Feature Articles: Food, Fitness and Eating Well
Why eat at home?
Ellen Schuster, M.S., R.D., associate state specialist, curriculum & staff training coordinator, Family Nutrition Education Programs, Nutritional Sciences, University of Missouri Extension
Are you concerned about the fat, sodium or sugar in your food? Preparing food at home instead of eating out may be your ticket to good health.
Home-cooked food is usually lower in saturated fat, sodium and sugar, and higher in good nutrients like fiber, calcium and iron. Why? When you prepare food at home you get to choose the ingredients. If the food you’re preparing calls for tomato sauce, you can choose a low-sodium version or omit the salt from the ingredient list.
If you are worried about portion sizes, staying in gives you control over serving sizes and the option to have leftovers for another meal. Eating at home can also help you make other healthy choices — like including more fruits and vegetables in your dishes.
If you have children, preparing food at home is a great way to involve the family by choosing the meal, preparing it and cleaning up. Eating at home gives children the opportunity to learn new skills and spend time with parents or caregivers.
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Last update: Tuesday, May 05, 2009
