I love to cook. For me, investing time in researching recipes, bringing together the ingredients to cook a great meal and then cooking it is just as important as the eating. That mental engagement and planning are what ensures the meal is balanced and nutritious.
As with these two delicious beauties above (as those who know me will be aware, I love all kinds of fish!), starting on the path to putting the meal on the table is part of the investment we make in ourselves and our health. Plus, preparing to cook and then following through to the laying of the table is fun. It is part of the social experience that unites us as friends.
The only things that convenience food saves is time and a certain amount of money.
What is robs us of is pleasure and our lives of authentic meaning.
So, be authentic and cook. Your body will thank you for doing so.