Which activity is most likely to promote a healthier dietary pattern?

Meal prepping at home is most likely to promote a healthier dietary pattern because it allows individuals to plan and prepare nutritious meals in advance. This practice ensures that meals are balanced, incorporating a variety of food groups such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and healthy fats. It also enables better portion control and helps reduce reliance on convenience foods that may be high in calories, sodium, and unhealthy fats.

By preparing meals ahead of time, individuals are less likely to resort to unhealthy options when they are busy or hungry, contributing to more consistent healthy eating habits. Furthermore, meal prepping can be cost-effective and reduce food waste, supporting both health and sustainability.

In contrast, frequently eating out often leads to choices that are less healthy, as restaurant meals can be higher in calories, sugars, and unhealthy fats. Consuming processed snacks is typically associated with higher intake of refined sugars and unhealthy additives, which can lead to weight gain and other health issues. Skipping breakfast can result in overeating later in the day and disrupt overall metabolic processes, which does not support a healthy dietary pattern.