By TQ BONNER
Introduction
The age-old debate between home cooking versus dining out has continued through generations.
Watching your favorite recipe come to life on the stovetop or in the oven is a sight. Sauteed green peppers and onions, garlic, Cajun seasons, and we can’t forget the classic Lawry’s seasoned salt.
Chopped vegetables, glossy sauces, and bubbling casseroles combine to create an artistic masterpiece pleasing to the eyes.
The colors of your favorite ingredients mix in an inviting stew or dish. The sight of steam rising from the hot plate and the bubbling edges of a pie crust as it bakes in the oven.
As you prepare the dish, you learn more about your family’s recipes and the stories that come with them.
Conventional wisdom says that cooking at home saves money compared to eating out. But does it? Let’s break down the actual costs.
The Grocery Store
The shopping list included pasta, chicken breasts, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, lettuce, dressing, and all those delightful Italian seasonings.
Picture creating an Italian dinner for five at home. By the time you reach the checkout, your wallet has taken a beating.
When I go to the grocery store on my shopping adventures, I hit up not one, not two, but three, and occasionally four, different stores.
I’ve got my go-to spot for the freshest produce, another for top-notch meats, and I snag all the essential seasonings at Walmart. But let’s be honest, it all adds up, especially when you factor in the transportation costs.
The Olive Garden
We headed to the Olive Garden, renowned for its affordable Italian food. We ordered five servings of pasta with chicken Parmesan and a fresh salad at prices that didn’t make our bank accounts weep.
The food arrived swiftly, with all the tantalizing aromas we would have spent hours trying to replicate at home. But here’s the kicker — the Olive Garden feast cost us less than our grocery store haul. It’s no shocker to me.
Feeding my family has been a journey, and I’ve discovered that Chipotle and Chick-fil-A play crucial roles in satisfying everyone’s taste buds.
It’s worth noting that these dining experiences aren’t confined to specific days; my younger kids lean towards the irresistible charm of Chick-fil-A, while my older ones crave the unique flavors of Chipotle.
We visit both establishments, creating a balanced and healthier dining routine.
Additionally, we explore other restaurants with Mediterranean-style offerings on certain days, ensuring a diverse range of culinary experiences.
Remarkably, even with these varied choices, we enjoy cost-effective meals.
It also spared us from the mountain of dishes that often follow a home-cooked dinner.
The Health Dilemma: Eating Out vs. Eating In
Let’s address the elephant (or salad) in the room — the health factor. It’s no secret that cooking at home allows for better control over ingredients and portion sizes.
You can choose healthier cooking methods and use fresh, whole ingredients to create nutritious meals tailored to your dietary needs.
Eating healthy is the most significant drain on your wallet at home. Fruits and vegetables can quickly add up. The cost of making healthy food choices at the supermarket is a reality we all face.
In addition to visiting affordable restaurants that emphasize healthier foods on their menus, families should also consider taking advantage of promotions such as kids eat free nights or two for one special.
These deals make dining out more accessible (and affordable) while still enjoying nutritious meals.
Another tip is to order an appetizer as your main dish when dining out — most appetizers are smaller portions and will fill you up without overindulging in calories or sodium-filled entrees.
Food delivery services such as DoorDash or Uber Eats provide convenient solutions when ordering takeout meals right at home without leaving the house.
With so many options available today, it’s easier than ever before to make responsible food decisions while still keeping costs down.
If we were to break it down:
It’s not just about the dollars but also the cents. When you cook at home, you’re not just paying for ingredients. You’re paying for the utilities that power your stove, the water that cleans your dishes, and the hours you spend in the kitchen.
Time is Money: The hours spent planning, shopping, cooking, and cleaning are hours you could pay for other activities or even earn money — factor in the opportunity cost of your time.
Food Waste: Buying ingredients often leads to leftovers or unused items, which can result in wasted food and money.
Conclusion
While home cooking can be satisfying, eating out can be easier on both the wallet and the workload.
So, the next time you’re craving, consider letting the experts at your favorite restaurant do the heavy lifting — your wallet and precious hours will thank you.
Let me be clear: if you are eating oodles and noodles, throwing in a boiled egg for a gourmet touch, or a fried bologna sandwich with a side of pineapple soda and two zebra cakes for dessert — now that’s a menu that sounds so good. This menu is cheaper than eating out.