It is important that everybody eats a balanced diet as it provides the nutrients your body needs to perform at its best. Without balanced nutrition, your body is more prone to infection, disease, fatigue, and low performance.
Moving out of home can be daunting and it might be the first time that you have to cook a meal for yourself. Whilst a takeaway or ready meal might appeal as an easier option, it can lead to forming unhealthy habits. However, we don’t have to be the next Gordon Ramsey or Nigella to whip up a good meal. We’ve compiled our top tips for first time cooks, allowing you to get the benefits of a healthy diet along with added extras such as saving money. In fact, a study in 2018 looked at students eating habits and found when they did put in the time and cook themselves not only were their meals healthier but also more cost efficient (2).
Preparing food at home has been linked to eating a healthier diet which comes with benefits to health and longevity (1). Cooking 4–7 times per week and preparing meals from basic ingredients more frequently has been linked to higher fruit and vegetable intake (4). Conversely, a lack of cooking skills and food preparation knowledge has also been identified as a barrier to creating home-cooked meals (3).
Some simple cooking and meal planning skills help to resolve any unhealthy habits adopted during adolescence. So, if you have recently moved out of home or are new to cooking your own meals, check out our top tips for starting off in the kitchen:
1. Write a shopping list before hitting the shops as it reduces waste, is more cost efficient and helps with meal planning for the week ahead
2. Read the full recipe before you begin preparing or cooking
3. Follow the recipe (at least the first time!)
4. Have the essential cooking equipment for beginners: Sharp knife, a chopping board, a saucepan & non-stick frying pan, an oven-safe dish, a wooden spoon and spatula, a can opener, and a colander
5. Prepare your ingredients and your equipment before you start cooking, it makes it easier if your vegetables are peeled and washed and everything is at your fingertips
6. Ensure to pre-heat your oven. This will help you lock in that moisture and avoid a dry dish. An easy win when it comes to making your meal taste great!
7. Turn saucepan and frying pan handles to the side- this reduces the risk of anyone knocking over hot pans which can cause nasty burns. A safe cook is a happy cook!
In summary the benefits associated with preparing and cooking your own meals at home out weigh the convenience of ordering food or eating out, for example preparing your own meals saves you money, you will know what exactly you are eating, you’ll have more control over the portion sizes you eat and each time you cook for yourself you will improve your cooking skills. Next time you are tempted to reach for that phone and order your dinner, why not put these tips to the test by trying one of our delicious recipes?
