Takeout vs. Home-Cooked: The Science of Which Is Better
Who doesn’t love a home-cooked meal? Whether after a long day at work or on a dreary, rainy day, a home-cooked meal is often linked with comfort food. The problem with home-cooked meals is that you don’t always have time for them. Sometimes takeout seems like the better option.
Grabbing takeout once in a while may not seem like a big deal on the surface. But when’s the last time you thought about the nutritional value of takeout food? Join us as we examine the science of which is better—takeout or home-cooked food—to help you make healthier decisions.
The Way You Cook Food Determines How Healthy It Is
The first thing to point out is the most consequential decision you can make when cooking: how you choose to cook your meal. That’s because you can cook the same ingredients in a healthy or unhealthy manner.
Chicken is a great example of this. Imagine taking a boneless, skinless chicken breast, coating it in a batter, and deep frying it. Yes, it will taste great, but you’ve taken what started as a healthy lean protein and turned it into a high-cholesterol item that’s also high in calories.
Now imagine you took that same chicken breast, lightly seasoned it with herbs, and grilled it using extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil. The difference in the nutritional value is night and day.
The best cooking methods are the ones that add the fewest calories and help preserve the nutrients in the food.
You’re in Control of the Sodium
Perhaps one of the worst ingredients in takeout food is sodium. Sodium is something the body needs—within reason. Takeout food is known for being extremely high in sodium, making it a bad choice for anyone with high blood pressure. High levels of sodium are tied to strokes, heart disease, and weight gain, and can be hard on your kidneys.
There is no need to add tons of sodium to recipes, and you may even want to reduce the amount suggested in recipes. You can always add more to your portion if need be. Ideally, you flavour your food with herbs that offer health benefits and rich taste.
It’s Easier to Count Calories With a Home-Cooked Meal
Watching your calorie intake is essential when trying to lose weight, but it’s also important if you’re trying to maintain a healthy body weight. Ordering takeout burgers and fries might just be one meal in your day, but the calories of that single meal would likely meet your entire day’s calorie needs.
When cooking at home, in contrast, you’ll be able to choose ingredients with fewer calories. This includes the main ingredients and even the cooking oils you use. A great example is baking, which often calls for oil or butter. Did you know that in many cases you can swap the oil for unsweetened applesauce? There is no sacrifice in terms of flavour, but applesauce has fewer calories.
The applesauce should use a 1:1 ratio, which makes it simple. Anytime you’re baking sweets like cookies, cakes, brownies, or muffins, you can use this trick.
You Can Create Balanced Meals
Balanced meals don’t always get the attention they deserve, but this is a good general rule to follow. A balanced meal includes all the main food groups in the quantities suggested. Your plate should always be 2/3 of vegetables and 1/3 of healthy lean protein. Picture the last takeout meal you ordered—was it well-balanced? Chances are it wasn’t.
You Can Avoid Food Allergies and Sensitivities
People who have food allergies or sensitivities can find it stressful to order takeout. Sure, you can communicate your specific food requests at the order counter or window, but then you have to trust the restaurant has listened to and properly prepared your food. That’s a pretty big leap of faith.
When you are making your own meals, you’ll always be careful to avoid any potential allergens or issues.
Takeout Food Can Be Healthier Using These Tips
Even with all this information showing that home-cooked meals are the healthier choice, it doesn’t mean you can’t have takeout. The first tip is to practice moderation. Having takeout a couple of times a month probably won’t be a big deal from a health aspect, but if you’re getting takeout multiple times a week, that isn’t moderation.
When choosing what takeout to get, look for a place that allows you to customise your meal. You can then add healthier items and omit the ones that aren’t good for you. It’s also wise to pick items that are baked or grilled rather than deep-fried and battered. Another tip is to skip the sugary soda and opt for a glass of water instead. And whenever possible, say yes to vegetable sides that are grilled, stir-fried, or steamed.
And the Winner Is…
It would be great to say that there’s nothing wrong with takeout food and that you can have as much as you want. Unfortunately, that sentiment isn’t true even if you make healthier choices. Home-cooked meals are healthier because you control the ingredients and cooking methods. Just remember, portion size matters even for healthy meals. Like with anything else—whether you’re enjoying a glass of wine or playing at an online casino that typically requires a small deposit, the key is moderation.
