Cooking shows have been a household staple for years, but maybe cooking show recipes shouldn’t be.
According to a NPR article, a new study demonstrates that women who make recipes from cooking shows aren’t eating as healthy as they might think. In the study, researchers from the University of Vermont and Cornell University gathered information about cooking habits and body mass index readings from about 500 women in their 20’s and 30’s. Of that group, women who watched TV cooking shows and made the recipes tended to weigh, on average, 11 pounds more than women who only watched the cooking shows.
Previously, it was believed that cooking at home was more beneficial than going out to eat or buying prepared foods. So did this study dismantle that theory? Not entirely. What NPR writer Allison Aubrey observed was that celebrity TV chefs tend to make calorie-rich meals and desserts, yet many also somehow stay thin. That creates a disconnect among viewers, and it might cause them to discount the possible calories of the dishes being prepared.
Lead researcher Lizzy Pope still encourages people to cook from scratch at home, even using cooking show recipes. It’s just important to be aware of what ingredients are involved in a recipe, and to eat rich foods in moderation.
