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For those who are just learning their way around a kitchen or who are easily overwhelmed by too many options – it’s easy to understand the appeal of companies like Blue Apron and Hello Fresh. But, cooking is about much more than just eating. It’s also about discipline, cause and effect, failure and recovery – and making choices. Thankfully, there are also these things called recipes.

Executing a recipe and learning for yourself what you like best, from spices and oils to sauces and serving sizes – that process is going to bring you more long-term happiness and not only keep you exploring the world of food for years to come, but also develop real-life skills. While having a box of pre-measured and ready to assemble ingredients delivered to your door may sound convenient — it really takes all the joy out of actually cooking.

Sure, you still get to be in the kitchen and put things together, but the creativity and spontaneity are totally lost. Where is the pride?  It’s basically a meeting in the middle between cooking at home and just ordering takeout, but without the perks of either.

There are other things to consider as well. With any pre-packaged edible comes the risk of not knowing exactly what is in the food you’re getting. While they may boast about being preservative and gmo-free, these things have become more of a marketing strategy than a quantifiable truth – and, there’s really no way to know.

Now, of course, buying from a grocery store presents similar problems, but again – choices are your friend. The plethora of options means you have the freedom to choose brands you trust. Being aware of how much of a thing you have will help you to ration it properly, and for those interested in saving time – meal prepping for the week is a great way to go.  

Going to the store with a list, picking out the best possible cuts of meat, the ripest fruits and veggies, and doing so with intention creates a bond with your food. This may sound silly, but, when you go home to cook that food and open your fridge to find those things that you picked out, you are way more likely to be excited about it, and to give it your best effort.

Whether you’re serving it to just yourself or a room full of loved ones, the joy that comes from mastering the dish your grandmother was famous for, or coming up with a new and brilliant twist on a classic is one of life’s best gifts. You’ll feel affirmed, appreciated, and part of something bigger than just yourself. Food is legacy; food is family, friendship, culture, heritage and community. All of these things are rarely, if ever, delivered in a box.