Until recently it had never occurred to me that anyone would avoid learning how to cook. I post recipes, cooking techniques, and favorite kitchen utensils with the assumption that you guys actually cook.
But if you’re someone who doesn’t cook, for whatever reason, allow me to share the 7 reasons why you should learn how to cook. Like, today.
Having basic cooking skills is essential in our world today. (thank you, 2020, for making this abundantly clear)
Even if you order take-out several times a week (hey, no judgment) there will be times when cooking something quick for yourself is actually easier. Don’t believe me?
What if I told you that this year I made 11 new friends just by making this incredibly easy (and insanely delicious) recipe for sweet and spicy roasted nuts?
I’m not kidding. I was enjoying a glass of wine (shocker) and had a craving for candied nuts. So I made a big batch. (and ate an obscene amount)
The next day I packaged up the leftover nuts and delivered a small bag to each of my neighbors’ doorsteps.
And just like that: boom. Instant food connection. And you can do it too.
I’ve been told that I can be very convincing, so get ready to turn over a new leaf. Or, flip over a new pancake.
You get it.
Without further adieu, here are the 7 reasons why you should learn how to cook:
1. You’ll Save A Ton Of Money
You’d be surprised at how much cheaper it is to cook for yourself at home.
In fact, many of us learned this in 2020 when our options for dining out became far more limited and we were forced to cook at home more often.
Most of us saved enough to take a vacation. (you know, in 2022… maybe)
Cooking at home is perhaps one of the easiest ways to save money and maybe the most convincing reason why you should learn how to cook.
[Related: “How To Learn To Cook Like A Chef: The Secret Guide“]
2. You’ll Know What’s In Your Food
And knowing is half the battle.
Many of us probably prefer not to know what’s in the food we order from restaurants, because it’s usually safe to assume it’s not good for us.
Unless, of course, you’re someone who only eats at restaurants who specialize in healthy, natural foods. (if so, points to you)
But even then you’ll never know all of the ingredients used in your order and things like preservatives and pesticides have a way of hiding in many foods.
And unless you’re also working at the restaurant you’re eating at, you’ll never know for sure if they use safe handling and storage practices for the ingredients in their dishes.
I shudder to think of it…
Knowing what you’re consuming is definitely a solid reason why you should learn how to cook.
3. You’ll Impress Your Friends and Family
Get a reputation for knowing your way around the kitchen and suddenly your friends and family can’t wait to come over.
Hosting casual dinner parties is really fun and even the easiest of dishes will impress your gang with how delicious they are.
Knowing basic cooking techniques and being able to throw together a quick appetizer for an impromptu get together is exactly why you should learn how to cook.
Cooking with friends and family is a great way to connect, is inexpensive, and is a great way to pass the time.
[Related: “10 Fun Things To Learn How To Cook Like A Pro“]
4. You’ll Eat Healthier Without Even Realizing It
Even if your favorite takeout order is a juicy burger and a side of crispy fries (I like your style btw), it will still be healthier to make that exact meal at home.
You have control over the amount of fat, salt, and sugar that go into your food when you cook it yourself.
So even when you splurge on a delicious burger, it is unlikely that you’ll use anywhere near the amount of fat and salt that a restaurant would.
If for no other reason, you should learn how to cook so you can make me this burger.
5. You’ll Be More Interesting At Parties
Ok, maybe not.
But knowing how to cook is just another skill for the social resume and gives you another potential topic of conversation when meeting new people.
And everybody likes people who know how to cook, right?
[Related: “5 Unexpected Lessons Learned From Cooking“]
6. You’ll Learn That Cooking Is Actually Easy
Cooking is a skill that literally anyone can learn.
You don’t have to hold an advanced degree or have a high IQ to learn how to cook. (queue collective sigh of relief)
With so many fantastic resources available online and in cookbooks, anyone can learn how to cook in the comfort of their own home.
And once you get the basic cooking techniques down, you can whip up an easy pasta dish, scrumptious soup, or hearty salad with ease.
Seeing how easy it is to learn how to cook will build confidence, and confidence is a big enough reason for why you should learn how to cook.
[Related: “The Best Beginner’s Guide On How To Learn Cooking Techniques“]
7. You’ll Be More Popular At Work
Cookies make friends. And making friends might be the absolute best reason why you should learn how to cook.
Once you start experimenting with cookie recipes you’ll find you have more leftover than you know what to do with.
Resist the temptation to eat them all and, instead, bring your leftovers to work. (you know, post-pandemic)
[Related: “How Can I Learn To Cook Better In 2021?“]
It’s amazing what people will do for a fresh-baked treat, and you’ll soon become the reason people look forward to working in the office again.
Plus it’s a great way to show off those new skills of yours.
So you’ve decided to learn how to cook. Good for you! Take the next step and learn how to use spices in cooking like the best chefs!
