The last time I ate out I was amazed at the number of Skip the Dishes drivers coming and going. In our affluent, fast-paced culture home cooking is no longer a priority. It’s becoming a lost art. Now a wide variety of tasty take-out is so easily accessible – anytime from almost any place. But you already knew that. (I don’t get out much.)
If you rely on restaurant food you could be making weight management more difficult than it needs to be. Restaurant portions are typically generous, and, more often than not, loaded with fat, sugar and salt. Remember, restaurants are focused on profit – not your health. That’s your business.
If you don’t cook, or don’t cook often, consider exercising this skill. Cooking has the potential to be very satisfying on many levels. You’re tired after a day’s work, so let’s keep it simple.
Here are some ideas for getting started:
• Choose a few whole foods and prepare them simply.
• If whole foods feel daunting, use prepared foods as required, or as a supplement. They’re often still better than what you might consume when eating out.
• You can start with one-dish meals.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment.
• You can’t mess up a salad.
• Need a recipe? You don’t need to pour over cookbooks. Ask a few home cooks for their favorite easy meal.
• Take a cooking class.
• Ask someone to help, or make a party of it.
• You can learn anything on Youtube.
• Definitely involve your children in meal prep. They will have their own children to feed one day.
Yes, cooking takes some time and planning, but it’s really worth it if your weight and your health are a priority. And think of the money you’ll save! It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. When you need or want to, you can always Skip the Dishes.