At first glance, headlines boasting that an updated Chicago kitchen remodel can lead to a healthier life seem disingenuous. But, in fact, it's true.

Cornell University released a fascinating study on kitchen design and how it correlated to the subjects' weight and overall health.

Design a Kitchen to Lose Weight

The study is dubbed, "The Syracuse Study" because the researchers studied 200 photos of household kitchens located in Syracuse, NY.

The researchers' findings were fascinating. For example:

• Those with cereal boxes out on their countertops weighed an average of 20-pounds more than those who didn't.
• Homeowners with soft drinks on the counter weight 24- to 26-pounds more.
• Those with fruit baskets out in plain sight weighed an average of 13-pounds less.

But, in case you're thinking that this is more about food than it is about kitchen design design, consider this recent study published by Houzz.

One-third of respondents cited their kitchen renovation as the impetus for leading a healthier lifestyle. For example, a social-friendly kitchen means more time spent at home with the family according to 49% of respondents, 41% now consumes more meals cooked at home, 34% order less takeout and 25% eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.

Chicago Kitchen Remodeling is Good For the Body & the Soul

There are reasons why a smart kitchen design lead to a healthier lifestyle. An outdated kitchen is often dark and shabby, and doesn't inspire the cheerful "sit down and stay a while" energy that leads to more gathering, chatting and bonding.

If a kitchen lacks efficient function or flow, or if older appliances are cumbersome, that detracts from your desire to prep and cook meals. Finally, kitchens with cramped or poorly designed cabinets mean a disorganized pantry and a cluttered countertop. Not only does this lead to more calorie-laden snacking (and excess pounds), clutter is known to contribute to stress.

Tips for a Healthy Kitchen Design

Focusing on the following will facilitate your household's healthy lifestyle goals.

Think about function

Spend time thinking about how you use your kitchen from morning 'til night. Bring this with you to your design consultation and the design-build team will show you where a new layout or strategic appliance placement would improve the kitchen's function and flow.

Consider the layout

Changing your layout can do wonders for the food prep and cooking phase. You may find the traditional kitchen triangle doesn't work for you, allowing you to create a layout customized to your daily habits.

Organize cabinets and pantry

Odds are your current kitchen has standard cabinet interiors with shelves placed at standard heights. This wastes a significant amount of space. Implementing contemporary cabinet, drawer and pantry organizers will get all that clutter off the countertops, and may even allow you to eliminate a cabinet box or two altogether, opening up more space.

Choose a comfortable seat

The addition of a kitchen island, peninsula and/or a reconfigured dine-in area will make the kitchen a comfortable hang-out for children, family, friends and social guests.

Your new kitchen expansion and/or configuration will make staying home with the family - and preparing fresher, healthier meals - a more enjoyable and accommodating experience.

Kitchens really are the hub of the home these days, and their design should reflect that. We've seen over and over again how a new design and layout enhances our clients' quality of life. Schedule a design consultation here at Kitchens & Baths Unlimited and we'll help you begin to envision the possibilities.