Save Your Money and Eat In!

By Donna Stark

It's hard to believe, but another new restaurant just opened up near me. I think that is the hundredth one to open within just a few miles of where I live. Now, you may think that number is high, but I can assure you, it's not. It's funny how much we all love to eat out, isn't it? With friends, family, coworkers and business acquaintances, eating out has become a staple trend in our society. And yet, so many people still wonder why they have a hard time maintaining a healthy weight. It's not rocket science. We need to stop eating out so much and start cooking at home more often.

Healthier Meal Options

Sure, dining out with friends and family is fun. It gives your social life a boost and helps combat some of the daily stress and loneliness that so many people battle against. But that doesn't mean you should be eating out more than you are eating in. In fact, cooking your meals at home can provide you with so many more valuable benefits! Take a look.

• Better nutrition - Cooking your meals at home allows you to choose recipes that include as many nutrient-dense foods as possible. You can cut out the unhealthy ingredients and replace them with better, higher-quality choices. You are in complete control of what goes into your meal (and what you want to keep out).
• Appropriate portions - It's hard to not "eat with your eyes" when you are sitting in your favorite restaurant. From the first taste of an appetizer to the last bite of dessert, the amount of food you may end up eating is exceedingly more than what you would ever consume at home. Preparing your own meals can help you avoid the temptation to overeat.
• Builds healthier, stronger families - Cooking at home is a great way to encourage the entire family to follow a healthier lifestyle. It's the perfect teaching tool for parents to use as a way of instilling good eating habits in their children. On top of that, it's a perfect solution for those families who are looking for ways to spend more time together.
• Saves money - Eating out is expensive, especially if you have a large family! Save your money for better things by planning your dinners and using your leftovers for the next day's meals. In addition to saving you a ton of money each month, it can also help decrease your stress levels when it is time to pay your bills!

Enjoying Your Meals at Home

We will always have moments when eating out makes sense, but with the number of benefits you can receive from eating in, those moments should be kept to a minimum. So go ahead and enjoy more meals at home. You certainly won't regret it!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Littleton, Colo.