3.3.1. Homemade meals
The concrete attributes of homemade meals provided by subjects for the weekday situation were daily task, low cost,
shared, made by me, fresh (i.e., prepared from scratch everyday with raw ingredients) and simple (i.e., prepared
with basic cooking methods and few ingredients or seasonings) (Fig. 1). These attributes can be divided in those associated with cooking and those related to the meal itself. The attributes associated with cooking were linked directly to
self-relevant consequences and values, such as doing my duty, keep eating habits, enjoyment–pleasure, save money,
socialising-belonging and control. In contrast, the meals features were linked to consequences only through abstract
attributes like healthy, tasty and trustworthy. Abstract attributes mentioned independently of concrete ones were
trying (as in demanding time and effort), fun to make, varied (i.e., with ingredients changing from meal to meal) and safe
to eat. This last attribute was related not only with the use of biologically grown ingredients (which were perceived to
be more natural and pure), but also with homemade meals not being the outcome of industrial processes. Core consequences and values associated with homemade meals on the weekday were the achievement of higher levels of activity and a good physique (ensure adequate micro-nutrient intake—keep fit—be active), as well as the maintenance of
good health and well-being (control what you eat—eat healthy—good health, control what you eat—no weight
gain—self-esteem). Hedonic (enjoy eating—pleasure) and social aspects (focus on meal—socialise—harmony) were
also thought to be highly self-relevant outcomes of homemade meal consumption.