If you want to drop pounds, here’s a good first step to take: Ditch the drive-thru and start cooking at home, suggests a new study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.

After U.K. researchers analyzed survey data from more than 11,000 men and women aged 29 to 64 years old, they found that people who ate more than five home-cooked meals per week were 28 percent less likely to have an overweight body mass index (BMI) and 24 percent less likely to have excess body fat than people who ate less than three home-cooked meals per week.

What’s more, people who cooked at home more frequently also ate more fruits and vegetables daily (62 and 98 grams more, respectively) than people who ate less than three home-cooked meals per week.

It’s possible that people who eat more home-cooked meals partake in healthier food prep methods, eat a larger variety of foods, and eat less convenience foods, which are typically higher in calories and packed with excess sugar, the researchers say. People who cook at home might also naturally participate in other healthy habits, like exercising regularly.

So consider spending more time in the kitchen, since carrying excess weight has been linked to several health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Plus, fruits and vegetables should be a staple in your diet, since they’re packed with vitamins and antioxidants that can make you feel happier, help your penis perform better, and lower your risk of stroke, cancer, and premature death.

Intimidated by the idea of cooking your own meals? Don’t be. You can prepare meals that are healthy and easy to whip up (like the one in the video below)—and you really only need to invest in these five kitchen tools.

Spicy Ground Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry:

preview for Spicy Ground Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry

A good place to start? Read up on these 30 ways you can cook like a pro. Then, check out the Metashred Diet from Men’s Health, it’s loaded with good-for-you recipes that are stupidly simple to make.