Cooking From Scratch: A Practical Guide to Healthier, Easier Meals
Cooking From Scratch is EASIER than it sounds! I have some great tips and tricks to make cooking from scratch as painless as possible.
Cooking From Scratch: A Practical Guide to Healthier, Easier Meals
We all know how hectic life can get—juggling work, family, and everything in between. The last thing you need is the added stress of figuring out how to get healthy, home-cooked meals on the table every day. But here’s the good news: cooking from scratch doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, it can be a simple, rewarding way to take control of your meals, save money, and enjoy better, more wholesome food.
Why I Love Cooking From Scratch
I won’t pretend that I’ve been cooking from scratch my whole life—truth be told, I’ve been a busy mom, wife, and full-time working woman for most of my married life. But a few years ago, when my husband’s job became more stable, I was able to step away from the grind and start a genealogy business from home. This gave me the freedom to be more present for my family and slow down a little.
Life moves fast, and as many families do, ours is constantly on the go. The idea of making home-cooked meals three times a day can be overwhelming, especially without a plan in place. But here’s where I come in: I’ve developed a few simple systems and strategies to make cooking from scratch quick, easy, and much healthier than opting for fast food or takeout.
Cooking from scratch puts you in control of every ingredient. You know exactly what’s going into your meals, and you can avoid the additives and preservatives that are often found in processed foods. Plus, it’s a more affordable option than relying on pre-packaged meals. When you cook at home, you’re not just nourishing your body—you’re also saving money and giving your family healthier food.
Before we moved to Gray Gables, I was already making baby food from scratch for our youngest daughter, who was a picky eater. It was a challenge, but the benefits far outweighed the extra effort. Even today, I continue to prioritize cooking from scratch for the sake of my family’s health and well-being.
What Does Cooking From Scratch Mean?
Cooking from scratch simply means preparing meals using fresh, whole ingredients instead of relying on pre-packaged or processed foods. It’s all about getting back to the basics and creating nourishing, healthy meals for yourself and your family.
A Typical Day of Meals in Our Home
Each family’s routine is different, and our family is no exception. With my husband working odd hours and having two teenagers in the house, our meal times can vary, but here’s a general idea of what a day of meals might look like on our homestead.
Breakfast: While I’m an early riser who keeps it simple with scrambled eggs and a cappuccino, my girls rely on each other. My oldest daughter is the resident French toast expert, and she often makes breakfast for her younger sister. It’s a simple, healthy start to the day—and with our chickens laying fresh eggs, we always have plenty on hand.
Lunch: Lunch tends to be quick and easy—either homemade bagels or leftovers from the night before.
Dinner: This is the meal where I really pour my heart and energy. I focus on a balanced dinner, with a protein (often locally-raised meat or poultry), a vegetable (either cooked or raw), a starch or root vegetable, and homemade bread. Dinner is when our family comes together to slow down, catch up, and enjoy each other’s company.
Getting into a routine is key. If things feel disorganized or frustrating, it’s time to identify areas for improvement. For example, I used to forget to pull meat out of the freezer the night before dinner. The solution? A meal plan posted in a spot I check daily, with the added help of my girls reminding me to pull the meat if I forgot!
How to Start Cooking From Scratch
If you’re new to cooking from scratch, don’t worry—getting started is easier than you think. Start with the basics! Instead of jumping into complex recipes right away, focus on building a foundation of essential cooking skills, like knife techniques and learning the differences between sautéing, stir-frying, boiling, simmering, baking, and roasting.
Next, plan your menu. A weekly meal plan will keep you organized and help reduce stress. Here’s how to get started:
Create a Weekly Meal Plan: Sit down and map out your meals for the week. Aim for a balance of proteins, vegetables, grains, and other food groups.
Take an Inventory of Ingredients: Check your pantry, fridge, and freezer to see what you already have. You can use these ingredients in your meal plan and reduce waste by utilizing what’s on hand.
Consider Your Schedule: Plan meals around your busiest days. On hectic days, opt for quick and easy recipes or batch cook in advance so you have leftovers ready to go.
Plan for Leftovers: Make extra portions of certain meals so you can repurpose them into new dishes or have them for lunch the next day.
Is Cooking From Scratch Really Cheaper?
Absolutely! Cooking from scratch is a cost-effective way to prepare meals that save you money and contribute to a healthier lifestyle. While there may be an initial investment in stocking up on pantry essentials, the long-term savings are significant. Here are some tips to stretch your food budget:
Buy Ingredients in Bulk: Purchasing grains, beans, and spices in larger quantities can save you money in the long run.
Meal Planning: Planning ahead helps prevent last-minute trips to the grocery store, reducing impulse purchases and food waste.
Get Creative with Leftovers: Repurpose leftovers into new meals—roast chicken can become sandwiches, stir-fries, or salads the next day!
Have a Backup Plan: Things don’t always go as planned, especially when life gets busy. Keep pantry staples and freezer meals on hand (like a make-ahead chicken pot pie or chili) to cover you on those hectic days when cooking from scratch feels impossible.
Meet Your New Best Friends: Slow Cooker and Instant Pot
When it comes to cooking from scratch, time is often the biggest challenge. That’s where slow cookers and Instant Pots come in! These appliances are total game-changers when it comes to preparing home-cooked meals with minimal effort.
Slow Cooker: The slow cooker is a kitchen hero. It transforms tough cuts of meat into melt-in-your-mouth meals, and it’s perfect for soups, stews, and chili. The low and slow cooking process allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
Instant Pot: The Instant Pot is a true superstar. It can do everything from cooking tender roasts to making homemade yogurt, perfectly cooked grains, and even bone broth. It’s like having multiple kitchen appliances in one, saving you time, money, and space.
Both of these appliances are invaluable for busy days when you still want a home-cooked meal but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Cooking from scratch doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a little planning, a few helpful appliances, and the right mindset, you can provide nourishing meals for your family that are both affordable and delicious. Start small, stay organized, and soon you’ll discover just how rewarding it can be to cook from scratch every day!