Why even the most basic, 101-level cooking is really good for your health

This week on Well+Good, we’re launching Cook With Us, a new program designed to help you do just that. We believe that cooking is an important piece of the wellness puzzle and that everyone can make magic (or at least some avo toast) happen in the kitchen. Sometimes, you just need someone to show you where to start, and maybe a few others cheering you on. It doesn’t need to be complicated, or every day—like most things in the wellness world, a little goes a long way. 

Cook With Us is kicking off with a series of stories that’ll inspire you to sharpen your knives, plus introduce you to healthy recipes we’re sure will become weekday staples at your house (like this sweet potato gnocchi, these gluten-free chicken fingers, or this heart-warming slow cooker chicken soup). And stay tuned for the launch of our new digital community, a place for you to chat, learn, and share your favorite recipes with other wellness-minded home cooks. Think book club takes the kitchen. 

Make a promise to start cooking tonight (maybe snag a copy of our cookbook) and meet us in the kitchen.

Even with a gorgeous new cookbook (ahem) prettying up your kitchen, cracking it open and putting it to use can be intimidating. But here’s the thing: It doesn’t matter if the end result doesn’t look like the picture. You don’t need a pantry full of spices you’ve never heard of and you definitely don’t need to dirty half a dozen pots and pans to make good food that’s nourishing for your body and soul.

Don’t believe us? Here, a registered dietitian and a nutrition psychologist sound off on the myriad health-boosting side effects that come with cooking a simple meal. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time cooking or millionth—these are perks everyone can benefit from.

What are the health benefits of cooking?

1. You control the ingredients

Probably the most obvious benefit of cooking your own food is that you know exactly what you’re putting in your body. “This can be vital for people with food allergies, intolerances, or other dietary restrictions,” says Kara Lydon, RD, LDN, RYT, owner of Kara Lydon Nutrition and author of Nourish Your Namaste. That means skipping playing 21 questions with your waiter or triple-checking the ingredients list on every packaged snack in your grocery cart for gluten.

2. It leads to more balanced eating

According to scientific studies, people eat more mindful portions when they make their own food. “At restaurants, we can’t control the portions that are served to us and more often than not, they are larger than what we might serve at home,” Lydon says. “If you struggle with that desire to clean your plate, you might find that you’re uncomfortably full after a meal out versus eating at home where you can serve a portion that will help you reach a comfortable level of fullness.”

3. You focus on what you’re eating more

“Eating at home often comes with fewer distractions and thus a greater ability to turn inward to check with your satiety and satisfaction cues to know when to stop eating,” Lydon says.  Yet another reason why it discourages overeating.

4. You eat a wider variety of food

One study found that French adults who cooked at home ate a greater variety of foods than those who primarily ate out. As any RD will tell you, having a varied diet results in eating a greater range of nutrients (because no one food contains everything you need!) and can lead to overall better health.

Are there any emotional benefits, too?

5. Cooking is relaxing

Studies have shown that baking and cooking help relieve stress. “The actual act of cooking can be so therapeutic because it involves things like rhythmic chopping or stirring,” certified eating psychology and nutrition expert Elise Museles says. “And at the end of it, you have this delicious meal, which is hugely rewarding, so there’s a sense of accomplishment, too.”

6. It’s an act of self-love

Museles points out that when you take time to prepare yourself something nourishing, it’s telling yourself that you’re important. “You’re not saying, ‘I’m too busy.’ You’re saying, ‘I’m prioritizing my health and myself.'” She adds that if you have a difficult relationship with food, making these connections with what you’re putting in your body can help mend that relationship.

7. Cooking forces you to get your sh*t together

Because preparing your own food takes at least a little planning ahead, Museles says it helps promote organization and self-sufficiency. “I’ve found that when you’re organized in one part of your life, that mindset spills over into other areas too,” she says. When you feel like you have your meals planned out, you might be inspired to figure out your workout schedule next.

8. It connects you with others

In almost every culture, cooking for someone is a way to express love. “Cooking with your partner, kids, roommates, or friends can be really bonding,” Museles says. “You’re working together to make something, and then you get to sit down and enjoy it together.” And emotional connections are key for mental well-being. 

If you’re inspired to get cooking, here are the kitchen tools and pantry staples to stock up on. Plus, how to thicken soup in mere seconds for cozy sweater weather season.