Men in the Kitchen: A Guide to Cooking for Mental Health and Happiness

Cheffing for Men's Mental Health

As more and more men are discovering how much fun cooking can be, it's important to have the right tools on hand to make the experience as enjoyable and efficient as possible. Dudes love tools! We tend to have tons of them ranging from ones we use daily to ones we have for possible breakdowns in the future. Cooking is really no different. From chopping and dicing to searing and frying, the right tools can make all the difference in the kitchen. Before we dive into these tools, I'd like to address the most important question of this particular article. Why are we talking about cooking and what does it have to do with mental health?

Cooking can be very therapeutic and an enjoyable activity for men. One of the main benefits of cooking is that it allows men to take control of their diet and choose meals that are healthy. There's a level of accountability that comes with cooking your own meal. If I run into T-bell on the way home and house two beefy five layers I can blame it on time, responsibilities, or a number of other excuses. Side note.... if you want a beefy five layer, have one just recognizes it might not be sustainable for long term health. A clean diet can help boost energy levels, improve mood, and support brain function. In addition to that, the act of cooking can be therapeutic. Similar to gaming, or golfing, or fishing, the focus and concentration required to follow a recipe and create a dish can help to clear the mind and reduce stress. The sense of accomplishment and pride that comes from preparing a meal can also boost self-esteem and confidence. Overall, cooking can be a rewarding and enjoyable way for men to prioritize their mental and physical health. With that being said, if you don't have the right tools, you can definitely cause more frustration and anxiety than positive vibes! Here are a few useful tools to help men in the kitchen.

Product Recommendations

Seven useful tools for men to use in the kitchen:

• A good quality chef's knife is essential for any cook and the Imarku Japanese Chef Knife is a top choice. It is a high-quality, multi-functional knife made of durable high-carbon stainless steel with a Rockwell Hardness Scale rating of 56-58. The knife is designed for professional use and can be used to cut, dice, slice, chop, and even remove meat from bones. The knife's Pakka handle provides comfort, strength, and stability, and the blade is ultra-sharp and resistant to corrosion thanks to its stainless-steel composition with 16-18% chrome. This makes it a long-lasting and reliable choice for any kitchen. The Imarku Japanese Chef Knife is highly rated and more affordable than other options on the market.

• A cutting board is an essential tool for any cook as it provides a flat, stable surface for chopping, dicing, and mincing ingredients. It is important to choose a cutting board made of wood or a non-porous material like bamboo or plastic, and to make sure it is large enough to accommodate all of your chopping needs. This Bamboo Wood Cutting Board is a strong and durable option made of premium organic bamboo that is 1" thick and can withstand heavy-duty carving and chopping, making it suitable for use as a butcher block. It has hidden side handles for easy holding and serving as a cheese or charcuterie board, and deep juice grooves to catch meat juice or water and keep your countertop dry and clean. The cutting board is easy to clean by handwashing under running water and should be stored in a cool, dry place. Overall, the Bamboo Wood Cutting Board makes life easier and cleaner in the kitchen. Fellas we love efficiency but please don't put this thing in your dishwasher!

• A set of good quality pots and pans is an essential tool for any cook and the Amazon Basics Non-Stick Cookware Set is a great option. This is an 8-piece set and includes an 8-inch fry pan, a 10-inch fry pan, a 1.5 quart saucepan with lid, a 2 quart saucepan with lid, and a 3 quart casserole pan with lid. The pots and pans are made of aluminum with a non-stick coating, so the cleanup is easier. The handles are comfortable and stay cool during use. The vented glass lids allow steam to escape, and the spiral bottom heats evenly. This set can be used with virtually any stovetop but isn't induction compatible and just like the cutting board should be hand washed. Investing in a good set of pots and pans is and taking care of them will go a long way in your journey to becoming a master chef.
  

