The 20-something version of me would read this title and think, “Cook less?! Sign me up!” Alas, we are not talking about cooking less. We are talking about cooking more simply, efficiently (and hopefully more often), with fewer ingredients and steps.

For you aspiring Top Chefs out there – keep doing your thing.

I’m talking to the rest of us who struggle to put together a well-rounded meal before 8 p.m. on a workday. Yeah, you know what I’m talking about… and then we cave in and order something overpriced, ingredients unknown. Keep that up all week, and you’ll be cringing come your next credit card statement. Or is that status quo for you? Imagine the changes to your physical and financial health just from making a habit of cooking your own meals.

Cooking nutritious meals does not need to be a dramatic undertaking.

Find some inspiration and pick a few meals you can rotate through. Switch out dishes for new ones when you get bored and simplify if needed. Make what appeals to you and balance your plate or bowl – heavy on the veggies, a serving of protein, throw some grains or legumes in there too. Season with salt and pepper, EVOO, and add lemon juice or vinegar if you like a little tang; maybe a little crumble of cheese to top it off. Boom. Steam it, roast it, boil it, whatever. Cook some extra and bring in leftovers for lunch the next day. That alone will save you about 12 bucks (at least in New York City).

That translates to:

• $60 a week,
• roughly $240 a month, and
• $3,120 a year – enough for a very nice week-long vacation (eyes bulge!).

As far as grocery shopping goes, it’s just one of those never-ending tasks (like laundry, meh).

If it’s difficult to go to the store, you can order your groceries online. It could be pricey, but it’s a huge timesaver and produce may be better than what your local store offers. If that’s a value-add to your life, then go for it. Frequently purchased items can be added to your cart for repurchase, and you may not be as tempted to impulse-buy. Delivery might not be the greenest method, however, so weigh your options.

I did what any good nerd would do and spreadsheeted a cost comparison.

I compared the most affordable grocery store in the city which recently became convenient to me (New Yorkers know “who” I mean), and my online delivery service which, up until that time, was the only good choice in a city full of stores with marked-up, subpar food. I decided to ditch the delivery and shop for my food the old-fashioned way. It’s saving me over $900 a year (add smug emoji here). I do most of my shopping once a week and stop by as needed. I thought it would be a pain, but not so.

And yes, those of my judgemental, performative relatives would have a look in my fridge and say it’s empty (god forbid every shelf and drawer isn’t brimming with food, the shame of it). Luckily, only my opinion matters — I buy what I need, and I’m not throwing out food at the end of the week. That’s the real shame.