Fun HOBBY improves nutrition, health

Tell me… did your mother homecook the majority of your meals growing up?

Because nowadays, that seems to be a rarity.

Many bypass homecooked meals… and reach straight for a takeout menu.

As a result, more than HALF of our young adults (your grandchildren’s age) are overweight or obese.

So, researchers wanted to find a way to break this nasty habit.

After all, eating more premade meals—and less homecooked meals—leads to a lower-quality diet, bigger waistlines, and poorer health.

But a simple, enjoyable HOBBY could make all the difference…

Nutrition 101

Just under 140 college-aged students (18 to 40 years) attended a course for 15 weeks.

They listened to lectures about simple nutritional facts. Like, how to read an ingredient list and understanding what carbohydrates are—skills that translate to healthier eating.

Students also engaged in weekly food challenges, accompanied by cooking videos that related to that week’s topic.

By the end of the study period, the students showed a significant increase in consumption of fruits and vegetables.

They also showed improved cooking skills and exhibited positive attitudes towardhealthy eating.

Not only that, but they demonstrated a better understanding of healthy ingredients, such as cooking with more spices and herbs—rather than just salt.

Even better, their outlook on homecooked, healthy meals completely changed… all from learning about nutrition and applying those skills in the kitchen!

Practice makes… perfectly delicious meals

I don’t know if you have ever tuned into my cooking show, Cooking with Dr. Fred… but I started doing it during the pandemic so people could learn just how easy—and FUN—it is to make delicious meals at home.

(Check me out on YouTube or Instagram!)

My videos help showcase what I’ve been preaching my entire career… health and nutrition.

Of course, I also understand many people attempt to eat healthy. They’re often just confused or don’t know where to start.

And I don’t blame them.

After all, the American way of trying to take complex topics—such as health and nutrition—and boil it down to a bite size portion doesn’t help. Neither does demonizing or deifying certain foods or food groups.

When really, all you need to know is this… the more fresh food you eat, the better off you’ll be. And the more you experiment with different combinations of flavors, the tastier your dishes will be. All it takes is a little knowledge and practice!

And it’s important to note that it’s never too late to start. You can reap the benefits of fresh, homecooked meals regardless of your age. Give it a try yourself… and then share the love with your family and grandchildren.

As with most things, once you have the confidence in a skill such as cooking, you’ll explore that skill further. You’ll be more willing to try new recipes, come up with your own iteration of a meal, and more—all while subsequently improving your diet… and your health.

Until next time,
Dr. Fred

Source:
“Young adults who learn how to cook eat more veggies.” MDedge, 08/11/2022. (mdedge.com/familymedicine/article/256975/preventive-care/young-adults-who-learn-how-cook-eat-more-veggies)