Food The New York Times

Plated offers 11 options to choose from each week, many of which are globally inspired. Experiencing new foods on a Plated night can be a great way to engage with your loved ones or unwind after a long day at work. Restaurant meals can contain lots of unhealthy ingredients. There’s also a lot beyond what’s in the meal that you miss out on when you’re eating from a take-out box. Fats, such as butter and oils, liquefy, and eventually start to smoke when they get too hot. The fibers in vegetables and fruits soften and break down, which is why a cooked carrot is softer than a raw one.

Getting appreciative feedback on a meal you’ve prepared for someone can bring a real boost to your self-esteem, too. Cooking at home is also a great way to spend time with others—and you don’t have to …