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Is Eating At Restaurants More Unhealthy Than Eating At Home?

Introduction

The modern day society is often time-pressed. For this reason, our lives are now all about having the utmost convenience so that we can manage everything in a timely manner. Cooking is one chore that not many people are good at and it is a time-consuming activity. Therefore, a lot of people tend to eat outside. Restaurants, thus, have become a favorite all time haunt for everyone, especially the working people.

In the environment based on time constraints, we see a rise in the number of people who eat out. With this trend, there came a boost in the restaurant industry and ready-to-cook meals' industry. Non-home made food has become an important part of the US diet. Although restaurant food might be have its benefits like affordable prices, greater variety in menu, convenience, and delicious taste there is a down side to eating out at a restaurant.

With the growing trend in eating at restaurants, a dramatic rise in the prevalence of obesity was witnessed. Though food is not the only that affects body weight, restaurant food does contribute a lot towards obesity. Moreover, restaurant food should be avoided by people who want to maintain their health or those who want to lose weight. Research indicates that the eating at restaurants influence energy intake and compound it. Informed choices pertaining to away-from-home food could help reduce calorie overconsumption and aid in weight management (Andersen, p. 104).

A rapid increase in the consumption of restaurant food in the US has been observed. Now more people spend on away-from-home food. Studies expect this inclination towards restaurant food to keep growing in the coming years. The concerning fact here is that research proves that there has been an increase in the proportion of calories in the restaurant foods. From 18% of total energy intake in 1978, it has risen to 34% in 1995 (DHH, p. 1).

Discussion

For most people eating a restaurant is considered a special opportunity for indulgence. The restaurant industry, as a result, has capitalized on this fact and offers their customers a warm and welcoming environment along with a broad selection of alcoholic beverages. This leads to increased sales of restaurants as people begin to relax and consequently, eat more.

More than often a regular meal at a restaurant turns out be a binge i.e. overeating. Prior to condemning the restaurant foods as unhealthy we need to have a look at what is the reason behind their overconsumption, high energy intake, and an increase in weight.

The following reasons prompt people to eat out at restaurants working mothers who do not have time for cooking, not knowing how to cook foods, preference for outside meals, a penchant for trying out different restaurants, the lengthy time required for preparation and cleanup after cooking, and convenience. Furthermore, eating out might mean a social gathering with friends, families, and coworkers. In addition, eating out prevents leftovers so, food wastage is avoided. Busier life schedules are what drives eating out ...