Why Eating From Scratch Is Healthier For You

You might not believe this, but not all restaurants actually cook meals from scratch. Many prepared foods, whether you get them from a restaurant or market, are filled with added ingredients, processed foods and additional calories, all of which have led to the current obesity crisis and associated diseases, including diabetes and heart disease. However, choosing to eat food made from scratch in Winter Park, FL, whether you get it from a restaurant or do it yourself, provides a much healthier option for the following reasons.

Fresh, Local Ingredients

When you cook items from scratch, you or the chef use fresh ingredients. Many restaurants that offer food made from scratch in Winter Park, FL, also opt for organic, locally grown items. Fresh ingredients are inherently healthier than processed ones. For one, cut vegetables and fruits start to lose their nutrients the moment they are picked. This means that food that travels long distances will be less healthy than food sourced locally, even if cooked the same way.

More Whole Foods

When foods are manufactured, they often go through some type of processing. For many foods, especially grains, this strips them of important nutrients. This sets you up for consuming empty calories. This means that you are getting calories, often in the form of refined carbohydrates that might as well be sugar, rather than getting the nutrients you need to thrive. Although fat has gotten a lot of the bad press in recent times, refined carbohydrates and sugar is the real problem underlying the increase in obesity and associated diseases.

However, when you eat food made from scratch in Winter Park, FL, you eat more whole foods, especially if you also use whole grains in any flour. You can consume similar meals, and the one that is made with whole food ingredients will be much healthier with more nutrients than the one that is made from processed ingredients.

Less Additional Ingredients

When items are manufactured or pre-prepared, they often need to have added ingredients. This is often in the form of sugar and salt, although it might also be additives, preservatives or trans fat. These items are unhealthy and are also linked to many health problems. By opting for freshly made food made from scratch in Winter Park FL, even if you buy it in a market or a restaurant, you are consuming less added sugar, salt, preservatives and trans fat.

Fewer Calories

The additional ingredients that find their way into processed and pre-prepared foods also contribute to you consuming more calories. When you eat food that is made from fresh, whole ingredients, you will inevitably consume fewer calories. Plus, you will have nutrient-rich foods that provide you with what you need to live. You also will eat foods that make you feel fuller faster and longer, so you inevitably eat less.

There are many reasons to choose to eat food made from scratch in Winter Park, FL, whether at your own home or in a restaurant. It is often tastier and fresher; what's more, it also is healthier and will help you to reduce your risk of diseases. You might also find it will help you to lose weight.