5 Reasons Healthy Families Cook Together

It’s the beginning of the year and many people are resigning themselves to become more healthy.  This year, I am putting a twist on it. I not only want to be more healthy, but I want my family to join me. I want my children to understand the value of the healthy bodies God has given them. I want them to learn to take care of their bodies so they will be fully equipped to do the good works He has prepared for them. Over the next month, we will be looking at what it means to be a healthy family. I will be sharing tips, ideas, and resources.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 ESV

Reasons Healthy Families Cook Together

Healthy families cook together! Click To Tweet

1. Healthy families cook together because it is a great opportunity to learn about what is healthy.  You can discuss what food groups you should include in the meal and why.  If getting your kids to eat a variety of healthy foods is important, check out my Free Daily Healthy Foods Checklist for Kids by signing up for my email list below.

2.  Healthy families cook together because the children are more likely to eat what they cook.  If you make something, you want to like it.  At the very least, kids are more willing to give it a try.  Sometimes it’s all about just getting that first bite in there.

3. Healthy families cook together because it reinforces important skills. Reading, math, science, and following directions are easily incorporated. You can even count it as school time. Cooking also teaches other important life skills like gratitude. Once kids realize how much work goes into cooking, they are more apt to appreciate it!  

4. Healthy families cook together because it bonds them together.  I know that I will blink one day and my kids will be grown.  I need to make the most of my time with them now. With only 24 hours in a day, it’s hard to fit everything in.  Including them in some of the daily activities that must be done enables us to spend more time together, and screen-free time at that.  Cooking together shows us that everyone has something to contribute.  Cooking for each other or guests reinforces the importance of serving others.

5. Healthy families cook together because it builds confidence. What kid doesn’t like to say, “Look what I made!”  It’s especially great when it tastes so good.  One day in the not distant-enough-future, my kids will move out and need to cook some of their own meals.  They won’t always have to turn to convenience foods.  They will confidently be able to say, “I’ve been cooking since I was a kid.  I’ve got this!”

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV

You Can Do It!

My children are 9, 6, and 3.  Cooking with them isn’t exactly the easiest thing in the world.  There are definitely spills and egg shells.  There are also giggles, smiles, tasty food, and memories.  Those trump any messes they can make.  When I see them eating a vegetable they prepared, it’s just an added bonus.  

Need More Inspiration?

If you are looking for more inspiration, check out 4 Healthy Meal Planning Sanity Savers and Is Wanting to Get Fit a Selfish Goal?

Do you cook with your family? What are some of your favorite dishes to prepare together?