In today’s busy lifestyle with most people having a very full agenda, it’s not a wonder family and friends tend to drift apart. However, with the problems we have seen happening in the world a lot of people, especially families, have realised they need to have quality time together, and the easiest place and time to do this is in the kitchen over dinner. This is usually the most comfortable place for families to discuss the day’s events, make arrangements for the next day as well as discuss any problems they are having.
Ever notice when you go to a house party most of the guests end up in the kitchen, talking or helping out, depending on the type of party. Why does this happen? Well most of the time it is because the kitchen has a social ambiance. It’s the place where most people feel comfortable in. It’s the place where we feed ourselves, our comfort place, knowing it has everything needed to sustain life.
Today builders and real estate salespeople will make the kitchen the focal point of houses as they know this is a real selling point. People want this comfort.
But in saying this I am still surprised to hear people say they don’t cook. Have no interest in cooking, it’s too complicated and takes to much time, besides it is so easy to just order in or pick up a take away on the way home or buy ready made meals which you just heat up.
But wait, cooking does not have to be difficult and it does not have to take a lot of time. When the kitchen is such a social place to be, why not enjoy being in there, make it interesting and fun by getting into cooking. It’s a great place to get people to open up because they are comfortable and it is easier to talk when you are comfortable.
Get family members to join you and help prepare a meal, this gives you time to talk about things that you may not want to talk about while sitting around the table with everyone present.
A gathering of friends in the kitchen, either chipping in to help with the meal preparations, or just being there talking, joking, and catching up with each other. It’s like this mysterious place with everyone being drawn in to it.
Cooking does not have to be fancy foods or complicated meals. Let’s face it the meals we enjoy most, are simple basic foods.
Getting back to basic cooking is not only fun but it is healthier for you and your family. Making your own meals will help, if you are trying to lose or control your weight, you are then certain you will be eating a healthier meal than what any restaurant, take away or ready made meal will provide.
If you have never tried cooking or had a bad experience trying, but are ready to give it a go but are hesitant, maybe not sure where to start…here is a suggestion, try a very simple meal, like an omelette with a sliced tomato or a grilled chicken breast with boiled potatoes and carrots.
Don’t look at cooking as challenging or a chore look at it as fun, relaxing and turn it into a social event.
Mary Leahy is a registered nurse with many years experience in nutrition and assisting patient and their families on the benefits of a healthier lifestyle. She also lived overseas working in a mutli-national hospital along side a variety of multi-national staff members. She had the opportunity to observe and study a variety of cultures and their eating habits. With the help of her husband they came up with this healthy eating program designed to help you understand food, lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
By Mary Leahy