Cooking Proven To Improve Health Long-Term And Economy
Many experts say cooking does more than just save money. Cooking at home not only brings families together, but it also can vastly improve your health.
People consume approximately 50% more fat, sodium and calories eating out in restaurants, according to USA Today. This is because the more often you eat at home, the more control you have over what you eat. You are able to monitor your portion size and you decide how much fat or oil you want in your food when you cook for yourself. Eating in your own kitchen lets you make smaller sized dishes with only ingredients you like. You can cook with more fruits, vegetables and lean protein and use lighter, low-fat sauces.
The amount of overeating at restaurants can lead to serious 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 directly related to diet. This is why it is vital to follow a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, three food groups often lacking in restaurants. A lack of healthy foods can also cause infectious diseases if you do not receive the appropriate vitamins and nutrients. Some say that just cooking for someone who is sick can make him or her feel better, and cooking for someone else can actually soothe your own body or mind.
Although many people don’t realize it, cooking itself is a relaxing activity. It can be a great way to wind down from a stressful work day, and it is an amazingly effective activity in bringing together family. When kids help set the table or prepare the meal, they feel they were a part of putting the meal together. As a result, they are then more likely to want to eat the healthy meal. Cooking on the grill is another great way to bring together family and friends in the summertime. It even gets men actively involved in cooking! Grilling is a quick and easy way to make a healthy dinner during the week.
Family meal-time is especially important for kids. Statistics show that American kids eat about 1/3 of their meals at fast food restaurants. A 2008 study from the Center for Science in the Public Interest also revealed that out of 13 fast food chains, about 93% have too many calories in their kids meals! It has even been proven that kids who eat with family watch less television, are more active, and are more healthy overall.
Overall, in these economic times it pays to cook at home. You can pay for groceries for a week just by cutting out the cost of a few meals out.
