The behavioural case for preparing your own meals

120 women were asked to prepare a low-calorie smoothie themselves and compare it to an identical recipe made at a store. Any guesses on which one they liked more?

Several arguments exist for making your own meals – ranging from the health benefits from control over ingredients to financial and environmental factors. Now, behavioral science has a contribution to make as well. In the study mentioned above, the women reported how the self-prepared smoothies tasted much better. The very act of preparation adds to a meal’s taste.

We also know how food prepared outside home (including food at fancy restaurants) is full of sugar, salt and empty calories. Meals at these joints lacks that extra bit of taste that self-preparation adds to our own meals. Therefore, these establishments are forced to compensate with more salt, sugar and other substances that aren’t in our best long term interests.

The labour of love that we pour into our meals isn’t merely a chore. It is also the secret ingredient that makes our meals taste better while keeping them healthy.