If you’re like many people you may think that eating a healthy diet means higher food costs, whether you eat out or cook. But a recent study finds that people who cook more dinners save $2 a day on food – and they have significantly healthier diets than those who cook less often.

 In the Seattle Obesity Study, researchers surveyed over 400 Seattle residents and gathered data on how often they cooked dinner and ate out, how much they spent on food and beverages, and what they ate and drank. Cooking at home is associated with better diet quality. This study examined the frequency of home-cooked dinners versus eating out in relation to the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), and food expenditures. Home-cooked dinners were associated with greater dietary guideline compliance, without significant increase in food expenditures. By contrast, frequent eating out was associated with higher expenditures and lower compliance. Home cooking may be a component of nutrition resilience.

To provide healthy affordable recipes, the Carroll County Extension Service offers a monthly class on Cooking Through the Calendar. The calendar is provided by the Kentucky Nutrition Education Program.   Each month the recipe of the month is demonstrated to individuals to offer a healthful, low-cost recipe idea. Tasting cups are passed out to participants to allow them the opportunity to try something new. In addition, tips are given to make the dish a complete meal. Also, physical movement is encouraged, and food safety is discussed. Participants leave with a new recipe in their arsenal and a way to turn that one recipe into a complete meal.

In addition, many participants stated at the beginning of the class they didn’t believe they would like the recipe, but once they tasted it, they were pleasantly surprised. Numerous participants have stated they have gone home and successfully made the recipe. Over 58 participants have attended the monthly classes and several have stated that they are not eating out as much as they used to and are enjoying eating healthful recipes that are low-cost to make and our seeing a difference in their pocket book.

Almost anything you cook from scratch will cost less and be healthier than processed, canned, or frozen versions of the same food. In fact, it will be better than most restaurant food. Homemade meals are cheaper, healthier, tastier, and better for the planet.