Is cooking at home healthier?

Do you prefer heading out to your favorite (or perhaps nearest) restaurant for meals rather than cooking at home? If so, you’re not alone. We get it! Dining out, whether heading through a drive-thru or sitting down at your favorite restaurant, is often more convenient and sometimes even more delicious than cooking your own food at home. Even those who love to cook need a break from the kitchen every now and then – but is dining out versus eating at home a healthy and nutritious option? Doesn’t it seem that eating at home is the healthier option? This is a question we recently received from a reader and set out to find the answer!

For more information, we reached out to Ethan Bergman, PhD, RD, CD, FADA, Associate Dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies and Professor of Food Science and Nutrition at Central Washington University, and food and nutrition consultant Judy Barbe, MS, RDN. What did they have to say? Is it healthier to eat at home than it is to dine out? The answer is…

It all depends on you, the consumer!

Both Dr. Bergman and Judy Barbe agree that this question can’t be answered with a simple yes or no.

Dr. Bergman says: “When a person eats at home and prepares the food themselves, they have control over the ingredients that are added to foods. Home eating also provides the opportunity to select foods that lead to good health. But eating at home is no guarantee that the foods prepared and selected will be healthier or more nutritious. A person preparing the home meals may add ingredients that lead to chronic disease such as heart disease and diabetes.”

Because you have more control over what you’re eating when you choose to prepare it yourself, it’s more likely that it will contain fewer calories than restaurant meals. Judy Barbe refers to a recent study on meals where researchers found that those who choose to eat home-cooked meals actually do end up eating healthier and consuming fewer calories. The study, which will be published online in the journal Public Health Nutrition, also found that those who cooked dinner at home at least six to seven times a week consumed an average of 2,164 calories daily, while those who dined out more, cooking at home no more than once a week, consumed an average of 2,301 calories daily.

Both experts point out that there are certain circumstances that may lead to dining out being considered unhealthy. Judy Barbe asks, when you eat out are you celebrating with cocktails and foods you wouldn’t normally eat at home? Do you start off with a bread or tortilla chip basket? Do you order an appetizer plus the fried shrimp and fries? Are you choosing steamed, broiled, or grilled versions? Restaurant serving sizes tend to be generous. Are you taking half home? Dr. Bergman agrees that when eating in a restaurant, a person may overeat as a consequence of finishing the entire portion that is served.

Related Articles

PASSING A RESTAURANT-HEALTH INSPECTION: WHAT LOOK FOR

Passing a Restaurant-health Inspection: What Look for A restaurant's success is dependent not only on its talented staff but also on the amazing food they...

Meniscus Tear Prevention Tips for Athletes to Lower Their Risk

In the United States alone, over 850,000 meniscus tears are performed annually. A meniscus tear often needs to be performed due to faulty cartilage...

Discover life coaching techniques and tools

Coaching is about finding balance in life. Life coaches use various techniques and tools to assist clients identify their objectives and give them the...

List of Restaurants that Have Passed Health Inspections

Below is a list of restaurants that have passed health inspections. What can a restaurant owner do between visits from Passed Health Inspections? You can...

How to navigate health insurance for travel nurses

Everyone, especially travel nurses, should have health insurance. Unfortunately, travel nurses rely on their employers for coverage which makes it difficult to keep your...

Three Master’s Degrees in Public Health (MPH)

Three Master's Degrees in Public Health (MPH), Concentrations to Consider For Your Career Your master's Degrees in Public Health will require and dedication. Don't you...

Emotional Abuse Therapy

Victims of mental abuse can experience the same distress as physical abuse, yet often suffer more and feel isolated due to lack of evidence....

There are 3 Master’s degrees in Public Health (MPH)

These concentrations may prove advantageous to your career development. Your master's degree should be an equally challenging undertaking. Goodwin University's Master of Public Health program...

What should I look for in a life coach?

Trust and personality Life Coach Your coach will spend a considerable amount of time with you, so trust is key. Make sure the person you...

There are some things you can do to improve your mental health

Anyone can experience emotional or mental health problems. Unfortunately, many do. This year alone,...

How to treat male pattern hair loss?

Male pattern hair fall is the most common cause of hair loss in men....

monthly fitness goals: july // homemade spinach wraps with chopped greek salad

I struggled a bunch to come up with the right goal for July. I...

So You Lost Your Health Insurance

Millions of Americans are feeling the stress of losing their jobs and as a...

Off To New York To Learn Cooking!

Do you wish to attend a cooking school in New York? In that case,...

What Really Is CBD and How Does It Work?

CBD is the form for cannabidiol. It's a phytocannabinoid that is proven to encourage the...

Lifestyle Entrepreneurship Is the Ultimate in Work-Life Balance

It’s amazing to think about all the opportunities that are available to entrepreneurs today....

Affordable Dental Implants Are they a big risk?

Affordable Dental Implants Are they a big risk? Tooth Implants are very popular. This is...

Buy The Best Norwegian Cooking Equipment – Make Great Tasting, Authentic Norwegian Dishes!

The best tasting dishes for any world cuisine comes from the methods and cookware...

- A word from our sponsor -

spot_img
error: Content is protected !!