I have been doing more cooking at home lately and have discovered that as a result I've become a healthier eater. I recently baked a batch of shortbread cookies and had no idea how much butter actually went into them, an entire cup for just 12 cookies. I used to think nothing of eating 4 or 5 cookies in one sitting, but now 2 will be my limit. Has anyone else picked up better eating habits by cooking at home versus eating out?

I agree cooking at home is better for you.

Like Kani, I know what's in the food I'm eating and I certainly have more control.

I can also modify the recipes so they will be healthier and fit my needs so much better.

When we go out to eat or have take out, the next day I'm going to see a gain. It takes about 2 to 3 days to drop that temporary weight and get moving in the right direction again.

I happen to love lunchroom food but have been taking my lunch the past 3 weeks.
I'm certainly doing better with my weight loss now that I take the time to take my lunch.

Eating out is nice but for me I'd rather have it as a treat than as a regular event.

I agree cooking at home is better. And if you plan your time right it is just as fast as going to the store / restaurant and eating there or getting take out. I am a very picky eater. I was raised on the meat and potato diets of our grandparents so cooking at home lets me pick and chose what i eat so i am more likely to eat all the fruits and veggies that I need. When i do eat out I find that I make better choices on food now because i already know if i will like something or not so i am not worried about wasting the money trying new things. Also ever since me and my wife have started to eat more home cooked/prepared meals we have seen a big decrease in our food budget, and that helps reinforce eating at home more for us.