You have likely heard about how eating more fast food and convenience foods are not helping the health of our nation.[1] Rates of obesity, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes have all been on the rise since the increase of fast food and other restaurant foods have taken the place of eating at home.[2]
Regular fast food consumption we know isn’t good, but did you know that it is associated with obesity and heart disease (a leading cause of death in the United States)? [3]
But is there really that big of a difference between cooking at home and eating out? Isn’t a salad a salad … or a French fry a French fry, no matter where it’s from?
Not likely!
I could make a HUGE and delicious salad at home with the following ingredients: [5]
Description | Amount | Unit | Calories |
Organics, Mixed Baby Spring Greens, Fresh | 5 | Oz | 25.01 |
Hass Avocado | 0.5 | each | 113.56 |
Tomato, Raw, Includes Cherry, Grape, Roma | Value 2 | Value 3 | Value 3 |
Organics | 0.5 | cup, chopped | 16.2 |
Cucumber, Raw, With Peel | 0.5 | cup, chopped | 10.65 |
Eden, Organic Black Beans, Canned, Unsalted | 1 | 1/2 cup | 110 |
Peppers, Sweet Yellow, Raw | 1 | cup, chopped | 40.23 |
Pico de Gallo, Fresh Red Salsa | 0.25 | cup | 8.43 |
Green Onions, Tops Only | 3 | Stalk | 9.72 |
Peas, Green, Frozen, Cooked, Boiled, Drained, Without Salt | 1 | cup, whole pieces | 124.8 |
Celery, Raw | 1 | cup, diced | 14.14 |
Nutrient | McDonald’s salad | Made at home salad |
Calories | 470 | 473 |
Fat | 23 | 13 |
Protein | 34 | 24 |
Carbohydrates | 34 | 75 |
Fiber | 7 | 27 |
Cholesterol | 115 | 0 |
Iron | 3 | 12 |
Calcium | 150 | 308 |
Also note: The homemade salad has a higher water content, no common allergens (no eggs or dairy) and more micronutrients. Additionally, more fiber means an improved microbiome as well! [6]
Reasons to cook/prepare your own food at home for improved health
- You know what is in your food when you make it yourself
This makes it easier to avoid toxins such as preservatives, food dyes, nitrates and additives. These ingredients have many ill effects on health. Food dyes have been associated with attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity in children.[7] Nitrates can harm the thyroid and dysregulate it.[8]
2. You have at least some control over how fresh it is
Although you may not be able to determine how long it took from the time your food was harvested to when it was delivered to your grocery store, you can control how long it sits in your kitchen or refrigerator. Shopping at least once/week allows you to use fresh food regularly rather than relying on processed or frozen meals.
3. You consume safer food
When eating at home you can ensure that your food is organic, whole and relatively untouched. When eating out, you have little to no control over the food handling practices of those preparing your food. This increases the likelihood of foodborne illness.
4. It may be easier to control portion sizes
Eating out is associated with overeating in most cases as few Americans have a good understanding of what a portion of a given food actually looks like on a plate.[11]
5. You can add specific ingredients that help improve your individual health challenges
The opposite is also true. You can avoid certain ingredients that you know will harm your health either in general or specifically in your unique circumstance. Eating out on the other hand, your food is premade with added poor-quality salt, oils and other preservatives which are not health promoting.[1]
6. You are more likely to get and maintain an ideal body weight [12]
For most people, eating out means bigger portions and more calorically dense food choices, both of which are not conducive to a proper body weight.
You don’t have to be a master chef to cook simple, fast and delicious food at home. Your health and your budget will thank you! Remember that YOU are the treasure and you are worth the best quality fuel. Love yourself the way you love your loved ones. If you need help don’t hesitate to reach out. Call the clinic to schedule your consultation today!
Nothing said or implied in this post is intended to treat, cure, diagnose or prevent any disease. It does not take the place of a health care practitioner. It is for educational purposes only.
This article was originally published at New Hope Health Blog.