Welcome to Eat Better, Eat Together Month

Eat Better, Eat Together Month

By Carly Hagemann, Dietitians On Demand

Happy October! Pumpkin spice lattes are officially here and so is national Eat Better, Eat Together month. When is the last time you cooked a meal at home?

Cooking meals at home is important whether you are a large family, small family, a couple, or even living alone. Julia A. Wolfson, the lead author of a John Hopkin’s study, found that cooking at home helps you to “consume fewer carbohydrates, less sugar and less fat than those who cook less or not at all”. It has also shown benefits in improving social skills in children and within the family. Cooking at home is a fantastic way to remain conscious of what you are eating and incorporate healthier choices into your diet. It can also give you and your family the peace of mind knowing exactly what ingredients are going into your meals, this is especially important for food allergies or sensitivities. You may also find that planning regular meals at home allows you to budget better and save money for this season’s boots you saw at the mall.

Cooking doesn’t have to be hard or boring. You can stay within your skill level and still try new recipes often! My personal favorite resources for finding new recipes are Yummly and Pinterest. Are you always on the go and don’t have time to grocery shop weekly? Get creative with the free time you do have and consider trying new options such as Hello Fresh or Blue Apron. These are great resources for busy lifestyles at any cooking skill level. They send you weekly boxes of fresh ingredients in the mail already portioned with instructions to follow for healthy, gourmet meals at home to impress your friends, family, or yourself. Another way to get creative with your recipes is to visit your local farmers’ market. Farmers’ markets are a great and fun way to not only support your community but also indulge in unique fresh fruits and vegetables. This can also be a fun way to introduce kids to a healthy lifestyle in a rewarding way. Find farmer’s markets in your area here.

Sources: University of Nebraska Lincoln, Local Harvest, bon appetit, Cambridge University Press, HelloFresh, Blue Apron, Yummly, Pinterest

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