Everyone has read the articles that describe the dietary pitfalls of restaurant food: large portions, lots of sodium, increased fat. While it is possible to modify menu choices and order carefully to enjoy healthier restaurant meals, there are many benefits to cooking at home.
1. You are in charge. When you prepare meals at home, you can choose the cooking method (frying versus grilling), ingredients (olive oil versus butter), and seasoning (overly salty versus savory). You can also sneak some extra veggies in that pasta and avoid the unlimited chips and salsa. You can substitute healthier options in your favorite recipes, such as whole wheat pasta instead of semolina. You have full control over what you are eating.
2. You can enjoy more family time. Involve your spouse and your children in the meal planning and prep, and sit down to eat together. Even toddlers can get involved, with dumping ingredients into a bowl or helping to set the table. Sitting down for a meal together gives you all time to reconnect, so sit at the table and turn off the TV and cell phones! Enjoy your family and your meal, so you won't need more food to feel satisfied.
3. You will save money. Home-cooked meals are less expensive and provide leftovers to take to work for lunch the next day. Put the cash you save into a bowl and see how quickly it adds up!
These are just a few good reasons to cook at home to help achieve your wellness goals. So, because goals should be concrete and measurable, the goal for this week is:
Eat at home (or pack a meal from home) for all but 1 meal this week. Keep in mind to pack your snacks too!
Good luck!
No comments:
Post a Comment