I saw the movie Ratatouille the other day—it was very cute. In case you haven’t seen it the story is about a rat that wants tobe, and then becomes, a great chef. The film was adorable, filled with action, and great cooking scenes—yes—great cooking scenes. But there was something else I got from the film—an inspiration. Ratatouille, the movie, is about the love of food and cooking. So, immediately I went to the supermarket and purchased a shopping cart filled with healthy foods – I couldn’t wait to get home and start cooking. Cooking at home can be a great way to lower your caloric consumption, get better quality nutrition, increase energy, and develop a stronger appreciation for the foods you eat. Eating out can really hinder your weight control efforts (Restaurant Shockers). Take a look at some of these stats about eating out. 

In 1970 Americans spent 26% of their food dollars on meals away from the home.  Today, however, Americans spend almost half (47.5%) of their food dollars on foods outside the home (National Restaurant Association, 2007). Americans who consume a “poor” quality diet tend to consume a greater proportion of their daily calories away from home than those with a “good” quality diet.  And get this, foods from restaurants and other food service establishments are generally high in calories and saturated fat and low in fiber and nutrients such as calcium as compared to home-prepared foods. Studies also link eating out to higher calorie consumption, overweight, and obesity in both adults and children. In addition, it is not uncommon for restaurant entrees to contain at least one-half to an entire day’s worth of calories (1100 to 2350 calories).  Plus, restaurants often serve large portions, increasing the likelihood that diners will consume more calories than they would at home.   Frequent consumption of restaurant food has been associated with an increase in body fatness in adults.

If you want to read more about how to cook healthy at home read this column. Fast and Healthy Home Cooking

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written by Clinton Walker III, July 03, 2007

You are exactly right about that. I always see a difference when I cook at home.
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