Burnt Noodles and Big Lessons: Why Cooking Matters More Than You Think
Why stepping into the kitchen is about more than just making meals: it's about mastering yourself.
I was around 16 the first time I had to cook. Back then, I was in a leadership role in a Scout group in Chile, something like a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster in the U.S. We were on a joint camping trip with other Scout troops, part of the regular activities organized by the Chilean Boy and Girl Scout Association.
That day, the younger Scouts were busy with various activities, and most of the leaders were out supervising, making sure everything ran smoothly. Meanwhile, I got assigned a simple task — or so I thought: cook pasta for the leaders.
There was just one small problem: I had never cooked anything in my life. Not once. Even when I was a Scout, I never had the chance (or maybe I never volunteered) to handle cooking duties during our trips.
So, as you might guess, my culinary debut didn’t go well. What was supposed to be a simple pasta dish turned into a mushy, sticky mess that barely resembled food. I was mortified. I apologized to the other leaders, and while they were cool about it, my "pasta disaster" became the running joke for the rest of the camp — and for a while afterward.
You’d think that experience would have motivated me to learn how to cook. But it didn’t. I was so embarrassed that I didn’t touch a stove again until I went to college a couple of years later.
Fast forward to today, and cooking has become more than just a necessity — it’s a meaningful part of my life. In this article, I want to share how I went from that disastrous first attempt to genuinely enjoying my time in the kitchen. We’ll dive into why cooking became such a valuable practice for me, how it helped me develop discipline, and how you can make it enjoyable and rewarding, too. It’s not just about making great meals; it’s about transforming a daily task into an opportunity for growth, connection, and even fun.
Why do I Enjoy Cooking Now?
These days, I’d call myself a fairly accomplished amateur cook — a far cry from that disastrous pasta incident. What pushed me down this path? A mix of independence, financial discipline, and, of course, COVID-19.
I realized that, for me, cooking feels a lot like coding. Both require focus and structure. You follow recipes the same way you follow algorithms — step-by-step instructions designed to produce a specific outcome. And, much like coding, cooking became a way to drown out background noise and just have fun.
As I leaned into it, I started experimenting with flavors, learning new recipes, and picking up techniques here and there. I went from unintentionally making pasta glue to intentionally crafting dishes like Pesto Risotto with Tenderloin or Reina Pepiada Arepas.
Over time, our habits shifted from eating out almost every day to making most of our meals at home. This change wasn’t just good for our budget; it kept things exciting and delicious, which naturally reinforced the habit.
Cooking also became a bridge to other cultures — places I haven’t visited but feel connected to through their food. For example, I stumbled upon an Instagram reel (I use Instagram to collect recipes, books, and the occasional meme) that taught me how to make arayes. It’s a popular dish in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine. I’ve never set foot in those countries, but learning to cook their food gave me a glimpse into their culture and a way to experience something universal: sharing a meal.
Beyond that, cooking became a form of therapy. It clears my mind, gives me a break during the day, and lets me show love to my family through acts of service — one of my love languages. Plus, it’s a skill that both requires and builds discipline. The more I practiced, the more disciplined I became, but the beauty of it was that the process never felt like a chore.
In many ways, cooking perfectly complements my broader efforts to cultivate discipline in my life. It’s a fun, rewarding way to flex that muscle and keep growing.
How to Make Cooking Enjoyable
According to the New York Post, a survey found that 42% of Gen Z individuals (ages 18 to 28) can’t manage a basic stir-fry, and 27% struggle to make a simple soup. This isn’t surprising — many people see cooking as a chore. I used to feel the same way. If cooking feels like just another task on your to-do list, it’s hard to enjoy it.
But what if we could change that mindset? How can we make cooking feel less like an obligation and more like an engaging, rewarding activity?
Since the main focus of this newsletter is self-discipline, that’s the perspective we’ll take.
Reframing Cooking: Turning a Task into a Practice
For many people, cooking is just something that needs to get done to move on with the day. But here’s the thing — eating is fundamental to our daily lives. What if we viewed cooking not just as a necessity, but as an opportunity for growth and connection?
Here’s a quick look at why cooking can be more than just a task:
Cooking saves you money
Cooking helps develop and exercise discipline
Cooking can serve as a tool for practicing mindfulness
Cooking strengthens bonds
Let’s dive into each of these a bit deeper.
