According to nutritionist Rosemary Barclay of Old Lyme CT, eating at home is easier on both the wallet and the body.
After a long day at work, it’s easy to buy take out on the way home. We all know fast food is an unhealthy choice but time constraints and exhaustion force our hand . . Studies have shown that eating out routinely can have serious consequences to our overall health.
Rosemary Barclay, founder and owner of Bonne Santé Wellness Center in Old Lyme, CT, explains that restaurants often add hidden ingredients to our meals. Sugar and sodium contents are typically much higher than the recommended amounts. When consumed regularly, these foods can become addictive.
The restaurant industry in the United States is also known for serving unnecessary amounts of food. Rosemary Barclay notes that large portion sizes contribute to our desires to overindulge. Not only are people eating unhealthy foods, but they’re also getting used to feeling extremely full after every meal. Overconsumption of unhealthy food leads to obesity and weight gain.
Additionally, eating out is usually far more expensive than making home-cooked meals. Budget-friendly food supermarkets can help families prepare more nutritionally balanced meals at a fraction of the cost. It’s important that people do not get caught in the fast-food trap and realize it’s possible to afford other options.
Home-cooked meals are much healthier because we are more conscious of how they’re being made. Rosemary Barclay explains that when we are watching the quantities of each ingredient, we are more likely to make healthier decisions. Additionally, you can have the power to lower fat and sugar alternatives.
Take out foods have additives including monosodium glutamate (MSG), food coloring, sodium nitrate, guar gum, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, carrageenan, and more. These additives are non nutritive and may have long-term side effects, particularly affecting young children’s cognitive function. Consider cooking a stir fry with fresh vegetables and lean meat or making a salad with leafy greens. Fish is always a quick healthy option too – it can be baking in the oven while you prep the vegetables and can be cooked in 15 minutes -that’s quicker than ordering and picking up take out!!
Eating at home also allows people to enjoy smaller portion sizes. When at a restaurant, Rosemary Barclay explains that people sometimes feel the need to finish eating their entire plate, even if they’re no longer hungry. Eating at home saves you money and provides a more balanced, nutritional diet. Rosemary Barclay recommends seeing a nutritionist if you need help getting started.
About Rosemary Barclay
Rosemary Barclay believes that nutrition is fundamental to good health, and affects many facets of well-being, including the skin, energy, immunity, mood, and performance. The Bonne Santé Wellness Center in Old Lyme, CT, offers solutions to problematic skin without the use of antibiotics or harsh chemicals.
She earned a bachelor’s degree and a Ph.D. in biochemistry in addition to becoming a board-certified nutrition specialist, certified esthetician, and acne specialist. Rosemary Barclay lives with her family in Old Lyme, CT.
