Statistics show that only 10% of Americans love to cook, and most of them eat out at an average of 5.9 times per week. Compared to the women in the 1960s, modern women today also spend less time cooking at just 66 minutes per day. 

There are several reasons that more consumers are eating out. 

Why more people prefer to eat in restaurants

Optimized dining space

To achieve maximum efficiency, many restaurants today create spaces that allow for different eating styles. In some dining establishments, people can order ahead using an online ordering platform, cutting down waiting time. Some also allow for takeaways to be picked up at a store closer to the consumer. 

Many of these restaurants take advantage of technology to improve efficiency. These include kiosks and handheld POS systems to automate and speed up order requests, respectively.

Variety of food choices

At home, the food you eat is often limited to what you, your mom, or someone else knows how to cook. In restaurants, you get to try different dishes, depending on where you dine. If you have an adventurous palate, you’re going to love eating out at different restaurants at any time. 

Craving for some Mojo Shrimps, BBQ Chicken Cobb, and a Cubano? Head out to Riot House and satisfy your hunger. Visit during its Scottsdale happy hour and have your fill of drinks. There are many places like this in the town you live in or are visiting. Scottsdale is known for its eclectic dining for those foodies.

Flexible dining experience

Eating out at different restaurants enables you to enjoy food in different ways. Each restaurant has a different style, personality, and dishes. Clichéd as it may sound but dining out will take you on a gastronomic journey. 

You get to eat different dishes and from different cultures. If you limit yourself to eating at home, you won’t have the opportunity to keep an open mind in your choice of food.

Distraction-free dining

When in a restaurant, you may still be tempted to check out your phone rather than to be at the moment” while you eat. But that’s probably the only distraction you have to deal with.

At home, the TV, pets, and other people will pull you away from the table. What are the odds that you’ll end up eating in front of the TV instead of at the dining table with the rest of your family?

Build manners and social skills

At a restaurant, you need to:

• Interact with the wait staff
• Interact with other people dining with you
• Wait for your food
• Complain or provide feedback without being disrespectful
• Observe table manners

All these require you to be patient,polite and behave in a way that is appropriate with your surroundings. In some restaurants, you have to follow the dress code or be denied entry. 

Suffice it to say that your dining experience will help develop your social skills and manners. The friendlier and respectful you are to restaurant staff, the more satisfying your experience is. 

Opens doors for communication

You don’t dine and dash in restaurants. At least this is not usually the case in a full-service establishment. Without distractions, you have lots of opportunities to chat. Most of the time, people dine in restaurants to catch up, talk business, and the like. 

Conversations are longer too since you’ll want to savor the food you paid for and enjoy the company you’re with. 

In a way, you will develop and improve your communication skills when you eat out. 

Observe proper restaurant etiquette

If you want a great dining experience, you should behave accordingly. How do you do this exactly?

Don’t be loud

No one likes a diner who is noisy and annoying. A restaurant may be a place to socialize but no need to be loud and rowdy. Keep conversations at a low decibel, even when you’re cracking up. 

Be patient

Unless you’re eating at a fast-food restaurant, give the kitchen time to prepare your food and wait for it to be served. Ask the wait staff how long you need to wait and only follow-up or complain when the restaurant does not keep their promise. 

Inform in advance

Say you will be late for your reservation, inform the restaurant ahead of time. Doing so will ensure your table will not be given to someone else or that you won’t waste space that other diners could have used. 

Properly use of cutlery 

Depending on where you eat, you may need to hold a fork and knife in either the American or European way. The former suggests that you hold both only when the food needs to be cut. Afterward, you transfer the fork in your right hand. 

The European style, on the other hand, is when you hold the knife in your right hand and the fork in the left. 

Avoid making noise with your cutlery when you dine.

Ready to eat out? 

Detox is short for detoxification and refers to the natural process of removing toxins and neutralizing harmful substances from the human body. Toxins include compounds such as lactic acid, ammonia, and homocysteine which are waste products from regular cell activity and can potentially harm body tissue. Other chemicals from the environment and the food we consume can also do harm to the human body.

Accumulation of certain compounds can lead to other consequences that adversely affect general health. The liver, skin, blood, kidneys, lungs and lymphatic systems are the organs that work together towards breaking down harmful toxins into simpler ones which the body can excrete and eliminate.

