A new survey reveals that the current upsurge in cooking at home has unsuspected side effects. The food tastes better. It’s healthier. Families are doing things together again. And, as a bonus, home cooks are experiencing elevated energy and mood!
New national research is drawing attention to how winter takes a toll on energy and motivation and how food can be one of the simplest, most accessible ways to support how people feel. The poll shows that 60 per cent of Canadians experience the winter blues, underscoring a growing need for everyday solutions that feel comforting, nourishing, and doable. And January is the ‘bluest’ month.
The survey, commissioned by HelloFresh and conducted by The Harris Poll Canada, also found that 66 per cent of Canadians say eating more home-cooked meals made with fresh ingredients significantly improves mood and energy, offering a bright spot during one of winter’s toughest stretches.
Little things count…
Rather than a major lifestyle overhaul, small, consistent choices around meals can play a meaningful role in the pursuit of wellness during the winter months, the official news release says.
Among the poll’s key findings:
- Canadians widely report mood benefits from straightforward food related cues and choices.
- Seeing a full, organized fridge significantly lifts the mood for 46 percent of Canadians.
- 15 percent say it boosts their mood “instantly”.
- This instant mood boost jumps to 23 percent among younger Canadians (18-34).
- Eating a fresh, home cooked meal also has a positive impact, improving overall mood and energy significantly for two thirds (66 percent) of Canadians.
- 70 percent say improving mental or emotional well-being through better eating habits is a goal this year.
- If the fridge was stocked and organized with ready-to-cook ingredients, 47 percent say they’d be likely to cook more, rising to 68 percent among younger Canadians (18-34)
… That last point, by the way, being where HelloFresh gets in its big plug on behalf of meal kits!
Do it today!
“Food is one of the most practical ways to support yourself in winter because it’s something you can do today, even when motivation is low,” said James Griesser, Head Recipe Developer at HelloFresh.
“Fresh ingredients, simple routines, and meals built around foods like omega-3-rich fish, leafy greens, and lean proteins can help support mood and energy. Using a meal kit can also take some of the [mental work] out of dinner, which makes it easier to follow through when you’re tired.”
My take
It’s great to hear that some solid science from a respected polling organization has confirmed some-thing I’ve believed all along: that the family that eats – and cooks – together stays together.
If your family hasn’t tried cooking together, yet – plan to do so soon. The more we cook together, the happier, healthier and stronger we are, both emotionally and physically!
~ Maggie J.