ON COOKING || How Culinary Activities Impact Mental and Nutritional Health - Fun Recipes Included

ON COOKING || How Culinary Activities Impact Mental and Nutritional Health - Fun Recipes Included

Cooking is a great way to express creativity, connect with others, and boost your mental and nutritional health. In fact, research has shown that cooking can have a number of benefits for both your mind and body.

Here are 4 ways that cooking can impact your mental health:

  1. Reduces stress: Cooking can be a great way to relieve stress. When you cook, you're forced to focus on the present moment and the task. This can help to take your mind off of your worries and relax your body.

  2. Improves mood: Cooking can also improve your mood. When you cook something you enjoy, it releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.

  3. Increases self-esteem: Cooking can help boost your self-esteem. When you cook a delicious meal, it gives you a sense of accomplishment. It can also be a great way to learn new skills and express creativity.

  4. Promotes social connection: Cooking can be a great way to connect with others. Whether you're cooking for your family, friends, or even just yourself, cooking can be a fun and social activity.

Another perk of cooking for yourself is that you know exactly what’s in the food you are eating. There are no surprises and you get to enjoy your own creations.

Here are some of the ways that cooking can impact your nutritional health:

  • Enjoy healthy meals: Cooking at home gives you more control over the ingredients that go into your food. This means that you can make healthier choices, such as using whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.

  • Save money: Cooking at home is often cheaper than eating out. This is especially true if you cook in bulk and freeze leftovers.

  • Tastes better: Food that you cook yourself often tastes better than food that you buy pre-made. This is because you can control the ingredients and the cooking process, which can make a big difference in the final taste.

Here are some fun recipes that you can try:

Photo Credits: Alyssa Rivers | The Recipe Critic

This is a nutritious and tasty recipe that will keep you full throughout the day. It’s also a great dish to make if you’re trying to impress your friends.

Easy Vegetable Stir-Fry: This is a quick and easy stir-fry that's perfect for a weeknight meal. It's packed with vegetables, so it's a great way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables.

Photo Credits: Denise Bustard | Sweet Peas & Saffron

This hearty Sweet Peas & Saffron soup is perfect on a gloomy day for you to stay cozy. Make this recipe and you’ll love the flavours and aromas of the different ingredients. 

Lentils are a great source of protein and fibre. Paired with other vegetables like celery and carrots, you’ll have fun chopping away.

Photo Credits: Chicken Tikka Masala | Delicious Magazine

If you are craving some flavours from Southeast Asia, this Chicken Tikka Masala is the perfect dish to make! Full of protein and nutrients, this recipe will keep you healthy and fulfill your cravings.

Delicious Chicken Tikka Masala: This curry is full of flavour and it's a great way to impress your friends and family. It's also a good source of protein and iron.

Cooking is a great way to improve your mental and nutritional health. It can be a relaxing and enjoyable activity, and it can also be a great way to connect with others. If you're looking for a way to improve your overall well-being, I encourage you to start cooking!