It is a common misconception to associate detox treatment with only substances that are addictive such as alcohol and drugs. Depriving the body of potentially toxic substances and following a strict diet can also be called detox as it cleanses and removes toxins from the body, giving it a fresh start.  Such diets can help reduce weight as well as let the skin gain a natural glow.

What a detox diet does

There are different types of detox diets filled with different food options. However, they all follow the same basic sets of principles.

• • Reduce or minimize the chemical ingestion by the body by increasing organic foods.

• • Emphasize on detox foods that are rich in fiber, vitamins, nutrients, and protein to provide the body with all the necessary components it requires for a healthy digestion and proper functioning.

• The content of the particular diet depends on the region of origin along with seasonal produce. Some diets involve the consumption of only juices while some diets restrict food to only fresh fruits and vegetables.

Increase in fiber rich foods not only helps increase the healthy bacteria in the stomach but also increases the bowel motility and prevents constipation. However, during the diet, the frequency of bowel movements as well as urination tends to increase as the body goes into a natural cleansing mode.

Why do you require a detox diet?

In the day to day life of any city dweller, he undergoes constant exposure to various types of chemicals. One of the major agents of propagation of chemicals happens to be air. It can carry harmful fumes, heavy metal traces and various other toxins that can impair the bodily functions.

The water consumed undergoes chemical treatment in order to be free of germs and hence can contain traces of chemicals harmful to the body as well. The same can be said for coffee and tea leaves which are constantly exposed to insecticides and pesticides during their growth period.

Such chemicals can be found everywhere, including your toothpaste and your shampoo. Modern day lifestyle diseases such as stress and anxiety only add up to the need for detoxification as well. Detox diets are for anyone who wishes to feel healthier and fresher.

Cautions to take before a detox diet

A detox diet involves depriving your body of certain foods and consumption of a large amount of water. If you are planning a detox diet, it is necessary that you do some research and find a diet that suits your tastes and body best.

If you plan to take detox diets as a way to shed some weight, care should be taken so that you don’t deprive your body of any necessary nutrients. Placing sufficient time gap between diets will ensure this does not happen.

Exercising during detox diets depends on the type of diet as well. It is essential to not stress your body and cause exhaustion. Individuals with any medical condition should consult their doctor before they undergo a detox diet.

When do you know you require a detox?

An individual who feels a lack of energy acts more lethargic and tends to get stomach illnesses more often, it can be considered that a detox is due. Detoxes can also be used to reduce face acne as well as for weight loss and hence is a healthy way to improve your looks as well. Other signs that indicate you require detox your body include indigestion, poor concentration, bad breath, poor skin, muscle pain, and headaches.

A detox diet can act as a restart button for the general health of your body and the efficient functioning of your digestive system. The benefits are never-ending while the effort required may be high. If you are someone who likes to eat healthy for a period of time, trying out a detox diet may do you good as it comprises of food combinations that are researched and studied about.

There’s a reason why a lot of diets discourage pork products in their coordinated meals. Pork is the bane of anyone wishing to get in better shape since it’s challenging to say no to a crisp and tender set of bacon strips. But if you’re looking to make a change and to update your diet, here are three big reasons why you have to let go of pork in your menu, no matter how difficult or painful it may be.

• Pigs aren’t the best animals to eat

Though pigs are part of the top three staple meat animals along with chicken and cows, pork may not be your best option to eat based on the pigs’ physical nature. Pigs do not have sweat glands which translate to them not being able to sweat, to release the excess toxins in their body. In eating pork, you’re eating unfiltered flesh with a good number of toxins inherent.

Though it’s debatable that pigs still have livers and kidneys to filter out the excess junk that their bodies generate, it’s a tough call to consider since pork contains a high amount of saturated fat and packs a massive punch of cholesterol to boot. Having these in your body could lead you to develop heart disease as an example.

• Home for worms

Yes, you heard that right. Pork is highly susceptible to being a haven for homeless worms. There’s a reason why pork meat needs to be stored in freezing temperatures before cooking. It’s because severely low temperatures lower the risk of having them present in your pork. Consider how I mentioned ‘lowers the risk’ instead of ‘killing them’ because even if you’ve frozen it well, worms can still be present in your pork if you haven’t cooked it well enough.

Here are a few common parasites that tend to live in pork meat:

• Taenia Solium. A nasty parasite that can cause lack of appetite and tissue infection
• Trichinella. A roundworm that causes myalgia, fever spikes, and severe edema
• Salmonella. A tricky bacterium that can hide inside pigs unnoticed even after their death. It can induce fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

• Pigs bred in the USA

Though we are in the land of the free, the US doesn’t always have the best track record regarding rearing pigs. Unlike farm cows that are allowed to graze around the fields, pigs are often kept in pens or even put inside claustrophobic living conditions as they require relatively low maintenance to breed.

