Why it Works

Why We Love Cooking at Home

Knowing we have tasty, prepared meals in our refrigerators and freezers will decrease the amount of processed/ take out food that we eat.
Preparing food ahead of time decreases the stress of mealtime.
Home cooking is healthier, less expensive and more convenient.
Home cooking reduces sodium intake immediately and drastically.
Excess sodium intake is primary driver of high blood pressure leading to stroke and kidney disease.
Less high blood pressure = less medication = less expense
90% of US healthcare spending ($3.8 trillion ) for treatment of chronic disease
Type 2 Diabetes can go into full remission (medication free) in 35% of cases with improvements in lifestyle behaviors, with nutrition being most impactful.

So, in addition to feeling better and saving money, you are developing a new skill. One that will pay dividends throughout your life and one you can share with others.

Why Our Bodies Love Eating Less Meat

Meat is calorie dense, so eating less can help to consume fewer calories and help with weight loss.
Meat is higher in fat (especially saturated fat) so eating less will help to lower cholesterol and LDL levels.
Substituting meat protein for plant protein increases fiber intake.
Increased fiber makes us feel full faster, another way to consume less.
Eating less meat lowers the risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke.
Beans, lentils, grains and vegetables are less expensive than meat.
Overall cancer rates are lower when meat is consumed less than 5 times per week.

Why Our Bodies Love Fruits & Vegetables

Fruit provides a sweet treat along with fiber, vitamins and antioxidants instead of just refined sugar.
Dark berries have high antioxidant levels which support cell health.
Fruits and vegetables both improve gut health and function.
Spinach, kale and other green leafy provide high levels of vitamin C, folate, iron and calcium.
Lutein which supports eye health is found in yellow and green vegetables. Protects from vision loss and cataracts.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke and positively affects blood sugar.
Higher intake of fruit and vegetables in adolescence results in lower lifetime breast cancer rates according to the Nurses Health Study II.
Multiple studies have shown increased fruit and vegetable consumption protects against the development of diabetes. Interestingly, fruit juice appears to increase rates of diabetes.