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According to a recent government survey, 47% of Britons have changed their eating habits in recent months, with the aim of eating better1. For health reasons or as part of a diet, almost half of them have adopted new routines for their daily meals. Similarly, a survey by Premier Foods in 2021 found that 81% of Britons wanted to adopt healthier eating habits and 55% said that cooking was a priority to eat healthier. But is cooking really at the heart of better eating habits?
Does cooking make for healthier eating?
In 2017, scientists at the Newcastle Institute of Health and Society supported the fact that people who cook at least five times a week are 28% less likely to be overweight and 24% less likely to have excess body fat3. Two years earlier, Dr. and nutritionist Julia A. Wolfson reported complementary results, in a study at John Hopkins University of Public Health:
- people who cooked more than five times a week consumed about 2,164 calories per day, which included 81 g of fat and 119 g of sugar.
- people who cooked once a week or less would consume 2,301 calories per day, or 84g of fat and 135g of sugar
In the long term, the difference would obviously have significant consequences4. In 2020, the specialist also conducted a study on the impact of cooking on the American Health Eating Index(HEI). According to this research, people who cook six to seven times a week have an average HEI of 55 points, compared to 50 points for those who cook only once or twice a week5.
Do we eat more varied food when we cook?
Cooking gives more control over what we eat
In an article for BODi in 2022, dietician Meg Hagar confirmed that "cooking at home is better for your health because it gives you more control over what's in your plate. You know exactly how much salt or sugar is in the dish, you also have the power to swap ingredients to meet calorie or nutrient targets"6. In 2020, nutrition coach Katie Boyd made a similar point in an article for Well + Good, highlighting the benefits of cooking for the body: "when you cook for yourself, you can diversify the foods you eat, diversifying your microbiome and healing your digestion"7.
When you cook for yourself, you can diversify the foods you eat, diversifying your microbiome and healing your digestion
Cooking leads to healthier food
In terms of food variety on the plate, the Newcastle Institute of Health and Society study found that people who cooked more than five times a week consumed on average 62.3g more fruit and 97.8g more vegetables than those who cooked only two or three times a week3. In 2019, a study published in the Academic Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics reported the same finding: "Meals prepared entirely or partially at home contain more fruit and vegetables than prepared meals. Plus partially home-cooked meals contain more cereals than the others"8. Finally, people who cook more than five times a week are less likely to eat ready meals and fast food when eating out4.
The more you cook, the better you cook
Lack of cooking skills can be a barrier to cooking at home. In fact, only 58% of Britons say they are 'good' at cooking and 59% feel able to cook a dish from a recipe and unprepared ingredients9. However, regular practice of any activity is essential for improving skills. A 2022 study published in Frontiers shows that a seven-week daily cooking programme results in "changes in [participants'] confidence in preparing a meal from basic ingredients, with or without a recipe, and in their willingness to try new foods. This suggests that regular cooking and the ability to cook a dish with basic ingredients has a positive influence on eating habits"10. Similarly, a study in the journal Psychological Science found that training and repetition influenced improved performance in a several activities such as games (26%), music (21%) and sport (18%). With 91% of Britons determined to cook as much or more than they already do2, one can imagine that their cooking skills will continue to improve.
About us Mealz
At Mealz, we offer 10 new everyday recipes every week, depending on the seasonality of products and events or holidays. What's more, our catalog already boasts over 400 varied recipes, suitable for a variety of diet options (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, etc.). Finally, with just 5 ingredients, 5 steps and 25 min preparation time, our meal ideas are quick and easy to make, for all types of chefs!
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