1. It’s Cheaper than Eating out

Photo Credit: shadphotos

The money youspend on groceries won’t come anywhere near what you’ll spend eating out every night, trust me! Plus, you can take left-overs of the yummy meals you prepare to work the next day for lunch. That way, you’ll save money on lunches and make everyone else in the office jealous while you’re eating Thai Pork and they’re eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

2. It’s Easier to Diet

Photo Credit: cszar

If you’re trying to count calories and watch what you eat, then dining out can be a disaster. If you cook what you eat yourself, you’ll know exactly what you’re putting in the dish and how many calories it has.

3. It Impresses Men

Photo Credit: Conwayphotographic (Model & Maternity Gallery)

Whatman isn’t impressed with a gorgeous woman who can pop into the kitchen and whip up a scrumptious meal while wearing an apron and heels? It may sound old-fashioned but the way to a man’s heart really is through his stomach!

4. It’s Healthier than Eating from a Can

Photo Credit: Tiburón Azulverde

Anything you’ll eat from a can isn’t going to be nearly as good for you as the same thing you’d cook yourself. Look at the nutrition label, and see how much sodium and fat is in a serving of Chef Boyardee, then see how much is in a serving of ravioli or spaghetti you’d cook from scratch. Not only that, but the stuff you make will taste a lot better, too! So find some yummy recipes and get started!

5. It’s Relaxing

Photo Credit: Rachel Valley

Cooking is my hobby, and it’s very relaxing to cook a new recipe when I’m not in a rush to make dinner. It’s also a great way to unwind after a busy week - you just start cooking, chopping, peeling, baking etc. while your mind wanders. When you’re done, you have a great meal, and while you’re cooking you may even want todrink some wine…

6. It’s Something You Can do with Your Kids

Photo Credit: sesame ellis

Cooking can always be a fun activity to do with your kids. Kids aren’t able to make a mess very often, are they? Sometimes at school they can paint and make a small disaster, but really, they almost never get to cut loose. Why not let them help you in the kitchen? The counters are made for wiping down, and again, you’ll be teaching a valuable skill, and you’ll have a good meal or baked goodie when you’re done!

7. It Will Make Your Mother Happy!

Photo Credit: Ciara*

You know your mother would love to know you have a talent in the kitchen! While I’m sure she loves it when you take her out for dinner on her birthday or Mother’s Day, I’ll bet she’d love it if you made her a favorite meal at home, too…

I’m sure there are so many other reasons to learn to cook, but those are the ones that mean the most to me, especially the one about making my mother happy! And some of the best memories I have with my kids were made in the kitchen. Do you like to cook? Why do you do it? Please let me know!

Top Photo Credit: theladymargaret