Does Eating in Pots Cause Weight Gain?
We all know that if you eat more calories than you burn off, you gain weight. But could your cookware choice be contributing to your diet-related woes?
Circumstantial Evidence
Anecdotal evidence suggests that eating in pots might lead to a gradual weight gain, but scientific research hasn’t yet provided solid answers.
The Benefits of Pot Cooking
Pots are a popular choice for cooking because they can evenly distribute heat and therefore cook food more evenly. Since they tend to cook food more quickly than other methods, they can save energy and time. Pots typically aren’t used directly over high heat, which can help keep fat from splattering all over your stove. And since less fat is needed when cooking with pots, you’re consuming fewer calories.
The Potential Risks of Pot Cooking
The problem with pots is that they often encourage people to cook larger portions than necessary. It’s easier to fill a pot than to make separate dishes for smaller amounts of food. Since pots also retain heat well, any food left in it will stay warm. This can lead to overeating because of the psychological temptation to finish what’s in the pot.
Another potential risk is that pots are fairly deep and narrow, allowing the contents to cook quickly on the bottom but taking longer to cook through the top. This can lead to inconsistencies in the way the food is cooked, which can encourage you to add more fat or sauces to make sure nothing is undercooked.
The Bottom Line
Eating in pots can have some health benefits, such as using less fat or energy and cooking food more quickly. However, the potential pitfalls, such as cooking larger portions and adding more fat or sauces, can lead to consuming more calories over the long term — and that can lead to weight gain. If you’re trying to lose weight, it might be worth experimenting with different cookware or methods that can help you eat healthier and smaller portions.