As with any break-up, you will find it difficult to let go of something that you’re used to for a long time. Look for alternative dishes to try to get your edge off missing pork. There are some equally greasy-tasting yet superior foodstuffs you can look forward to from Asian cuisine to kosher restaurant in Manhattan. Saying goodbye to pork means you can say hello to a diverse new array of meat products; beef, fish, lamb, and more – all with higher protein values – makes for a healthier for you.

Image: Pixabay.com

It is a known fact that the right food helps keep the body healthy. For people who work a lot however, a mid-day snack is extremely important to keep your body in proper working condition. Simply having breakfast or lunch is not enough.

Most business owners work long grueling days, which require more energy than most. It’s very easy to eat poorly when in a rush, as fast food or a candy bar are very convenient, yet also very unhealthy. While at the office, you don’t have time to cook, so a quick snack is best.

The majority of offices do not have vending machines stocked with healthy options. It’s typically the complete opposite. While something like a candy bar or a soda might be quick and present you with an initial burst of energy, they all eventually lead to a major crash, which can leave you struggling to finish out the day. You need to be operating at optimal energy levels at all times — no business owner has time for an energy crash during his or her busy days. Here are five healthy snacks to reach for mid-day that will help power you throughout the day.

Greek Yogurt

We all know that yogurt is a good healthy choice, and it is also a great energy source. There are several different flavors to pick from, and you can also purchase plain Greek yogurt and add on your own toppings to keep it from being too boring. Fruit or nuts make good toppings and it keeps it healthy.

“You need to make sure you look at the nutritional labels, as there are many flavors and brands that are packed with sugars. Just because it says yogurt on the container doesn’t automatically make it healthy,” advises Darryl Howard of NuWays MD, providers of stem cell therapy in Boca Raton. Some Greek yogurt contains more sugar than a candy bar, so select wisely or better yet stick to plain yogurt and add fresh fruit yourself.

Almond Butter Packets

Next on the list of healthy mid-day snacks that are ideal for busy business owners is almond butter packets. It is no secret that almond does provides the body with strength and energy – and in butter form, it just tastes better.

Almonds also provide the body with protein, which is an essential ingredient to keep your body healthy and fit, as well as fueled with energy. If you don’t like it in butter form, a handful of raw almonds is a healthy alternate to consider. They are very simple to pack as well as store in your desk.

Protein Bars

“Protein bars are so easy to pack and break out when you need energy, and today you can find complete meal replacement bars that are low in fat and have no sugar. This helps to keep you powering throughout the day without crashing,” says Luqman Khan, founder of Wireloo, a company that reviews the best water purifying dispenser.

If you have a sweet tooth, consider a protein flavor that mimics a candy bar in flavor, just not ingredients. There are companies that have been known to make healthy bars which are rich in protein, iron etc. Typically, if they taste just like a candy bar they are packed with sugars and are essentially the same. You will have to be willing to give up a bit on the flavor side in order to keep them healthy. Protein bars provide the body with extra energy to keep you going strong all day.

Bananas

Bananas are one of the healthiest fruits available, and they give you a great boost of energy while also giving you the fiber that your body requires, yet many people don’t get enough of.

While many health experts recommend bananas as a healthy snack option, you need to realize that they do contain a lot of sugar. “People often forget that most fruits are high in sugar, so eating fruits as a snack every single day isn’t always the best option. Bananas are good to mix in a few days a week. Just be aware that they generally contain about 14 grams of sugar,” explains Jake Braun of ChopperExchange, where you can find out what your Harley is worth.

Nuts

Last but not the least are nuts. Nuts are known to possess protein which is essential for any working body and they help to keep blood sugar levels stable. Nuts also have vitamin E in them which is essential for the body as well, along with magnesium.

“Nuts are a great snack, but remember to just have a small handful, as their fat content is extremely high,” explains Dana VanDeCar, COO of Optimally Organic. While that is very true, you need to also understand that the fats found in raw nuts are healthy fat our bodies need in order to survive. You just don’t want to eat an entire can of nuts in one sitting.

If the last time you saw a delicious-looking, balanced meal was on your favourite celebrity chef’s Instagram page, then it’s time to do something about it. Eating healthy should be high on your priority list, even if your schedule is packed 24/7. With these super-fast ways to eat healthy, you can be the healthiest busy person you know.

