By Liz Plosser
You already know that cooking at home is a smart way to not only save cash, but also to cut calories and fat. That's because you can control the ingredients—you determine how much butter, oil and other foods to use when whipping up a meal, you can decide to replace higher-fat ingredients with lower-fat ones in your favorite recipes. And if you're a health-conscious, adventurous person, you're likely to do just that, says Brian Wansink, Ph.D., a behavioral food researcher from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.
Through his research, Wansink discovered that healthy meal preparation is linked to the personality of the cook more than to the recipes or ingredients used in preparing a meal. In fact, he found that there are four types of cooking personalities, including the healthy cook. You can use the quick quiz below to find out which one you are. And don't despair if you're not a healthy chef. Identifying your cooking personality will allow you to play to your strengths and work on your weaknesses, so you can put yourself—and your family—on the path to a healthier life.
1) When it's time to make a weeknight dinner, you...
a) Know the recipe by heart.
b) Flip through a cookbook for ideas.
c) Experiment with new ingredients to create your own fresh and unique dishes.
d) Order in, unless you have enough time to follow a recipe to a tee.
e) Whip up a five star-dinner, whether or not you use a recipe.
2) The type of food you usually cook is...
a) Comfort foods you could make in your sleep.
b) Light meals that tend to focus on veggies and lean protein.
c) Dishes that require unique and obscure ingredients.
d) It varies, but you can't survive without a recipe.
e) Your version of something you loved at a restaurant or that you saw on the Food Network.
3) At the grocery store, you...
a) Buy the basics to make your family's favorite traditional dishes.
b) Find yourself drawn to healthy fare, such as fresh produce, seafood and herbs.
c) Wind up purchasing something you've never tried, like soy milk or mangoes.
d) Never veer from your list; you know exactly what dishes you'll cook this week.
e) Spend a little extra money on a specialty cheese and organic eggs to add some pizzazz to your meals.
4) When friends come over for a meal, they're most likely to say...
a) "Hurray, we were hoping you'd make your famous [INSERT YOUR FAVORITE DISH HERE]!"
b) "It was delicious, and it's so nice that I don't feel over-stuffed."
c) "That was a new experience—we've never had ostrich burgers!"
d) "Very impressive: Your casserole looks exactly like the picture in the cookbook."
e) "You should open a restaurant. That was the best dinner of my life."
If you answered...
Mostly A...You're considered a giving cook. Friendly, well-liked and enthusiastic, you specialize in comfort foods for family gatherings and large parties. You seldom experiment with new dishes, instead you rely on traditional favorites.
Healthy bonus: Your gregarious nature means you're likely to be outspoken about what your loved ones are eating. Use your influence to encourage them to make healthy choices. For instance, when dining out, suggest that your dining compaionions try your favorite low-calorie dish. At home, keep nutritious snacks, such as fresh veggies, yogurt and nuts, on hand instead of empty-calorie, high-fat options, such as cookies and chips.
Don't forget: It's a cinch to nix calories from comfort foods without sacrificing flavor by using light cheese, skim milk and less meat. Experiment with creative ways to lighten traditional dishes.
Mostly B....You're considered a healthy cook. You are optimistic, book-loving, and a nature enthusiast. You're most likely to experiment with lean protein, such as fish, and fresh ingredients, including herbs.
Healthy bonus: You love cooking light dishes, which helps ensure you keep your own weight, as well as your loved one's, in check. Not to mention, you'll be passing your healthy eating habits along to your children.
Don't forget: Keep your family interested in healthy fare by inviting them to pick a nutritious recipe or to help with the prep or cooking.
Mostly C...You are an innovative cook. You are the most creative and trend-setting of all cooks. Seldom using recipes, you experiment with ingredients, cuisine styles, and cooking methods.
Healthy bonus: Your passion for experimentation means you expose your family to a fantastic array of flavors, as well as important vitamins and minerals.
Don't forget: It's great that you enjoy different cooking techniques, but try to stick with healthy methods, such as grilling and poaching, instead of frying.
Mostly D...You're a methodical cook who relies heavily on recipes. Although it can take you a while to pull together a meal, your creations are tasty and always look exactly like the picture in the cookbook.
Healthy bonus: The focus and attention you put into your cooking translates into respect and care for your family. For example, instead of handing your child money for lunch each day, you'd rather take the time to make him a healthy meal he can bring to school.
Don't forget: Every meal doesn't have to be a masterpiece. There's nothing wrong with turning yesterday's roasted chicken into tonight's stir-fry—especially if you do that instead of picking up fat- and calorie-laden takeout.
Mostly E...You're a competitive cook, the Top Chef of the neighborhood. You're a dominant personality who cooks in order to impress others. You're a perfectionist who's intense in both your cooking and entertaining.
Healthy bonus: Your exceptional skills mean you cook at home often and that your spouse, kids and friends are excited to eat whatever you prepare. Take advantage of their rapture by choosing light, nutritious recipes as much as possible. (Check out our recipe database from some great ideas!)
Don't forget: Using loads of butter and cream, like restaurant chefs do, may make a meal more decadent, but taste is fleeting—health is forever. Use your skills to your advantage to find ways to make your creations low-calorie and tasty.