|
Every Mother's Day I get treated to an indulgent, relaxing and delicious dinner out. Now science says I'm not being pampered after all. In America we hold an underlying belief that cooking and eating at home is a burden, while going out to eat is a luxurious splurge. But in fact studies have disproved that belief. In 2011 a study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition tracking women's behavior and belief system around dinner. The conclusion was clear that the women who cooked and ate at home were happier and less stressed. The authors concluded that the home is a nourishing environment, which reduced stress and promotes healthy habits. Thousands of food bloggers and the extreme success of food shows support the idea that even if we don't admit it out loud, we find comfort and satisfaction in cooking at our hearths and sharing the kitchen (and its food) with our loved ones. As a cook, mother and food blogger this rings true for me. There is a zen-like meditative comfort in being in the kitchen. I have to admit I also feel like I am contributing to the emotional, psychological and even cultural nourishment of my family by feeding home cooked foods from around the world. But mostly I cook because I enjoy it, and this study helps to understand why. As for the next Mother's Day...I'm still gonna let my family take me out and shower me in gifts, but the rest of the year I'll stick a little closer to home at dinnertime. Susan Study cited: Lu J, Huet C, Dubé L (2011). Emotional reinforcement as a protective factor for healthy eating in home settings. Am J Clin Nutr, 94(1), 254-61. click here to read the full article: http://flavor-scout.com/2013/08/18/science-says-we-prefer-cooking-to-eating-out/
Related Articles -
restaurant, home cook, nutrition, psychology,
| 
