4 Diet Benefits of Cooking with Friends

Cooking with friends may seem like a recipe for disaster. They sometimes bring recipes that are loaded with high amounts of butter, salt and sugar. However, if you (and your friends) are on a diet, you can cook together and actually make progress toward your goals. Cooking with friends will not only allow you to learn many new recipes, but will also provide you with new food substitution ideas, teach you about new cooking methods and provide you with the motivation you need to reach those long term goals. Here’s a closer look at the diet benefits of cooking with friends

1. Learn New Cooking Methods

One of the most beneficial ways that cooking with friends can help your diet is that by doing so, you may learn of new, healthier ways of cooking foods. For example, grilling your food is a great way to cut out excess fat and calories, while still keeping your food tasting great. However, if you have never used a grill before, you may be hesitant about this particular cooking method. If one of your friends is skilled in grill use, he or she will be able to teach you how to use this appliance properly.

2. Learn New Food Substitutes

Another great reason why cooking with friends may benefit your diet is through trading of new food substitution ideas. Substituting foods that are high in fat, calories, salt or sugar with healthier options is one of the best ways to lose weight and keep it off. For example, using applesauce in place of vegetable oil in cakes and cookies is a great way to reduce fat and calories, while at the same time adding an interesting flavor to your baked goods. After a while, it can be difficult to try to come up with new food substitutions. The next time you and your friends get together for a cooking party, make sure each person comes with a list of a few of their favorite food substitutions. Most likely, you’ll get a number of new substitutes that you have never tried before.

3. Learn New Recipes

Cooking with friends is a great way to learn some new healthy recipes. When cooking with your friends (and trying to stick to a diet), be sure to come up with a theme. For example, tell all your guests that this party will be all about healthy finger foods. Not only will you receive a number of new recipes, but you can be guaranteed that they are as healthy as they are delicious.

4. Boost Your Diet Motivation

Cooking with your friends is likely to give you the motivation you need to help you stick to a diet plan. At the beginning of the party, ask everyone to go around and talk about how their diets are going, and any barriers to weight loss or tricks that they have picked up recently. Hearing how your friends are achieving their goals is likely to push you even harder to work toward your goals.

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