Hydrate on the go

Love it or hate it, water is a crucial part of good health and whether you feel thirsty or not, you should be drinking enough water. However, when you are hopping from meeting to meeting, it’s easy to forget to drink some water.

Consider having a water cooler in the office to make it easier to hydrate. Start carrying water with you so you have no excuse not to drink. If you invest in a quality water bottle that you’d love to take with you anywhere, you can easily triple the amount of water you drink in a day.

Also, there are useful apps to track water intake available online. They can help you track the number of glasses you take and you can set reminders to tell you to drink more water throughout your day.

Use grocery delivery services

Shopping for groceries can be time consuming, with the lists you have to make, standing in line to make payments and dragging your purchases home. Grocery delivery services help you get more of your time back by outsourcing your weekly shopping to someone else.

Just imagine all the fresh and juicy ingredients you need to prepare enough healthy meals for a week right at your doorstep. The benefits are too many to count – you’d no longer have to deal with the crowded, long lines; and you’ll avoid the temptation to pick up stuff you don’t need or stuff you shouldn’t be eating.

With an affordable online grocery delivery service, you never have to set foot in a store. This means more time to work, more time to enjoy your family, and even a little time to take off for yourself.

Start meal prepping

Meal prepping has become hugely popular of late, which must have something to do with the fact that it saves time and money, and ensures you follow a healthy meal plan.

With your busy schedule, the best thing you can do is prepare your snacks and meals ahead of time. Meal prepping is more than just eating healthy or looking fit. It gives you the freedom to make any decision about what you want to eat without thinking about where or when you’ll get the food – since you already have it.

This saves you time and energy that you can put towards doing other important like your career, family or relationship. One top tip for successful meal prepping is to get quality plastic containers. They should be durable so that you can freeze your meals and pick them up on your way out the door.

Prepare or buy grab-and-go snacks

Many busy professionals, including entrepreneurs, investment bankers and travel nurses, swear by grab-and-go snacks. Changes in schedule or delays are inevitable, and you could forget to eat lunch on some days. If there’s nothing readily available to snack on at the office, you may find yourself struggling to ignore your hunger pangs for hours, or eyeing the closest vending machine.

No matter how long you plan to stay out, always ensure you have healthy snack options such as protein or nut bars, fruits, granola bars, unsweetened dried fruit, and so on. You could grab a slice of pizza, but an emergency snack supply is a better and healthier option, and ensures there is always something to eat.

Eating healthy snacks every three hours will steady your blood sugar, and lower the need to gorge yourself when it is time for your next meal.

Own a crock-pot

A crock-pot is also known as a slow cooker, but don’t be discouraged by the deceptive moniker; it is one of the greatest multi-tasking tools you can own in your kitchen, and a dream come true for any busy person. With a simple touch of a button and a few ingredients, you can be serving a gourmet meal in no time. Just throw a chicken in there, top with your favourite spices and you’re good to go. It really is that simple.

With a crockpot, you can make anything from chicken dips to lasagnas, butternut squash soup and even hot fudge sundae!  If you don’t own a crockpot, take this as a big recommendation to get one online right now. It’s a great investment since you’ll be using it over and over again.

There are tons of delicious crockpot recipes for busy people to get you started on healthy meals cooked just in time. Oh, and did we mention that it can cook your food while you sleep?

Take supplements

Work and other life stressors, in addition to the high prevalence of environmental toxins and poor soil quality, mean that you may not be getting appropriate nutrients in your diets. Therefore, the best way to achieve a good nutritional profile is by taking the right supplements.

A good quality multivitamin/ mineral is essential, in addition to probiotic supplementation. If you are dealing with stress, or want to improve your metabolism and immune system, a B-complex vitamin is a good choice. Omega 3 and fish oil supplements are great for boosting brain function, smoothening digestion, lowering stress and controlling appetite.

Start by understanding your diet and your nutrients intake. A registered nutritionist can provide you with the information you need about your nutritional profile. When it comes to taking supplements, each person is unique and needs a specially designed supplementation plan in order to stay healthy.

It’s possible to fit self-prepared healthy meals into your schedule, no matter how busy you are. You simply have to make it a priority. Make time every day to put yourself first by ensuring you can constantly have ready meals when you need it. You’ll see results and know that it is worth all the effort and time for your health and well-being.