That Covid-19 or coronavirus, whatever you call it, has made us spend more time at home than any vacation. I understand that it can be frustrating sometimes not to be able to go out and enjoy it. But if you want to see a silver lining in all this mess, you might be getting healthier. According to a report through a survey conducted by Hunter, cooking at home could be the new normal after the post-Covid-19 pandemic.
According to the same survey by Hunter, Americans are now cooking 54% more than before. Also, they are baking 46% more than usual. It is not surprising, however, to realize that now people are more confident (by 50%) at cooking. It’s true that the more you practice doing something, the easier it gets.
That doesn’t mean that the demand for take-out hasn’t risen. Even the market for packaged and processed goods have gone up considerably. However, looking at the better side, Covid-19 Is Making Millions of Americans Healthier, and that’s a fact.
Cooking at home is healthier amidst and after coronavirus:
In a sample of 1005, the research report says that people ordering take-outs during Covid-19 had reduced by 8%. Take out foods that are more unhealthy compared to home-cooked meals. Not just that, but they are also expensive in comparison to homemade food.
Not to forget the nutrition that you lose from over-processed foods. In the process of making and delivering a cooked meal, the restaurant has to compromise on the food quality. Plus, the ingredients added at a restaurant aren’t healthy. When at home, you have the complete authority over what you add in your food. As a result, the food you cook becomes healthier.
Why is cooking at home more healthy?
Millions of Americans are getting healthy amidst the covid-19 pandemic, and here are a few reasons why:
- While cooking yourself, you avoid chemical additives, hormones, sugar, salt, unhealthy fat, and calories.
- You tend to develop healthier diet habits at home since you have more options.
- The food is less processed and, thus, has more substantial nutrient value.
- You reduce calorie consumptions while eating a home-cooked meal.
- You have control over what you add on your food.
Cooking is therapeutic:
Perhaps the quarantine has made you hate staying indoors, and you cannot wait for it to end. So, if you want to make the best out of staying indoor, try cooking. Some psychologists even claim that cooking is meditative and could help people with anxiety and depression.
“Cooking and baking activities are therapeutic for patients with depression. They stimulate cognition, get people working on memory tasks, and allow patients to connect with a feeling of nurturing and protection.”
-London psychiatrist Mark Salter
It also costs less to cook at home:
It can be interesting to realize that you are saving a ton more by just cooking at home. Although the hard way, many people have understood this during the coronavirus pandemic. Reports also suggest that you can also save a ton by cooking inside during covid-19. Plus there are food items that are healthy and easy to make.
According to Wellio, the cost of making a meal at home is $4.31. In comparison, meal kits were $12.53, and restaurant take-outs cost $20.37. A meal from a restaurant is almost three times as expensive as one made at home. So, not only are you staying healthy by cooking more but also saving a ton.
Americans are trying out new recipes during Covid-19:
Home workout apps and workout channels are on the rise during a lockdown:
