In today’s fast paced world of work schedules and kids’ schedules it is hard to find time to do home cooking. However, I challenge you to start cooking in more and eating out less. In the spirit of the National Nutrition Month® theme “Go Further with Food”, home cooking is a great way to help you and your family to go further in your journey to improved nutritional health and wellness.
When you take time to do more home cooking you enjoy healthier meals. This is due to your control over three key ingredients: salt, saturated fat and added sugars. Restaurants portion sizes are huge and often high in these ingredients. When you cook at home, you have better control over your portion sizes and your intakes of salt, saturated fats and added sugars.
Through home cooking, you are able to provide your family with nutrient dense wholesome foods. This boosts your intakes of vitamins, minerals and fiber. It is all about changing your mindset of what you want on your plate. Often restaurants give large portions of starches and meats, but skimp on the veggies. This is one of my personal pet peeves with restaurant dining. When I go out, I am always saying, “Where are the veggies?!”
Studies show that people who do more home cooking consume fewer overall calories with less sodium, less saturated fats, and less added sugars. Home cooking leads to higher intakes of fiber, anti-inflammatory nutrients, leaner protein sources and heart healthy fats. However, this is only the case when people cook most of their meals from scratch. It is best to make your own marinades and use herbs and spices to season your grains, veggies and fruits.
Another advantage with home cooking is that you have absolute control over your portion sizes and are able to achieve what I like to call “food balance” within your meal. One of the golden rules on portion control is to make 1/2 of your plate fruits and veggies (high fiber), 1/4 lean protein and 1/4 whole grains (again more fiber!). Rarely do you see this in restaurants or with pre-packaged meals.
Overall, as a society we are in a mindset of “grab and go”. This is leading us to consume more calories than ever before in our history. Sure it takes time to plan meals and measuring out portions, but your waistline will be thankful for it.
Today, I challenge you to do more home cooking. Take back control of your health, by preparing more meals at home. With home cooking, you will decrease your tendency to overeat and more importantly you will decrease your risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
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