5 reasons Homemade Food Beats Restaurants

Homemade food is just on another level.

Yesterday I watched “The Founder” and it left me startled. The series tells the story of our beloved fast food creator: McDonalds. No, this is not a movie review. But watching the movie inspired some thoughts on authenticity and the power of honesty.

What does this have to do with food then? I don’t want to spoil the movie, so maybe you should go watch it. However, what struck my attention is the ride-or-die attitude of the protagonist. To climb the ladder and reach the top of the mountain and gain success, he would walk over anyone.

What is acceptable to gain customers' approval and attention? Is care and attention to the ingredients more important than a brand?

This makes me also reflect on the value of home cooks and what they create in the kitchen, hidden from the spotlight.

All relevant questions to cooks and entrepreneurs. So it made me think about what distinguishes homemade food vs restaurants.

It is the control you have. You choose the veggies. You went to the market to pick up selected meat for your stew. Or simply, you know what spices and oils you have used as condiments.

1. Control on weight, proteins and carbs.

Lisa Valente, M.S., R.D., nutrition editor for EatingWell, says that making food and knowing your ingredients is the first step to improving your overall health.

You want to be in control of how much pasta you’re having weekly. Preparing homemade food instead of ordering takeout can definitely help. You might want to choose wholewheat pasta instead of the usual 00.

In 2017, a study from the University of Cambridge showed home cooks who make food for the entire week are 28 percent less likely to have an overweight BMI. They’re also 24 percent less prone to have excess body fat than those who cooked three times a week. Home cooking is good for your health goals and it works long-term.

2. Cutting futile expenses

Getting ready for dining out can be exciting. And there’s always a good excuse to order takeaway. But how much does it cost us monthly?

Consider that restaurants set up specific prices and menus based on their needs to cover costs and pay their staff. They’re in for a reason: making money. And possibly, the more the better. I’m not saying restaurants are evil places, but if you dine out more than once a week you might want to check your bank balance.

It’s screaming to slow down.

3. Knowing the full list of ingredients

You were responsible for the groceries. So you know exactly the real ingredients of a recipe. Back to the fast food giant, did you know that McDonald's fries contain 19 ingredients?

I know what you’re thinking. They’re deliciously addictive. Yes, they are. But I bet you can prepare a juicier version at home.

4. Adding variety to your diet and trying new dishes

If you’re like me, you get bored easily. Growing up in Italy would mean having pasta and tomato sauce every day. I know, it’s enticing. But after a while, your diet will look like a boring painting. A deep blue sky without stars.

Trying new meals lets you travel across the planet and explore new flavors. From Tandoori Chicken to Barbecued salmon in wasabi and soy. Explore exotic home-cooked food without taking a plane.

5. Cooking fights stress and depression

Have you tried to cook or bake for someone else? Creativity and community are key to building lasting memories. A good idea would be to connect with your local community and join some workshops to learn how to make a typical dish or learn how to bake.

And Homemade food is just that. Feeling connected to your roots and making memories.

Would you love to order new homemade food from specialized cooks? Yep, you read that correctly. Only sustainable, homecooked meals from all around the world.

Homemady is coming soon to Dublin. Checkout our website and Facebook page for more!

From Takeaway to Homemady.