Are Eating Home Cooked Meals Only In The Past?
So it’s coming into the holiday season and everyone is going out to eat and drink a lot more now. I have friends tell me that it’s too hard to cook at home for themselves or they find it takes too much time.
In a world that keeps our wheels spinning what feels like 24/7, I get it! There is never enough time for ourselves. Whether that means it's easier to grab a to-go container or socializing with friends is making it difficult, it can be hard to change to cooking at home.
Research studies have been conducted showing that those who cook at home at least five times per week eat significantly more vegetables and fruit, have normal range BMI, and normal body fat percentage (Mills et al, 2017). That is a huge thing! I know how hard it can be for myself to get in the recommended servings of veggies and fruits even when I make my own meals. So many people struggle with their weight and to think it could be as simple as bringing lunch to work for some change! Plus, to me saving money at the same time makes it a win win. Taking food from home is generally a fraction of the cost as what the restaurant or fast-food joint charges. I know for myself, I like knowing what’s in my food.
"Those who cook at home at least five times per week eat significantly more vegetables and fruit, have normal range BMI, and normal body fat percentage."
As for the time it takes, I can sometimes make a healthy meal that is both delicious and nutritious in about 40 -60 minutes which includes both prep and cook time. If we weigh how much time we spend on other things, it’s not that much in a 24 hour day. Additionally, you can make more and take it for lunch the next day or have it for a few meals (#mealprep).
So try not to think that the small things don’t add up! I notice these small things make a huge difference in my health and wealth!
Reference: DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-017-0567-y
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