In today’s fast-paced world, home-cooked meals are almost nonexistent. Families are eating out now more than ever and our health is suffering. I would encourage you to find whatever motivates you and try a home-cooked meal. Your body and family will thank you.

FAMILY BONDING

A family that eats together stays together. Preparing and sharing a meal is a special way to connect with one another. Teaching your children the importance of a healthy meal is one of the greatest gifts that you could give them.

WEIGHT CONTROL

We eat more when we eat out. Portions are much larger at restaurants and often times provide our total daily caloric intake in one meal. Cooking at home allows you to control what is on your plate, which can help to prevent overeating and weight gain.

CLEANER EATING

Cooking at home allows you to use more whole and less processed foods like those used in restraunts. Processed foods are convenient since they have a longer shelf life, but they tend to be higher in sodium, sugar and trans fats.

MORE ENERGY

Restaurant meals tend to leave people tired and fatigued. The purpose of food is to fuel our bodies for our daily activities. If you don’t have energy to take a walk or go back to the office after eating a restaurant meal maybe you should think twice.

LOVE YOUR HEART

Chefs at restaurants use extra fats to make their food taste good. While this makes us happy, the body can take a hit if someone is eating out regularly. Fats are essential for health, so make sure to include more heart healthy ones such as olive oil, avocado and nuts at home.

NUTRIENT DENSITY

You are more likely to find fruits, vegetables, dairy products, fiber, calcium and vitamins A and C on your plate. While restaurant meals provide calories for the body, they often lack nutritional value and the essential building blocks for repair, brain function and optimal health.