There's no secret recipe when it comes to weight loss, no magic ingredient that will make the pounds melt away. Still, there are tips and tricks that help ease the process--and change lives forever. The weight-loss experts at SparkPeople (members who have reached their goals) told us how they did it, and now we're telling you. Until now, the 27 Secrets of Success could only be found in our best-selling book, The Spark. We're sharing 15 of those secrets here. Secret #11: Get cooking. Cooking healthy meals for yourself is the number-two nutrition strategy of successful members; 77 percent of them used this strategy to meet their goals. Some of my earliest memories are of being in the kitchen with my mother and grandparents. I was stirring and mixing before I could reach the countertop, and in high school, my "chore" was making dinner. I'm quite lucky that my family recognized the importance of home-cooked meals, and that is a habit I've carried into adulthood. Dinner is never fancy, rarely complicated, and often rushed--poached eggs over steamed spinach and whole-grain toast is a busy weeknight meal--but it's always healthy. You don't need a culinary degree or hours each night to cook a healthful dinner. 8 Tips to Help Kids Feel at Home in the Kitchen Healthy Home Cooking with Chef Meg Printable Cookbook: Slimmed-Down Restaurant Dishes Low-Fat Versions of Your Favorite Recipes Know someone who would like to learn more about the Secrets of Success? Spread the Spark by clicking the green "Share" button below.
Do you cook more since joining SparkPeople? Do you think that home cooking is healthier than restaurant food?
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Although, I do enjoy eating out. I just don't do it every day. I think home cooking is better for me as well as more economical.
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I like this article, because it brings up the fact of cooking with family. Which is a good interaction time to bring the family close and also learn something healthy.
And it's funny I never really liked cooking and I still don't but I love to eat, so it motivated me to get in the kitchen. Keep up the good work everyone :o) Report
1. I live alone
2. I work 2 jobs
3. No one taught me how to cook
I have put away these excuses, and now I cook at least 3 nights a week and have leftovers on the other nights. It has made a huge difference in my pocketbook and cooking relaxes me after a long and stressful day. Report
I once substituted in a home Economics class and was amazed the students were told to bring in a cake mix. I was raised in England and we were all taught scratch cooking back then. Now it is just the same as US prepared foods and convenient foods everywhere and a lot of people have no appreciation for home cooked meals any more. I taught my boys to cook and I am so glad I did. Pat in Maine Report
You might be able to find some dollar menu thing for less. Most of us don't buy that when we go to a restaurant or fast food place. We usually buy a bigger meal.
I can buy a service meat stuffed chicken breast, organic carrots or other high end vegetable and a potato for less than a combo at Wendy's or any premium fast food combination meal.
Many meals require a bit of time to cook rather than constant attention. Just pop something in the oven and do som necessary stuff around your home.
Restaurants and food processors have managed to brainwash us into thinking that we don't have time to cook our own food. It just isn't so. Report