Too Busy to Cook? Here’s How to Eat Smart Without the Drive-Thru
Cooking a healthy meal at home sounds great but in reality, it’s often tough to pull off. Between work, family, and trying to keep up with everything else, many people feel like they just don’t have the time. Studies even show that people with long or demanding schedules are more likely to grab fast food instead of cooking at home (PMC Study).
But here’s the problem: convenience doesn’t always mean healthy.
Fast Food and Busy Lifestyles
Research shows that 32% of U.S. adults aged 20+ ate fast food on a given day between 2021 and 2023. On those days, it made up about 12% of their daily calories. Younger adults, ages 20–39, were the biggest consumers (PubMed Study).
It’s no surprise. Cooking at home takes planning, shopping, chopping, and cleaning. Fast food, on the other hand, feels instant. The downside? Over time, relying on it can leave you low on energy, high on sodium, and far from your nutrition goals.
More Money, More Convenience
Interestingly, higher income doesn’t always equal healthier choices. Studies have found that households with more money and tighter schedules often spend more on takeout, deli foods, or restaurant meals and less on groceries to cook at home. The catch? Those convenience foods usually come with more calories, more fat, and less nutrition (ERS USDA).
So while it might feel like you’re saving time, the long-term effects can include weight gain and higher risk for chronic health issues.
A Smarter Solution: Personalized In-Home Chef Services
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to choose between convenience and health. That’s where Brianna’s Nutrition Kitchen (BNK) comes in.
We’re not just another meal delivery service. BNK is a personalized in-home personal chef service serving households across New Jersey and New York. Our chefs cook meals right in your kitchen, tailored to your specific dietary needs and preferences.
With BNK, you get:
Customized menus created around your health goals, tastes, and restrictions.
Nutritious, chef-prepared meals made fresh in your home.
Time-saving convenience without sacrificing quality or control.
Our clients love that they can enjoy the ease of convenience with the peace of mind that comes from eating wholesome, thoughtfully prepared meals all without lifting a finger.
Final Thoughts
Life isn’t slowing down, but your health doesn’t have to take a back seat. With BNK’s in-home personal chef services, you can enjoy the best of both worlds meals that are quick, personalized, and truly good for you.
References
Devine CM, Jastran M, Jabs J, Wethington E, Farell TJ, Bisogni CA. A lot of people just don’t have time: Issues of lack of time and preparation of healthy meals. Appetite. 2009;52(1):84-92. PMC3464955
Fryar CD, Hughes JP, Herrick KA, Ahluwalia N. Fast Food Consumption Among Adults in the United States, 2021–2023. National Center for Health Statistics Data Brief, no 498. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2023. PubMed 40929416
Mancino L, Todd JE, Lin B-H. Higher Incomes and Greater Time Constraints Lead to Purchasing More Convenience Foods. Amber Waves. June 2018.ERS USDA