Disclaimer: Not Medical Advice. Opinions are my own.
Our health journey is the culmination of our daily habits.
80% of the battle is repeating the habits and skills that matter.
20% is acquiring and mastering the skills that will make a difference.
The same concept as “If you give a man a fish today, he will be hungry tomorrow. If you teach a man to fish, he will never go hungry.”
Learning how to cook at home is one of those skills.
In a world of instant gratification, quick dopamine hits, and ready-to-eat food, the "easy route" is always available.
In today's newsletter, we'll delve into why learning and perfecting your cooking skills can significantly impact the trajectory of your health journey.
You Control What You Eat
Individuals who frequently eat home-cooked meals are less likely to be overweight.
This population-based cohort study highlighted that home-cooked meals are typically lower in calories, more nutrient-dense, and have less added sugar.
Typically, restaurants encourage overconsumption due to larger portion sizes. While at home, it is much more manageable to prepare dishes that accommodate your nutritional needs.
The bottom line is that cooking at home encourages conscious eating. You control what goes into your mouth.
You have the option to choose organic produce, grass-fed meats, or high-quality options that restaurants often overlook.
To be clear, cooking every meal at home is unrealistic and unnecessary. At our house, we strive to eat 80% of our meals at home and enjoy the 20% that we eat out.
Save Money
Restaurants are businesses at the end of the day.
They prioritize profits over people.
When you eat at restaurants, you are paying for the hidden cost of convenience in addition to the ingredients and labor.
Eating out quickly racks up.
Learning the skill of cooking saves you money.
You can buy ingredients in bulk, meal prep for the entire week, making each meal cheaper, and reduce food waste.
Your body and wallet will both thank you.
Builds Discipline & Intentionality
All great things in life take time.
Cooking requires you to have forward-thinking skills in planning, preparation, and follow-through - skills that translate to all aspects of life.
As Jocko likes to say, "discipline equals freedom".
You trade the instant gratification for the freedom to prepare and cook the meals that appeal to you and your goals.
The act of cooking further solidifies the identity you are striving for.
Deepen Relationships
The core reason cooking is essential in our household is that it allows for quality time with loved ones.
It creates space for friends, family, or quiet alone time.
Spending time together around the dinner table at the end of a long day is time I wouldn't trade for anything.
Dinner serves as a space for stories, struggles, and successes.
Some of the best memories with friends and family are at dinners.
Time spent with those you love is never wasted.
How to Supplement with Creatine
Not all creatine is created equal.
The most thoroughly studied form of creatine is creatine monohydrate.
When purchasing creatine, look for NSF-certified products.
This ensures that the product you put in your body is third-party tested.
My family and I use Momentous Creatine because it's sourced from Creapure, a facility that adheres to rigorous quality control procedures.
The standard dosage protocol is 5 grams of creatine daily.
Want to learn more about why my family supplements with creatine? Read this newsletter.
You can easily mix creatine in water, a morning protein shake, or your favorite drink of choice.
The time of day doesn't matter; the key is replenishing creatine stores daily.
Remember, this is a supplement, not a substitute for resistance training and exercise.
Although this is simple, it is not easy.
Plan ahead, shop accordingly, and stay consistent.
Cook the majority of your meals at home and experience the benefits firsthand.
Only the best,
Jeremy London, MD
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