Cooking at home may do more than just save money, experts say. It not only brings families together, but it also can vastly improve your health.
People consume 50% more fat, sodium and calories when they eat out in restaurants, according to USA Today. This is because the more you eat in, the more control you have over what you eat. Eating at home allows you to monitor your portion size and also lets you decide how much fat or oil you want in your food. Eating in your own kitchen lets you make appropriately sized dishes with ingredients you actually like. You can cook with more fruits, vegetables and lean protein, using less heavy and creamy sauces.
The overeating caused from restaurants can lead to obesity, which can cause certain types of cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. In fact, many experts believe that 1/3 of cancers are related to personal diet. This is why it is vital to follow a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Restaurants often lack these three food groups. Not enough healthy foods can also lead to infectious diseases if you do not receive the appropriate vitamins and nutrients. Some even say that simply cooking for someone who is sick can make him or her feel better, and cooking for someone else can soothe your own body or mind.
Cooking itself is a relaxing activity. It can be a great way to wind down from a stressful work day, and an especially effective activity in bringing family together. Kids can help setting the table or preparing the meal. If they feel that they were a part of putting the meal together, they are often more likely to want to eat the healthy meal. Cooking on the grill also brings together friends and family in the summertime. It even gets men involved in cooking. Grilling is an easy and fast way to make a healthy dinner during the week.
Family meal-time is especially crucial for kids. Statistics show that American kids eat about 1/3 of their meals from fast food restaurants. A 2008 study from the Center for Science in the Public Interest revealed that out of 13 fast food chains, a whopping 93% have too many calories in their kids meals! Kids who eat with family watch less television, are more active, and are more healthy overall.
And don't forget, in these economic times it truly pays to cook at home. You can save enough money to pay for a week of groceries just by cutting the cost of a few meals out.
People consume 50% more fat, sodium and calories when they eat out in restaurants, according to USA Today. This is because the more you eat in, the more control you have over what you eat. Eating at home allows you to monitor your portion size and also lets you decide how much fat or oil you want in your food. Eating in your own kitchen lets you make appropriately sized dishes with ingredients you actually like. You can cook with more fruits, vegetables and lean protein, using less heavy and creamy sauces.
The overeating caused from restaurants can lead to obesity, which can cause certain types of cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. In fact, many experts believe that 1/3 of cancers are related to personal diet. This is why it is vital to follow a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Restaurants often lack these three food groups. Not enough healthy foods can also lead to infectious diseases if you do not receive the appropriate vitamins and nutrients. Some even say that simply cooking for someone who is sick can make him or her feel better, and cooking for someone else can soothe your own body or mind.
Cooking itself is a relaxing activity. It can be a great way to wind down from a stressful work day, and an especially effective activity in bringing family together. Kids can help setting the table or preparing the meal. If they feel that they were a part of putting the meal together, they are often more likely to want to eat the healthy meal. Cooking on the grill also brings together friends and family in the summertime. It even gets men involved in cooking. Grilling is an easy and fast way to make a healthy dinner during the week.
Family meal-time is especially crucial for kids. Statistics show that American kids eat about 1/3 of their meals from fast food restaurants. A 2008 study from the Center for Science in the Public Interest revealed that out of 13 fast food chains, a whopping 93% have too many calories in their kids meals! Kids who eat with family watch less television, are more active, and are more healthy overall.
And don't forget, in these economic times it truly pays to cook at home. You can save enough money to pay for a week of groceries just by cutting the cost of a few meals out.
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