Cooking Classes Should Be Taken In High School

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Cooking Classes Should Be Taken in High School 36.5% of U.S. adults were obese between the years of 2011-2014 (Ogden, Carroll, Fryar, Flegal). A good way to address the obesity epidemic is to eat healthier. Learning to cook can help people do that. Cooking can help people spend less money, and will boost their self-esteem as well. But first, people have to learn how to cook. People should take cooking classes in high school. First of all, learning to cook can help people make better choices leading to better health. According to a study, “Children’s average reported vegetable consumption increased after the session with the chef, with the consumption score increasing from 2.24 to 2.46 points (0.22 points)“ (Caraher, Seeley, Wu, Lloyd). In …show more content…

A ¼ pounder, without additional toppings, from McDonald’s costs $4.25. The ingredients to cook almost the same thing costs about $0.92 (Hyvee). The fast food is nearly 5 times more expensive than the homemade hamburger. Taking cooking classes teaches consumers how to make the hamburger and saves them money in the process. The consumer can also control the nutritional value of the meal by controlling the ingredients put in, such as using low-fat hamburger. Finally, cooking can be therapeutic. “‘There’s a tremendous amount of confidence-boosting and self-esteem boosting, performing an act like cooking for others,’ explained Julie Ohana, a licensed masters clinical social worker and culinary art therapist” (Thomson). Low confidence or low self-esteem is something everybody feels at some point. Cooking can help people build their self-esteem. Taking cooking classes in their teens can give people the tools they need to build their confidence and cooking skills.. Admittedly, taking a cooking class uses an additional elective. However, it will prepare people for the future. People who take cooking classes will be able to feed themselves without relying on others. They will also be able feed their family and friends. In addition, people could find a new passion or hobby that they enjoy. Cooking is a skill that people will use everyday for the rest of their