Couples who cook together, Stay together

We all know that cooking dinner at home is much healthier than going out to eat, and MUCH MUCH better than going to one of those (horrible-for-you) fast food joints.  

But how do you find the time and the desire to consistently make healthy food for your family?  

In our opinion, time shouldn't be the problem.  The time it takes to create a healthy meal and clean it up is arguably shorter than it takes you to get in the car, go to a restaurant, order, eat, pay, and drive back home.  We also believe it is SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper to make your meals at home than eat out.  For example, you can enjoy a nice bottle of red wine at home for $10-$15.  At a restaurant, you are most likely paying $20-$40 for that same bottle.  

We’ve given you tips on meal planning, such as creating a weekly meal plan, cutting up your veggies on a Sunday and using throughout the week, and preparing your lunch for the week on Sunday (such as soup; chicken, quinoa, and vegetables, or tuna pasta salad).  But one thing we haven’t talked about is how much better it is to do this as a team rather than alone. 

We know not everyone has a partner they can cook and clean with, but if you have one – DO IT TOGETHER!!!  

Now, Tom may try to tell you that I don’t wash ANY dishes and I want you to know, that this is just not the truth (although I really do hate washing dishes).   I can also tell you that he somehow manages to get out of dusting the living room and bedrooms EVERY time we clean as well. BUT, no matter what one of us likes/dislikes to do, we always act as a team.  If he is washing dishes, I’m putting the groceries away or cutting up vegetables.  If I’m dusting the living room, he is cleaning the bathroom (hey, the way I look at it, win/win for me!). 

Anyway, when it comes to cooking we LOVE to do it together.  I really believe this brings the two of us closer together and shows each other that we SHARE responsibilities and not that cooking belongs to one and taking out the garbage belongs to the other (Ok fine, taking out the garbage IS Tom's job).  We both work full-time jobs, occasionally work late hours, and I travel a decent amount for work.  But we manage to find a healthy balance and although we don't always follow "Clean Eating" rules, I can tell you I no longer eat Doritos and ice cream for dinner.  And it is because of Tom and I's commitment to each other to ensure we eat healthy.  

So, we encourage you to team up and cook at least one or two meals together this week.  Be sure to tell us how it worked out for your family! 

**Helpful tip: Identify a boss and a helper (helpers if your kids are also helping out).  Trust us, too many chefs in the kitchen will result in aggravation, annoyance, whatever.  Plus its fun to be able to boss your partner around for a night - just make sure you switch it up depending on who is better at creating the meal you have planned and make it fun!  This is not boot camp!