Help Meet Your Wellness Goals with Batch Cooking
by the Cow Creek Health and Wellness Center Dietetics and Healthy Living Team
As the new year rolls in, many of us are setting resolutions to live healthier, eat better, and make positive changes in our lives.
One powerful, yet often overlooked strategy to help achieve these resolutions is batch cooking. Batch cooking involves preparing meals in advance, allowing you to save time, reduce stress, and ensure that healthy options are always available.
Keeping healthy food easily accessible will make it easier to stick to your goals and create lasting, sustainable habits.
Why Does Cooking at Home Matter?
Cooking at home offers significant health benefits, including a reduced risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes.
According to research, “People who cook at home eat higher quality food, consume fewer calories, spend less money on food, and have less weight gain over time than those who dine out and eat prepared foods regularly.”
When you cook at home, you decide exactly what goes into your meals. You can choose fresh, wholesome ingredients, avoid hidden sugars and unhealthy fats, and create meals tailored to your nutritional needs. With batch cooking and meal planning, you always have nutritious meals ready to go. It can even help you save money by cutting down on takeout.
By dedicating a few hours a week to preparing your meals, you’re not only taking control of your health but also building a routine that will last.
Simple Steps for Getting Started
- Start with Realistic Goals: Begin by prepping just a few meals for the week or focusing on snacks. Gradually build up as you feel more comfortable.
- Plan Ahead: Take some time each week to plan your meals and create a shopping list.
- Invest in Quality Containers: Reusable, airtight containers will keep your meals fresh and organized.
- Mix Things Up: Variety is important! Include a range of proteins, grains, and vegetables to keep meals interesting and well-rounded.
- Involve the Family: Meal prepping can be a fun, collaborative activity that helps everyone stay on track with healthy eating.
So, this year, why not make batch cooking and meal planning a part of your wellness plan? Here’s to a healthier you in 2025—one home-cooked meal at a time!
For more support, join The Dietetics and Healthy Living Team on January 30th from 5:30-7 PM for a Cooking Demonstration specifically for batch cooking!
This article comes to you from the Cow Creek Health and Wellness Center Dietetics and Healthy Living Team
Please reach out to one of our Lifestyle Coaches for lifestyle and nutrition support, or join one of the Diabetes Prevention Program groups!
April Gilliom: (541) 672-8533, ext. 5226
