“Order number 52!”

Greasy cheeseburgers sizzling atop grills while waitresses wearing paper hats bustle between cash register and counter to fulfill each order make up our American experience of food. Today, food is packaged in conveniently quick paper bags so we can eat as we rush to our jobs, classes, or hobbies. This “to-go” mentality has helped to foster a habit among American eaters: the habit of eating alone.

This habit may not be new to Americans, but the effects have strained relationships in subtle ways. Eating with friends and family has to be penciled into our schedules now rather than remaining an everyday reality. The lost art of home cooking is now a hobby instead of a necessity. As a result, food is viewed more as fuel to power through the day rather than a gift to enjoy with loved ones and a moment of rest.

Home cooking means less take-out

Not all cultures share the American mentality toward food. Growing up, my mother’s strong German heritage prevented any need for take-out on a regular basis. Her mouth-watering chicken stew or her sinful cherry pies were always prepared before I could even hear my stomach growl. She prepared all of my father’s lunches and had dinner on the table by the time he walked through the door at 7 p.m. In the German culture, it is unforgivable to drink coffee on the go. In other words, food is meant to be enjoyed, not endured. The taste of a home-cooked meal is not only more satisfying than take-out, but it’s also comforting. The effort my mother put into our meals usually consisted of at least two hours of preparation, depending on the meal. By the time I learned how to cook, I quickly began to appreciate the effort and love that goes into preparing a home-cooked meal.

Home cooking is healthier

Home cooking offers health benefits. In preparing food ourselves, we know the environment in which it is prepared and we control the ingredients we use. We can use natural or organic ingredients and pursue a higher quality food intake simply by taking the time and effort to make our meals ourselves.

Eating with family and friends

The greatest benefit of home cooking is fellowship. Sitting around the table sharing a meal with our family and friends forces us to put our phones away and actually engage with each other. The endless conversations I have shared with my family at the breakfast table will never compare to the benefits of counting calories. When we share a meal with someone, we are not only sharing food, we are sharing time, energy, and conversation. It is a form of investment in the people we love. We must first set aside time to prepare the dish and then take time to share it with someone. In that process we are no longer rushing, but enjoying ourselves. This not only benefits our physical health, but our social health as well.