The advantages of eating homemade food

Cooking is considered a daunting chore, which is often eased by ordering food from outside. Ordering food online from outside might seem an easier and tastier alternative but we should know we are eliminating the ‘healthy’ factor from our food compromising our overall well-being. 

We don’t know how the food is being prepared in the kitchen of the restaurants we’ve ordered the food from, although they may assure you that their food might be the best in the market both health and taste wise, yet nothing can compare to the healthy home cooked food. Let us delve into the world of home-cooked food and extract some knowledge about the benefits of the same.

Health advantages of home-cooked meals: Why homemade food is healthier

As the name itself suggests, homecooked food is nothing but food we can prepare at home from scratch, from buying fresh ingredients from the market to chopping and cooking them according to our tastes and requirements. 

There is not just one but numerous benefits of homecooked food. Let us study some of the benefits of the same:

1. Homemade food is hygienic: When we cook food at home, we ensure we are practising the best hygiene. We buy fresh vegetables and fruits from the market, wash them twice or thrice, use the latest spices, and then cook them all together in clean water to reduce your risk of contracting foodborne illnesses.
2. Quality control: Cooking at home means we make sure to use the best quality products as ingredients. We check the expiry date of the items and buy freshly harvested and natural fruits and vegetables, avoiding too much salt, sugar, or oil that can increase calories. 
3. It is affordable: Food that we order from outside is expensive and low in quality and quantity, but at home, at the same price we can prepare a sumptuous meal for everyone.
4. Serves a balanced diet: Home-made food is curated in a way that promises all the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals required for a healthy being, including good hygiene and quality. 
5. Customisable: The food that we prepare at home can be customised according to the needs of different members of the family, for example, a diabetic person would consume no sugar, or a person having high cholesterol would not want to eat oily food, at home, we can prioritise preferences and health.
6. Educational opportunities: Cooking at home can give you an educational experience, you can learn about the nutritional benefits of the ingredients used, and you can also have fun experimenting with the ingredients and creating a new dish according to your requirements.

Practical benefits of home-cooked food: Cost, control, and convenience

Though cooking food at home costs a little planning and effort, the benefits outweigh the hard work. We can ensure cost, control, and convenience at our home when we indulge in cooking at home! 

1. The cost is controlled because the ingredients for home-cooked meals are generally cheaper than buying food from outside. You can buy in bulk for staples and also look for offers on sale. The leftover food can be creatively repurposed for another meal, reducing food waste and saving money.
2. We have control over our food by cooking at home. We can control what goes into our food. People with allergies, following specific diets, or wanting to avoid unhealthy additives or excessive sodium can personalise their meals according to their requirements.
3. We can utilise our time wisely, by making smart choices such as choosing ingredients that can be cooked easily, are healthy, and promote self-convenience. 

Tips to make homemade food healthier and more enjoyable

We went through the benefits of homemade food, and now how can we make our food more healthier and enjoyable? Here are some tips and tricks:

1. Play with spices: Explore the world of herbs and spices to add flavour without adding extra salt. Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or cilantro, or try spice blends like garam masala or curry powder to give you that flavourful experience.
2. Add a tasty salad to your meal: Prepare a tasty salad with salad dressing to make it healthier and add flavour to your meal. You can introduce fruit or vegetable salad with sauces and juices to make your meal healthy and seem interesting.
3. Get creative with leftovers: The Internet has made it easier to find new dishes from leftovers, search on YouTube for new recipes to save leftovers, or get creative by creating your own master chef recipe.
4. Presentation matters: Good-looking food always attracts food lovers, decorate your food with coriander, garnish like fresh herbs or dry fruits, or sprinkle cheese.
5. Ingredient Swaps: Sneak in extra nutrients and vitamins with some creative and simple swaps. Replace refined white flour with whole-wheat flour and use olive oil instead of butter for healthier fats.

Conclusion

Cooking at home may seem daunting and time taking but the advantages and benefits of the home cooked food are unmatched. A little effort can drastically change our lives, cooking is not as hefty a task as it may seem, it is a basic necessity like bathing or brushing. We can make cooking at home interesting in so many ways and ensure a healthy life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of eating homemade food?

The advantages of homemade food are as follows: 

1. It is hygienic
2. Good quality and quantity
3. Portion control
4. Cost control
5. Serves a balanced diet

Why is home-cooked food considered healthier than eating out?

Home-cooked food is considered healthier than eating out because we have control over the kitchen. When we eat outside we don’t know what ingredients are used in the food being prepared. We can customise our food according to our preferences and ensure good quality and hygiene. 

What are the benefits of home-cooked meals for overall health?

The benefits of home-cooked meals for overall health are:

1. It is a balanced diet with enough nutrients, vitamins, fiber, and minerals.
2. Portion size can be controlled and prevent overeating.
3. We have the freedom and control over the ingredients we can use.
4. We can ensure mindful eating.

How does homemade food provide nutritional benefits?

Homemade food provides several nutritional benefits compared to food ordered from outside;

1. There are no processed food items.
2. We choose the best ingredients for our meals by ourselves.
3. We curate our nutrition according to our personalised requirements.
4. Home-made food is a balanced diet.

Are there economic advantages to cooking at home?

Yes, cooking at home is relatively cheaper than ordering from outside. The raw materials and ingredients cost less than the pre-cooked meal from outside, and it is way more healthier also. We can buy in bulk or on sale for cheap indulgence.

How can I start incorporating more homemade meals into my diet?

Here is how you can start incorporating more homemade meals into your diet:

1. Keep a check on the food items you are ordering from outside or going to eat from a restaurant.
2. Cook your tiffin at home that you would require during working hours.
3. Look for alternatives for outside food that are healthier.