompany.
Last but not least, be adventurous and make it fun. Let go of perfectionism.
Happy Cooking.
Wishing you joy and exquisite health.
Sincerely,
Terry
