Australia

Survey suggests blokes should man up and swap barbie for kitchen

By RJ Whitehead

- Last updated on GMT

Photo: iStock
Photo: iStock

Related tags Nutrition

Australian men are being called to ditch the takeaway and start cooking meals at home after a recent survey found one in four needed to “man up in the kitchen”.

The Dietitians Association of Australia survey, which looked at the cooking habits of more than 800 men, found that 24% cook at home no more than twice a week.

These statistics come despite the same survey finding more than 90% of men like to cook.

Themis Chryssidis of the DAA said the results showed a change in the traditional distribution of household chores as men become more acquainted with the kitchen, but there is still some work to do.

These survey results are really clear: men do like to cook, which is great. They are just not stepping into the kitchen often enough and this could be for a variety of reasons. Men need to make cooking more of a priority in their lives​,” Chryssidis said.

The survey follows recent research from Omnipoll, commissioned by DAA, which found men are almost twice as likely as women to eat three or more takeaway meals a week.

This regular intake of takeaway is really concerning as we know takeaway meals can be high in kilojoules, fat, sugar and salt, so shouldn’t be eaten regularly. Men need to step away from the pizza box, don an apron and get busy in the kitchen​.” Chryssidis said.

According to the DAA, cooking at home is absolutely key to maintaining weight and improving health.

Research tells us that people who cook at home are more likely to have a healthier diet, eat less kilojoules, and eat more vegetables​.

Not only is cooking at home healthier, it’s also more affordable and a great way to relax and socialise​,” Chryssidis added.

DAA is asking men to think outside their normal cooking repertoire – and for some men this means getting friendly with greens.

Most blokes consider themselves grill masters, but there is more to cooking than just the odd barbecue in summer. Too often, men cook the meat and their partners prepare the salads​.

Gents, it’s not that hard to whip up a delicious salad and, if you do it well, people will talk more about your salad than the perfectly-cooked steak​,” said Chryssidis.

Related topics Policy Oceania Asian tastes

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