“The secret of good cooking is, first, having a love of it”- James Beard
The ability to cook is an underrated one. From a generalized view, most women are either good cooks or can at least prepare decent meals for themselves and their families. On the other hand, men are quite hesitant in testing their culinary potential. Specifically in our eastern culture, the kitchen comes under the jurisdiction of the ladies in the house, which is not only taxing for the women but also a setback for men. The lack of cooking skills is one of the biggest reasons, halting men to become the best version of themselves. Just like any other know-how, cooking is an essential for every grown man. Surprisingly, the majority of the top chefs in the world are men. So, this proves that cooking is not gender specific, apart from becoming a culinary master there are many other reasons to answer the age-old question, why should men cook?
It’s a life skill
For survival you can eat raw vegetables, fruits and meats but it is not sustainable. Cooking is a life skill that helps you enjoy your life better and stay fit as well. If you can cook, you would never die hungry, even in the worst-case scenario. Cooking not only makes your raw food taste better, but it is also essential for reducing the risk of microorganisms in your food. It also reduces many anti-nutrients present in raw ingredients, increasing the absorption of vital nutrients in your body, and makes food easier to digest. Cooking is a life skill and not just a household chore, and mastering the art of cooking will make you a capable and manly man. And let us admit, as a grown up, one should be capable to feed themselves without relying on takeouts.
It’s therapeutic
Cooking is refreshing, it involves deep work, creativity and rhythm. From chopping onions for your stews, soups or curries to marinating and preparing your proteins, every move in the process is artistic and meticulous. The amalgamation of different ingredients into a homogenized delicious dish makes cooking a therapeutic activity. You get some time to disconnect from the usual stresses of the life to create something scrumptious and soulful. So next time when things feel overwhelming at work, or you had an argument with your best friend, try cooking. Of course, you sweat in the heat and lose patience caramelizing your onions but once the final product is as per your liking (or even substandard) you feel a sense of joy and achievement.
It’s attractive
A man who can cook well, is an attractive man. If you want to increase your appeal, learning to cook can take it many notches above. From ancient times, men used to hunt and were responsible to arrange food for the nourishment of their family. Men who cook are often perceived as responsible and steadfast. Cooking involves a lot of care and love, and food bonds a whole family, so if a man can cook, he can take care of the family and is automatically considered to be a provider. People love soulful and home cooked meals, if you can cook a decent meal for your partner, you can impress them instantly. Cooking exclusively for your partner can also invoke many positive emotions and strengthen your bond with them. Feeding someone is equivalent to nurturing, it sends a subliminal message that you care for the wellbeing of your loved ones.
To lend a helping hand
Not all men enjoy cooking, and it is alright. You do not need to see cooking as an entertaining activity but a necessity. Food is essential for survival, not just for an individual but for the family too. Generally, in most households, one person is responsible for cooking meals for the whole family. Whether that person is your spouse or your parent/guardian, you can lend a helping hand on days they need a break. For a happy and healthy family equal participation from every member is essential. You should learn cooking to share the burden of your spouse or parents. When you are sick a home-cooked meal can be comforting, so you should aim to provide the same for your loved ones too.
It’s sustainable and cost-effective
This might come across a pleasant surprise, but cooking has more than apparent benefits. Cooking at home is way more economical than eating out or ordering in. You spend a lot, every time you plan to order or eat out. While it is convenient to eat cooked food, it is not wise to shell out your hard-earned money on expensive meals regularly. Notice that the same meal cooked at home costs way less than buying from a store or restaurant. You can go to your nearest supermarket or local market and buy fresh produce at affordable prices. Some supermarkets also offer attractive discounts when you buy grocery in bulk. If you want more tips on saving money on groceries, read here. Cooking is eco-friendly in more than one way. It is also sustainable. You not only save money by cooking at home, but you also lower your overall carbon footprint. Eateries often use plastic, and single-use packaging material for takeaways, all those packages end up in a landfill harming our environment. By reducing the number of times you eat out, you also reduce the waste. The leftover food items can be used as compost, and you can dispose the waste responsibly.
It’s healthier
Adulteration and using poor-quality ingredients for profits is a common trend in the food industry. We often come across such instances in news, where someone is caught cooking with below par oils, additives, artificial flavors or harmful chemicals. These foods when consumed regularly become a health hazard. Cooking eradicates these risks as you choose your own high-quality ingredients for your family. Even if you are not sure about the quality of the produce, you can at least maintain hygiene and avoid contamination. Simple home-cooked food is way better than buying the so-called healthy food from the market. When you learn cooking you can regulate your macro intake, like choosing the right amount of protein, carbs and fats for a balanced meal, leading to a much healthier and sustainable diet.
Becoming a better version of yourself involves learning new and essential skills.
Cooking is one such skill, if learned can not only help you lead a happier and healthier life, but it can also transform your personality too. So, the next time you fancy a gourmet dish, drop your phone and pick up the knife and pan.