1. Cooking Saves You Money
Since I started working, I’ve spent thousands of dollars eating out. Inflation hasn’t helped, and that led me to reassess my spending habits. I’m not proud of how much we’ve spent at restaurants, but recognizing the problem pushed us to shift toward cooking more at home.
But here’s the good news — it doesn’t have to be boring!
My wife and I started planning weekly menus, doing our grocery shopping, and then cooking together. The meals don’t have to be fancy — we adjust based on how much time we have. Between Q3 and Q4 of 2024, we reduced our dining-out expenses by ~$1,500. While that’s still a significant amount, I’m proud we addressed it, and seeing the savings has been positive reinforcement.
2. Cooking Helps Develop and Exercise Discipline
As I mentioned, cooking helps you develop financial discipline, but that’s just the start.
By sticking to a cooking plan, you’re exercising discipline and self-control. It’s not always easy, especially if you’re used to eating out or ordering takeout. The easy option is to order food and use that time for something else. But the simple act of stopping, redirecting your behavior, and committing to cooking helps your brain build stronger, healthier habits.
And when the food turns out delicious? That’s some pretty satisfying reinforcement.
3. Cooking as a Tool for Mindfulness
One of the unexpected benefits I’ve discovered is how cooking helps me practice mindfulness. When I feel overwhelmed, cooking allows me to focus on the task at hand and relax in the process.
It helps my mind shift from stress to something tangible and creative. Cooking gives me space to release thoughts that might otherwise spiral into unproductive rumination, boosting my focus and productivity elsewhere.
If you’re curious about how cooking can enhance mindfulness, here are some great reads:
Mastering the Art of Mindful Cooking – Headspace
The Joy of Mindful Cooking – Tricycle: The Buddhist Review
If You Don’t Fancy Mindfulness, Then Try Cooking Instead – Psyche
How to Use Cooking as a Mindfulness Practice – The Scramble
2 Reasons Why Cooking Should Be a Key Part of Your Mindfulness Routine – Forbes
4. Cooking Strengthens Bonds
Studies show that cooking and sharing meals aren’t just good for your taste buds — they’re great for building stronger connections with others. People who feel confident in the kitchen, especially older adults, tend to have better relationships and feel more connected to their communities12.
It’s not just about the food — the act of cooking together or even just sitting down to share a meal can boost your mood, improve your confidence, and enhance your overall quality of life3. Simply put, cooking isn’t just about feeding yourself — it’s about nourishing your relationships too.
Cooking Can Strengthen Your Romantic Life Too!
Cooking with your partner does more than just put dinner on the table — it can strengthen your relationship. Sharing the kitchen encourages better communication, teamwork, and trust, all of which are essential for a healthy partnership4. Couples who cook together often feel more emotionally connected and create lasting memories through the simple act of preparing a meal5. Research even suggests that this shared activity can boost relationship satisfaction and deepen commitment6.
So, the next time you’re tempted to order takeout, consider heading to the kitchen instead — you might end up building more than just a meal.
Takeaways
For many, cooking feels like just another task — but it doesn’t have to be that way for you.
Cooking is more than just preparing food. It’s a practice that nourishes not only your body but also your relationships, your discipline, and even your finances. Plus, it can add a spark to your love life.
So, next time you want to open your favorite delivery app, challenge yourself. Cook something special for yourself, your partner, or your family. You might be surprised at how rewarding it can be.
Have a wonderful week!
Tani, Y., Kondo, N., Takagi, D., & Kondo, K. (2023). Associations of Cooking Skill with Social Relationships and Social Capital among Older Men and Women in Japan: Results from the JAGES. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 4633; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20054633
Farmer, N., Touchton-Leonard, K., & Ross, A. (2018). Psychosocial benefits of cooking interventions: A systematic review. Health Education & Behavior, 45(2), 167–180. https://doi.org/10.1177/1090198117736352
Dunbar, R. I. M. (2017). Breaking bread: The functions of social eating. Adaptive Human Behavior and Physiology, 3(3), 198–211. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40750-017-0061-4
Marriage.com — The benefits of couple cooking together
Utah State University Extension — Creating connections through cooking