Cooking for Yourself Isn’t Just About Food—It’s About Self-Respect

We often underestimate the power of a home-cooked meal. Between Zomato deliveries, hostel messes, and instant noodles, cooking might feel like a chore or a luxury. But when you prepare your own food, even something as basic as dal-chawal, it does more than fill your stomach—it gives you control, care, and a quiet kind of confidence.

It Starts with Independence

For many young Indians, especially those moving from Tier 2 cities to metros for college or work, cooking is one of the first real steps into adulthood. You no longer rely on your mother’s tiffin or that ₹60 thali at the local eatery. You figure out what you like, what suits your body, and how to manage your money.

Health Isn’t Just a Buzzword

When you cook, you know what’s going in your food. That means less oil, fewer preservatives, and more real ingredients. This matters—especially if you’ve ever dealt with fatigue, acne, or random stomach issues from outside food. Regular home-cooked meals, even simple ones, can change how your body feels and functions.

It’s a Way to Slow Down

In the middle of chaotic schedules and digital overload, cooking forces you to slow down. You chop, stir, taste, adjust. There’s no algorithm here—just you, your ingredients, and the process. For many, this becomes a form of meditation, a break from screens, and a way to reconnect with themselves.

Budget-Friendly Without Feeling Cheap

If you’re living on a tight budget (and most students or early-jobbers are), learning to cook can be a game-changer. One week’s worth of home-cooked meals often costs less than two days of ordering in. And unlike cheap outside food, you don’t have to compromise on hygiene or taste.

Cultural Identity on a Plate

Food connects you to where you come from. Maybe it’s your nani’s khichdi, your dad’s egg curry, or your own experimental twist on maggi. Cooking brings that identity into your everyday life—even if you’re living miles away from home.

Conclusion

Making your own food isn’t about becoming a chef. It’s about knowing you can take care of yourself. It’s a skill that builds discipline, saves money, improves health, and gives comfort. In the end, feeding yourself is one of the most basic forms of self-respect. And once you start, you’ll realise—it’s not as hard or time-consuming as you thought.