It sold 20 million copies, the joy of cooking It remains one of the most transcendent cookbooks of the last century. But does the title tell us more than that? Is cooking not only a source of pleasure, but also really good for our mental health?
the study It has been found that people who frequently cook meals at home, rather than eating out (or ordering DoorDash), tend to consume fewer calories and eat healthier. There is now a growing body of research supporting that preparing home-cooked meals may also have mental health benefits.
in meta-analysis Starting in 2018, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) scrutinized 11 studies exploring the mental health benefits of cooking and found that “cooking interventions” can boost self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and improve psychological well-being. discovered.
What is “culinary intervention”? Dr. Elizabeth CranePsyD, a leading Southern California-based psychotherapist, says this can simply mean things like adopting a new cooking routine, following a recipe, taking a cooking class, or just disrupting things a bit or changing your perspective on cooking. He explains that the word refers to something that changes something.
“During difficult times, picking up a cookbook, finding a recipe that speaks to you, shopping for ingredients, and having fun in the kitchen can boost all your mental health benefits,” says Crane. says.
Learn more about why household chores like chopping vegetables and boiling stews can be therapeutic.
Why is cooking good for mental health?
Preparing homemade meals can help you get out of a rut. No matter what challenges you’re facing, cooking can relieve them, bring your focus back to the task at hand, and put you in a better mental space, says Crane. Let me explain.
Cooking is said to be grounding, give a sense of accomplishment, and become a mindful activity. vandana shethRegistered dietitian specializing in diabetes education and intuitive eating. Preparing a meal typically creates a sensory experience that stimulates all the senses and promotes creativity. Not only can cooking be a form of self-care, she says, but it can also build connections with others.
If you struggle with excessive screen time, find it difficult to set boundaries between work and home life, or find it difficult to accomplish tasks, try cooking for your mental health. You may especially benefit from doing so, says licensed licensee Courtney Morgan. A professional clinical counselor, unconditional counseling Located in Louisville, Kentucky.
further away the study Because meal preparation involves executive function (a set of skills that help manage daily tasks), cooking interventions have been shown to be useful in occupational and rehabilitation therapy. This includes planning, thinking flexibly, and initiating tasks.
Nutritional benefits of home-cooked meals It also provides mental health benefits. With more control over ingredients, you can avoid processed foods and excess sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats, which are associated with inflammation. underlying mood disorders like depression and anxietysays Sheth.
Home cooks can focus on creating more nutritious meals with key ingredients like magnesium-rich leafy greens and avocados, magnesium-rich fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts. omega 3—All essential nutrients that play a key role in brain health and mood regulation. Adding fruits and vegetables to your home-cooked meals can significantly improve your mental well-being, says Sheth. Research results Consuming 4 to 6 times per day will result in greater happiness and life satisfaction.
However, there is one important thing to keep in mind. Cooking has mental health benefits and can be therapeutic, but it’s not a cure, Crain says. “Recognize how it’s benefiting your life, but don’t use it as a substitute for therapy,” she says.
Is baking even better for your mental health?
Feeling a little stressed this holiday season? We’ve got the perfect case to pick your favorite holiday cookie recipes And make sure you have time to bake.
Crain says baking can help reduce stress, especially since it’s a step-by-step process. A successful, delicious cake or beautiful bread requires some math and specific measurements, and this process is a little more scientific than cooking. For example, if you use the wrong amount of baking soda, your dessert may not rise. Replacing and using measuring cupsyou may end up with a dense cake.
“That way, baking becomes incredibly meditative,” says Crain. “Cooking still has recipes with the necessary parts of the ingredients, but there’s more room for interpretation. Baking has a more structured and prescriptive nature.”
Verdict: Baking and cooking both offer meditative and creative benefits, but baking may appeal to those who find comfort in structure and precision.
Tips for maximizing the mental health benefits of cooking
Klein recommends bringing intention to your cooking.
This is your chance to practice being a mise en place. Lay out your herbs on the counter, keep all your ingredients in front of you, and be fully prepared for the task at hand. “When the world feels out of control, you can bring some semblance of control and organization into your own kitchen,” says Crain.
Crane also recommends engaging all of your senses. “Smell the oregano and rosemary as you cook, or smell the delicious aromas coming from the stew you’re making,” she says. “Play some music in the background. Classical music has neurological benefits. Create positive associations in the kitchen.”
Then, when it’s time to eat, praise yourself for coming up with the recipe. According to research, Feel confident in the kitchen It’s also great for your mental health.
Brittany Annas is a former newspaper reporter (denver post, boulder daily camera) Became a freelance writer. Before independence, it covered almost every field, from higher education to crime. Currently, she writes about food, cocktails, travel, and lifestyle topics. men’s journal, beautiful house, forbes, the simplest, shondaland, livabilityHearst Newspapers; Trip Savvy And so on. In her free time, she loves coaching basketball, crashing in the pool, and spending time with her rude but adorable Boston Terrier. This breed never earned the nickname “American Gentleman.”
