ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Eight in 10 Americans are too tired to cook dinner after work, according to a new study by Talker Research.
People with busy schedules may let this schedule affect their diet. Talker used responses from 2,000 Americans to find that 77% admit they are too tired to cook after work.
The research, commissioned by Kevin’s Natural Foods, looked at when respondents were at their busiest and what specifically affected what they ate.
“You’re starving and looking for something to fill your stomach because you’re tired and want to go to bed,” says OSF nutritionist Jason Cram. So, we often don’t make the best choice at that point. “It’s easy because that’s how we’re wired.”
For those who may be affected by their program, 40% admitted that it affected their diet and 57% said it was a negative effect.
According to Talker, convenience is part of the problem. When people are too tired to cook, they turn to comfort foods like sandwiches, fast food, and microwave dinners. 74% of those surveyed said they would be interested in eating a healthier diet if it was convenient.
“Have a meal plan where you hopefully only go to the store once a week,” says Brian Thornton, director of UW Health Lifestyle Medicine. “Cooking at night takes a lot of energy and time, and going to the store already takes more energy than we want to use for cooking.”
Staying hydrated and eating well throughout the day can help you feel less tired after work.
You should eat your last snack or meal at least two hours before bed so that you can sleep and be ready for the next day.
“If you’re going home at seven or eight at night and going to bed at ten, you’re kind of asking for a disrupted sleep cycle, especially if you haven’t prepared any meals,” Cram says.
Copyright 2024 WIFR. All rights reserved.