Odd Fact or Oxymoron: Learning How To Cook Will Help You Drop a Few Pounds and Gain a Few Friends

Finding simple ways to reduce my waistline is always a personal objective. I am by no means a health expert, and I have not always been too concerned with what I put into my body. But as I get a little older, I fear that if I don't concern myself with health, my doctor will have to. And regardless of the good that they do, I don't like doctors and clinics that much.

I do a lot of my own research, and the internet has been a blessing. What I have learned in my research and life experience is that the crap that I used to eat made me fat. I could tell you that fast food, chips, and beer are bad for you, but you know that.

The information I have to share may be more important than that. It's about the rewards of cooking. There are many, and they are easy to attain. You might find some of them to be true in your life as well.

1. Working with your hands. I love working with my hands, and I don't get to that often. Cooking has become somewhat of an art to me. I appreciate working with the food and manipulating it in my favor.

2. Solace. Many people will not bother you in the kitchen and you will be able to forget what has happened during your hectic day. It is a time to have a glass of wine and appreciate what the earth has provided for you.

3. Family and friends. My wife and I thoroughly enjoy cooking for our friends. We come from opposite corners of the country and have wonderful contrasting tastes to share. It beats sitting in front of the television waiting for the microwave to finish. Surrounding yourself with good people and sharing meals with them is an amazing stress reliever.

4. Taste. They say that it always tastes better when somebody else does the cooking. I disagree. I know what I like, and I cook what I like. Sure it is nice to enjoy the cooking of others on occasion, but I don't mind the task.

5. Healthy, healthy, healthy. Since I discovered more departments of the grocery store, I have started to eat better. It helps that my interests in cooking have expanded. Meals I enjoy now, I would have never tried in the past. I began shopping at a whole foods market, and stay away from processed foods. In a couple of weeks, I lost fifteen pounds with no change in my exercise routine. Funny what the food manufactures put in ready-to-eat foods.

My secrets are no secrets at all. People cooked for many years before the creation of fast food and take-home dinners. Sometimes with our limited time to eat the very best, but eat the very best when you have time. Don't feel guilty when you eat something you shouldn't. It will only make you feel bad, nothing else. But take pride in your body: get a good night's sleep, do some exercises that you are comfortable performing, and take a cooking class. Life will become less stressful and you might find some tasty healthy dishes to share with your friends.

Robb Ksiazek is a successful author and publisher for http://www.body-mass-index-4u.com/diets.htm. He has researched and written hundreds of articles and can simplify your online search by recommending merchants for the best value and selections in diets, exercise equipment, and personal physical and mental fitness.