We all know that ordering takeout is easy, but is it really the best idea to eat fast food on a regular basis? It may be time to put away the takeout menu, skip the drive-through, and start preparing your own meals instead. With the help of Live Strong, we are going to tell you all the reasons why cooking at home is a much better idea than constantly ordering out. By the end of this article, you will be excited to tie on your apron and start preparing some delicious meals!
Note: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
Less Expensive
Fast food might seem cheap at the moment, but those quick stops at the drive-thru can add up really fast. An individual meal at a fast food restaurant can cost a lot! Multiply that by a few times a week, and suddenly, you’re spending hundreds on food that disappears in minutes.
Home cooking is significantly cheaper. You can make a whole meal for the price of one fast food order, and you’ll probably have leftovers for lunch the next day. Buying your ingredients in bulk and planning your meals means you’re saving even more in the long run. Your wallet will thank you when you start to cook at home rather than sitting in a drive-through takeout line.
More Control Over Ingredients
When you cook at home, you get to decide what goes into your food. There’s no surprise additives that may taste good but can add up to a not-so-great impact on your health.
Want to cut down on salt? Cook with more herbs and spices instead. Watching your sugar intake? Swap in natural sweeteners like honey or fruit. Cooking at home lets you make meals that fit your personal health goals without sacrificing flavor.
Less Exposure to Chemicals
Here’s something you probably don’t think about when biting into that burger: chemicals. Studies show that people who eat out frequently, especially fast food, have higher levels of PFAS, which are synthetic chemicals linked to various health risks. These chemicals can be found in fast food packaging and can leach into your food.
By cooking at home, you’re reducing your exposure to these unnecessary chemicals. Instead of worrying about what’s in your takeout container, you can focus on making delicious, clean meals in your own kitchen. You also cut down on all that extra waste from fast food packaging!
Control Portion Size
Have you ever ordered fast food thinking you were just getting a “regular” meal, only to be handed enough fries to feed a small army? Fast food portions are often way larger than what your body actually needs, and we all know that we will eat that whole container of fries and overeat without even realizing it.
When you cook at home, you’re in charge of portion sizes. You can serve up a reasonable amount of food and avoid that post-meal regret that comes with overeating. You can even save leftovers for later instead of stuffing yourself just because it’s there.
Cut Saturated Fats
Fast food is loaded with unhealthy saturated fats, which can potentially contribute to heart disease and other health issues when consumed in excess. Those deep-fried fries and greasy burgers may taste good, but they are definitely not part of a healthy diet.
Cooking at home lets you use healthier fats, like olive oil or avocado, instead of the processed oils fast food places rely on. You can bake, grill, or air-fry your meals instead of deep-frying, cutting down on unnecessary saturated fats while still keeping things flavorful.
Try New, Exciting Foods
Fast food menus don’t exactly scream variety. It’s the same burgers, tacos, and fried chicken over and over. When you cook at home, the possibilities are endless! You can experiment with different cuisines, try out new ingredients, and discover flavors you never knew you loved.
Have you ever wanted to try making homemade sushi? Go for it! Curious about Thai curries? Whip one up. Home cooking lets you get creative, learn new skills, and actually enjoy the process of making food instead of just scarfing it down in your car. It makes mealtime way more exciting!
Meal Prep for An Easy Week
One of the biggest challenges of cooking at home is finding the time to do it. That’s where meal prepping comes in! Taking a little time at the start of the week to prep ingredients or make full meals in advance can make a huge difference.
Batch-cook proteins, chop veggies, and portion out meals so you always have something ready to go. Store meals in containers, and you’ll save yourself the hassle of daily cooking. This makes it easier to resist the temptation of fast food when you’re tired or in a rush.
Now that you know a few of the facts, are you ready to ditch the constant stream of fast food meals and takeout orders and start preparing your own meals? Cooking at home will help you save money and actually enjoy your food. Put down the takeout menu and start making some delicious foods in your very own kitchen!
This article was inspired by Live Strong and was first published at Spatula Desserts.
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