When you're feeling hungry and you can't be bothered spending time in the kitchen, you might naturally gravitate towards takeout food. It doesn't take long to order food online and before you know it, you will have a delicious-looking meal sitting right in front of you.
Awesome, right? Well, not really. You see, takeout food is rarely good for you. Be it a burger, a chicken wing, or a pepperoni pizza, you're probably better off preparing your own meals instead.
Here are the reasons why.
#1: Your health is at risk
You are what you eat. Fast food is not a good help in maintaining your gut healthy. If you're looking to improve your health, you really shouldn't be reliant on takeout foods. If you're looking to improve your health, you really shouldn't be reliant on takeout foods. Many of them are full of fat, sugar, and sodium, three ingredients that can lead to unwanted weight gain. High-fat food isn't good for your digestive system either and if you already suffer from acid reflux or irritable bowel syndrome, fatty takeout foods can add to the problems you are already having.
As takeout foods rarely offer anything of nutritional value, you could be hurting your health in other ways too. Check out these negative effects of fast food to gain a better understanding of what it could be doing to your body. From skyrocketing levels of cholesterol to the increased risk of cancer, it's clear that most takeout foods are very very bad for you.
#2: Takeout food is expensive
According to this article, the average U.S. household spends $2,375 a year on dining out and takeout food. That money could be better used elsewhere, such as paying off debts or on purchases that can add value to a person's lifestyle.
It's worth tallying up the amount you spend on takeout food each month. Compare this to the cost of meals that can be created using fresh ingredients from your local store. Chances are, the cost of your takeout will be more expensive than a meal that can be created at home. Be sure to add on the delivery fee of your takeout as that will hike up the price.
If the expense is shocking to you, perhaps now is the time to spend more time in your kitchen, for both health and money-saving reasons.
#3: You can eat healthier versions of your takeout foods at home
We have established that takeout foods are often unhealthy but many of us still buy them because we love the taste. But here's the thing. If you could learn how to replicate the foods you regularly have delivered to your home, you wouldn't need to order anything. You could also use healthier ingredients in your cooking to ensure the food is both tasty and good for your body.
If you want to spend time less time in the kitchen, you could also look online or in your local store for healthier versions of your favorite takeout foods. If you love nothing more than the food from your local Chinese restaurant, for example, you might want to search for the best frozen Chinese food when you're considering your options. Provided it is made using healthy ingredients, as is the case with the food in the link, you can still satisfy your taste buds.
So, consider your weekly meal plan. If it is made up of a lot of takeout foods, you might want to reconsider your options. You will benefit your body and your finances if you do, and you will curb your addiction to it too!