• A cast iron skillet is a versatile and durable tool that can be used for everything from searing meats to frying eggs to baking bread. This Cast-Iron Skillet from Cuisinel is a versatile and durable tool that can be used for a variety of cooking techniques, including searing, frying, baking, grilling, broiling, braising, and sautéing. The set includes a heavy-duty cast iron braiser lid and silicone hot handle holders for the pan and lid, and precision heat distribution and retention for perfect, succulent sears. The skillet is pre-seasoned and crafted to last for generations, and it is safer than teflon or other non-stick materials. Hand wash this bad boy and season it with natural oils after every use. This set comes with a lifetime warranty and is backed by Amazon's 30-day money back guarantee.

• A food processor is a handy tool for any cook as it can quickly and easily chop, dice, and puree a wide range of ingredients, saving time and effort in the kitchen. The Ninja SS351 Foodi Power Blender & Processor System can crush, process food, and make smoothie bowls and dough all in one base. It uses SmartTorque technology and a 1400-peak-watt power-dense motor that powers through heavy loads without stalling or the need to stir or shake. It has 6 preset Auto-iQ programs for one-touch smoothies, extractions, bowls, spreads, chopping, and dough, and the Auto-iQ technology takes the guesswork out of making drinks. The system also has variable speed control and a 72-oz. pitcher that can do everything from crushing to chopping to making smoothie bowls and dough all in one pitcher (64-oz. max liquid capacity). It even comes with a nutrient extraction cup.
  

• A set of measuring cups and spoons keeps you from "eyeballing it" and ensures accurate measurements which are key to successful cooking. The TILUCK measuring cups and spoons set includes 4 measuring cups (1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 1 cup) and 6 measuring spoons (1/8, 1/4, 1/2 , 1 tsp, 1/2, 1 tbsp) in both standard and metric measurements. The set is made of 18/8 stainless steel, which is 100% rust-resistant, safe to use for both dry and wet ingredients, and easy to clean in the dishwasher. You heard that right duedes you CAN put these in the dishwasher! The measuring cups and spoons are engraved with clear size marks, making them easy to use, and the set is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee from the manufacture.

• Kitchen tongs are a versatile tool that can be used for a wide range of tasks, from flipping meats on the grill to mixing salads. The Tribal Cooking Kitchen Tongs with Silicone Tip are state-of-the-art tongs that are perfect for cooking. Made of premium steel, these tongs are resistant to wear and tear and have a smooth, rounded handle with a soft silicone grip for a comfortable hold. The tongs also have a heavy-duty spring for an extra-responsive hold and are made of industrial quality 430 steel, ensuring their longevity and heat resistance. The tongs come in a 2 pack, with small tongs for many kitchen needs and long tongs to keep hands away from the heat while grilling, smoking, or deep frying. These can go in the dishwasher, and they'll look nice on the counter, so nobody relocates them before your next kitchen session.

Find the Right Tools

Not having the right tools to do any job can be super annoying. These tools can definitely help your time in the kitchen be more enjoyable and efficient. I'd be willing to bet you have some of these things already on a shelf that hasn't seen the light of day in months kind of like that electric screwdriver or battery powered hedge trimmer you bought a few years ago. Make good use of the tools and embrace the process of learning to cook. Most importantly do something positive today! Say an encouraging word, check in on a friend, or just make an impact where you are! Thanks for reading.

John

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About the Author:

John Lockman is passionate about promoting men's mental health. Having lost a family member to suicide at an early age, he is committed to raising awareness about the disproportionate number of men affected by this devastating issue. Through his own personal experiences and his website, www.thelockmanlounge.com, John hopes to help men think differently about how to prioritize their well-being and become more comfortable acknowledging and processing their feelings in a healthy way.

In addition to his passion for mental health advocacy, John also has almost two decades of experience in the business world. Most recently, he oversaw roughly 100 million dollars of annual revenue and was responsible for managing a team of 75 employees. In this role, John had a significant impact on customer service, profitability, employee retention, and marketplace growth. With his wealth of knowledge and experience, John is a seasoned professional with valuable insights to share.