by Neil Nicol

Created on: January 31, 2009   Last Updated: February 06, 2009

Modern technological advances have delivered a great many time and labour saving devices to "assist" each of us in the kitchen. Where generations before had to start with simple raw ingredients and fashion them by hand in to a presentable meal, present generations are "fortunate" enough to have access to canned meals, frozen meals and all sorts of processed meals, which simply have to be heated through and can be set on the table.

All good and well, some may say - what's the problem?

The problem is that by giving in to temptation and taking the easy option of depending upon such forms of "nourishment," we are losing all control over our own destiny in terms of our short term gastric health, and in the longer term, our overall health.

We shovel these concoctions down our throats, perhaps perched in front of the TV, without even thinking about it or what effect they are having on our bodies. They are "convenience" foods and free up time for us to do other, more "worthwhile" things. What could be more worthwhile than taking care of our health and the health of our families?

Cooking from scratch need not be a laborious activity at all and certainly not an expensive one. It is a far cheaper exercise to prepare a quick meal by hand than to purchase perhaps four microwave meals or "treat" the family to a visit to the local McDonald's.

Quality fresh vegetables can be prepared - in most instances - in no time, as can fresh fish. Meats generally do take a little longer but there is no harm in preparing a roast the night before we intend to eat it, allowing it to cool and refrigerating it.

Use online resources to help you - instead of gulping down your microwave meal to interact on MySpace or Facebook. Get some cookbooks out of the library and browse through them. Learning to cook can be a fun experience as well as an educational one if you choose to make it so. Get the whole family involved and learn together!

In summary, let us look at what we have considered.

Cooking is not just about preparing that which we intend to eat; cooking is not putting a plastic tray in to a microwave oven, closing the door and waiting for the ping; cooking is not about opening a can and emptying the contents in to a pan. Cooking is about ensuring that our bodies get the fuel which they need to function, in the correct mix and quantity; cooking is about feeding ourselves and those whom we love and care for; cooking is about relaxing and expressing ourselves in an artistic form through the recipes and dishes which we create.

Everyone should learn to cook.

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