My wife and I cook ~95% of our meals. We eat out maybe once/twice per month.
Neither of us are too picky or on any specific diet, but generally we make meals that are high in protein (meat), some carbs, and a generous amount of vegetables.
Typically, we make rather large amounts so each of us has another meal for lunch the following day.
We try to avoid pre-packaged/prepared foods whenever possible. No pasta bag meals or pre-seasoned chicken, etc. Also, we stay away from anything that contains soybean oil, vegetable oil, or soy products. Organic meat, vegetables, and fruits, if possible.
We still eat some bread/gluten, but our overall carb consumption is down considerably. I experimented with cutting out carbs almost completely and substituting with more fat in my diet, but saw a decline in my energy level.
We drink alcohol ~2x per month, maybe splitting a bottle of wine each time.
We started more seriously focusing on our diet a few years ago and definitely noticed changes in our energy level, body appearance, skin, and overall health.
Don't kid yourself, what you put into your body matters.
My failure may have been from trying to cut all carbs too quickly. I've since just tried to remain cognizant of the amount of carbs I consume, and try to lower that over time.
Sugar was tough. Like many people, I used to crave sugar. Tapering off of that has helped, but it certainly takes time to get used to consuming very little sugar.
No one diet in particular. I like some of the ideas from the Paleo diet, but also try to listen to my body. If I am hungry for simple, plain foods, that is what I eat. I also make quite a few richer, fattier meals.
Always high in protein, smaller amount of carbs, and several vegetable servings with each meal.
I keep onions and garlic on hand. Onions can be chopped and kept frozen. Garlic keeps for quite a while in the fridge. I use both almost every day.
I try to keep it simple with only a few high quality ingredients.
Neither of us are too picky or on any specific diet, but generally we make meals that are high in protein (meat), some carbs, and a generous amount of vegetables.
Typically, we make rather large amounts so each of us has another meal for lunch the following day.
We try to avoid pre-packaged/prepared foods whenever possible. No pasta bag meals or pre-seasoned chicken, etc. Also, we stay away from anything that contains soybean oil, vegetable oil, or soy products. Organic meat, vegetables, and fruits, if possible.
We still eat some bread/gluten, but our overall carb consumption is down considerably. I experimented with cutting out carbs almost completely and substituting with more fat in my diet, but saw a decline in my energy level.
We drink alcohol ~2x per month, maybe splitting a bottle of wine each time.
We started more seriously focusing on our diet a few years ago and definitely noticed changes in our energy level, body appearance, skin, and overall health.
Don't kid yourself, what you put into your body matters.