The benefits of cooking are overstated.

**Disclaimer:** I understand most of you will disagree. That is okay. No need to be assholes. This is my opinion, and I have the right to express it. The internet tends to go into mob rule whenever someone expresses an unpopular opinion. This is unhealthy. If you must disagree, please be respectful. I'm just sharing my thoughts. What follows are my observations. <br><br>I've been cooking since I was 3. I'm 42 now. Over these years, I have learned to cook by watching and helping in the kitchen. I was not self taught. My father was a chef. He owned a restaurant, and I worked there from the time I was 8 until I was 16. I grew up in a large Italian- American family where food was an essential part of our life. <br><br>I make it a point to cook everyday. Even when I was working 80 hour weeks as a cardiac ICU nurse, I made it a point to cook something. I would spend hours in the kitchen on the weekend and prep for the week, making big batches of sauces, chili, and meatballs and various dishes. I love food, but I've come to some harsh realizations the last few years. <br><br>I make significantly more money as a traveling nurse. It became significantly easier to make more food, and I was able to focus more on health and wellness. I cut out all processed foods, and I would go to different farmer's markets each weekend to make sure that I had the best ingredients for my food. I've even done Whole 30 several times. <br><br>Now, what I have found to be true for myself, and not necessarily for everyone, is this: <br><br>1. **Cooking is time consuming.** By the time you find a recipe, shop for it, prep it, cook it, and clean up, it takes several hours. The average person is not a skilled cook, like myself, so the results are not always flavorful, or nutritious. <br><br>2. **Cooking is stressful.** Cooking can be stressful if you're like me and you have a high level of expectation. If I'm going to spend all that time, it better taste damn good. I always feel stressed if I'm cooking for others, because I want to make sure my food is the best it can be. <br><br>3. **It's not that cheap.** Sure, some things are. I can make a big pot of beans for a few dollars. Rice and pasta are cheap too, but most people don't want to eat like that. I get so tired of people saying "I don't make this because it's so expensive." Pro Tip: If you're buying pre cut veggies, pre marinated meats, and pre-cooked anything, it's gonna be expensive. <br><br>4. **It's not that healthy.** Sure, some food is. I make it a point to cook healthy, but I've noticed when I do convenience cooking, I end up eating fast food. It's just not worth it. I've also noticed that the healthier I eat, the more I weigh. I've cut processed foods out of my diet, and started relying more on delivery/convenience services and my weight has improved dramatically. <br><br>5. **I don't enjoy cooking anymore.** I used to love cooking. I used to spend hours cooking and experimenting. But once I started traveling, this became harder to do. I had to start relying on faster services. And once I did, I found I had more time for the things I enjoy. I started hiking again, and joined a boxing gym. I even started doing Pilates. I started reading again, and even got a puppy. I found I have more time to focus on other hobbies I enjoy like painting and sewing. I have more time to spend with my family and friends too. <br><br>6. **Food delivery is not as frowned upon as it used to be.** Years ago, it was considered lazy if you ordered in. People looked at you differently if you relied on this. But with the explosion of the gig economy, and the ease of food delivery apps, it's become more socially acceptable. <br><br>I've recently made the decision to stop cooking. Why? It's just too much work. I'd rather spend my money on something I don't have to do. I'm just one person, and my time is valuable. <br><br>**EDIT:**<br><br>Wow, this blew up. I'm reading through all the comments. Thank you all for your feedback. The negative ones, especially. I appreciate all the feedback, and appreciate the passion that people have for cooking. Cooking is a big part of a lot of people's lives, and I am happy for all of you. To say I was unaware of how big this sub is an understatement. I'm just trying to make the best decisions for myself and my life. I appreciate all the suggestions and am going to look into batch cooking and meal train. <br><br>As for the people who are attacking me personally, that's not necessary. You have the right to disagree with me. No need to be hostile and call me names. Grow up.