The art of cooking is not quite what it used to be. Generation X, or those born between 1960 and 1980, will most likely tell you they did most of their cooking at home as opposed to today’s Millennials’ high fast food demand.

Although this is a convenient short term solution to a hungry stomach, the long term consequences have a much more harmful effect on health. Cooking classes will not only teach you how to cook, they will also help you make a transition to a healthier lifestyle.

Three key reasons supported by facts have been put together to show just how essential home cooking really is.

Reason 1

These shocking statistics are even more appalling when compared to obesity rates in 1960 which is approximately 12% of the adult population and 5% for children. There is a strong correlation to fast food and obesity for children and adults which means there is less cooking in the home.

The problem truly stems from the lack of time and the extreme convenience of getting food these days. The result is uneducated children making bad decisions about eating and instead of cooking a typically much healthier home-cooked meal, they reach into theirs or their parents’ wallets to get a quick cheap meal.

Reason 2

Eating Out Is Expensive – According to a study done by the New York Times, in the 1970’s Americans were spending on average $6 billion on fast food. Thirty years later in 2000, they found that over $110 billion was spent on fast food. This is just on fast food alone.

To include all the times we go sit down and have a nice meal that costs $10, $20, or even $30 per person would increase the amount spent on food exponentially. Obviously certain events call for a little celebration outside the home, but here in America there is a massive over consumption of restaurant food.

Food should be an investment, but here in the U.S. it is a short term pleasure. Why would you “invest” $50 on a nice steak with a side of potatoes when that same $50 could feed you for an entire week cooked from home?

Reason 3

It Builds Relationships – Since having a spouse that can cook is truly a talked about quality these days, a cooking class can really help you be on your game. It doesn’t matter if you’re a woman or a man; each gender loves it when their spouse puts a tasty home meal on the dinner table.

It is also considered a relationship healing activity. A study done by some folks in Canada with a group known as “Focus on the Family” has shown that 70% of the surveyed couples really enjoy cooking together and claim it has helped strengthen their relationship.

To sum up, cooking from home is healthier for you, saves you lots of money, and can help build up relationships with others. These are all benefits that everyone in society can benefit from and it makes sense physically, financially, and even emotionally to take part in. So why not learn to cook and please yourself and those around you?