The nourishment that happens in the kitchen at home is truly multifaceted
Growing up on a farm in rural Saskatchewan in the 1980s, life revolved around home and food. We had a garden, and my mother – a stay-at-home mom – canned everything, stored sacks of potatoes in our basement cold cellar, and rarely ate out (sushi takeout wasn’t even a concept). On the rare occasions we visited the “city” for appointments, we would stop at a restaurant – A&W was a favorite. But for the most part, every meal was homemade. We would sit together as a family, with Three’s Company playing in the background, say a prayer, and then my siblings and I would be responsible for the cleanup.
In high school, I took a mandatory Home Economics class, where I learned what I now consider essential cooking and life skills – how to boil eggs, make custard, wash dishes, and sew. Looking back, I realize it was one of my most valuable classes.
After graduating, my interests led me to pursue a degree in Nutrition, where I developed a deep passion for everything related to nutrition and health. I began to connect the dots between my well-being and what I was – or wasn’t – eating. As my family grew, so did my confidence in the kitchen. With three kids, now teenagers, making nourishing and delicious meals has become my mothering love language.
As I write this article, I’m also working on my second cookbook, focused on Mediterranean wellness and whole-some recipes. Returning to the basics of food, nutrition, and home cooking does more than restore our health; it creates a routine that helps transition us from busy days to cozy, calm evenings. The kitchen becomes a place to pause, reflect, and connect. I believe this is more important than ever in today’s fast-paced world. The nourishment that happens in the kitchen at home is truly multifaceted.
Fast-forward to 2024, and recent surveys reveal exciting insights and generational differences in kitchen confidence when cooking at home. Only 33% of Gen Z participants (born 1997–2012) consider themselves skilled cooks, compared to 47% of Millennials (born 1981–1996). When asked to rate their cooking skills on a scale of 1 to 5, Gen Z gave themselves an average rating of 3, while Millennials rated their skills slightly higher at 3.4.
So, how and why did this change occur? Is it a shift in values? Decreased knowledge about nutrition and the importance of food? Disposable income? Lack of interest? Lack of time? Access to fast food? No home economics cooking classes in schools? I think it’s a combination of all the above.
MAKING HEALTHY COOKING EASY
The statistics I shared earlier highlight a confidence gap that may discourage younger generations from trying their hand at cooking. However, preparing healthy meals doesn’t have to be intimidating. By focusing on real food and accessible ingredients, anyone can build their skills and enjoy the benefits of home-cooked meals.
1. Start with the basics
Focus on mastering a few essential recipes. These form the foundation of cooking skills and can be adapted to include a variety of healthy ingredients.
2. Use fresh, whole ingredients
Fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains provide better nutrition and enhance the flavor of meals without the need for complex cooking techniques.
3. Leverage technology
Utilize cooking apps and online tutorials designed to guide you step by step. Many of these resources offer quick and easy recipes tailored for beginners.
4. Meal prep for success
Preparing meals in advance can save time and reduce stress, making it easier to maintain healthy eating habits even with a busy schedule.
5. Educate our kids
Incorporating classes that teach the basics of healthy living throughout K–12 education would be a valuable addition to the curriculum. This approach would ensure that even if students are not taught these skills at home, they would still gain basic kitchen and cooking confidence by the time they graduate high school. Developing this life skill from a young age is something society should wholeheartedly embrace.
By embracing these strategies, everyone can boost their confidence in the kitchen and take control of their health through better cooking habits.
