Why Cooking For Self Care Is Important

Today we’re chatting about why cooking for self care is important. I’ve discovered over the years that home cooking fresh food ingredients makes me feel better, and is exactly what I need to do when anyone in my house is under-the-weather… but there are so many more reasons to use cooking to care for yourself, let’s get into it… 

Background…

Embracing home cooking as a crucial aspect of self-care is a revelation I stumbled upon in my late twenties to early thirties. 

Growing up, culinary skills weren’t imparted to me, and my diet often consisted of canned vegetables and pasta multiple times a week.

However, as an adult, I realized that nurturing myself through cooking was a vital missing piece in my life.

Here’s what’s to love about using cooking for self care…

1. Nourishment

Cooking allows you to fuel your body with nutritious meals tailored to your dietary needs and preferences.

There are particular ingredients I know to keep around the house, to get ready incase anyone in my house starts to feel under the weather…

This is my chicken lime soup. 

Soup recipes have become a staple for us as soon as anyone gets the sniffles!

2. Mindfulness

Engaging in the cooking process promotes mindfulness as you focus on the present moment, sensory experiences, and the task at hand.

3. Stress Relief

The rhythmic actions involved in cooking, such as chopping ingredients or stirring a pot, can act as a form of therapy, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

Learn why I recommend cutting your own vegetables…

4. Creativity

Experimenting with different ingredients, flavors, and cooking techniques fosters creativity and self-expression in the kitchen.

This is my homemade carrot soup recipe…

5. Empowerment

Mastering cooking skills empowers you to take control of your diet and overall well-being, leading to a greater sense of autonomy.

6. Connection

Sharing homemade meals with loved ones is my favorite thing to do! 

My young kiddo loves when it’s time for a family meal, and I love throwing events like taco night parties and superbowl parties and putting together tasty thing for a backyard BBQ menu. 

Good food brings people together!

7. Budget-Friendly

I think saving a little money can fall under self care, and cooking at home is often more cost-effective than dining out…

Even if you buy fancy cuts of steak to make things like the tri tip above, sirloin steak in the oven or petite filet mignon.

8. You know what you’re eating

Home-cooked meals give you control over the ingredients you use. 

There are certain foods that are particularly recommended to buy organic, and when you cook at home you can buy those and grass fed beef, for example. 

You can also use a high quality grass fed butter when you cook at home.

While I still eat out, making these types of choices for certain quality ingredients is important to me since most days of the week I’m cooking at home. 

This is my puff pastry hot dog recipe – it looks super fancy, but cooks in just 20 minutes with minimal prep work.

9. Self Confidence

Self esteem is important when it comes to working on your self care, and learning new skills can help. 

Set yourself up as you learn how to make new homemade meals from start to finish.

Each recipe you dig into for the first time will probably be a slight learning curve, so I recommend trying 1 or 2 new ingredients at a time and choosing recipes that are simple to prep. 

10. It’s Easy To Add Into A Self-Care Routine

I’m a big believer that the things we do on a daily basis are the most important things in our lives. 

If you want to prioritize home cooking as part of your self care routine, make sure to have ingredients in your house at all times that will help you make a few things from scratch each day. 

Some very simple things I make almost daily as party of my food self-care routine: 

• Lemon water – I love the taste and it helps me get extra vitamins. I’ll order about 2 bags a week from the grocery store, and also use them in recipes like chicken rice soup. I even squeeze pounds of lemon before traveling and bring it with me in my luggage, because I like to be drinking it all the time. 
• Scrambled eggs – Since I’m experimenting with new ingredients on a daily basis, I like to keep my morning routine simple. 
• Nuts – Okay, I don’t “make them” but thought I’d include them here, and sometimes I do make them more interesting with something like my recipe for Everything Bagel Spiced Nuts that I shared during the holidays (it’s also a great charcuterie board addition).

BONUS TIP: start with seasonal vegetables and fruits…

One way to start adding in more home cooking is to dabble with new veggies and fruits that are in season. They taste 

Frequent visits to my grandparents, who lived near a farm, introduced me to the unparalleled taste of fresh farm vegetables growing up. I liked so many more veggies when I visited them. They just taste different super fresh!

It wasn’t until later when I learned to cook that I got into the joy of cooking with seasonal produce. 

If you find yourself in a similar position, disconnected from the world of vegetables, I urge you to explore the produce section or local farmers market. There, you can discover the joy of selecting and preparing your own vibrant produce, elevating your meals with freshness and flavor.

In the summer, salads reign supreme, but as the colder months approach, those same vegetables find their way into comforting soups and stews. 

Whether you’re craving light and refreshing or hearty and warming dishes, the key is to start with quality ingredients.

Shop for home cooking essentials in the SipBiteGo Amazon Store…

More home cooking tips from SipBiteGo…

• Benefits of cutting your own vegetables
• Why home cooking for self care is important
• Build your pantry with the best spice gift sets
• Do you have to follow a recipe exactly?
• How to get better at home cooking
• See more home cooking tips

Want to get better at home cooking?

At Sip Bite Go, I have a plethora of recipes awaiting your discovery, spanning from refreshing summer salads to soul-warming winter soups. 

Allow me to guide you on your culinary journey and don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re seeking a specific recipe or inspiration—except, of course, during those blissful summer months when my focus may shift elsewhere.

Chat soon!

– Jenna

Next, browse the Sip Bite Go recipe collection…