Is it cheaper to just eat out all the time?

Ang_J · #1 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 06:21 AM

I was at the grocery store thinking of what I wanted for dinner. I was thinking pork chops and when I looked at the **** chops, breading, veggies and everything it would have cost me around $14 to get everything.
If I get takeout for dinner then I can spend $9 or so. And I dont have to do any work or clean up.

Well that's my rationale anyways. I eat take out food all the time lol

#2 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 11:04 AM

Ang_J, we go out to restaurants a lot, too. For one, I can't cook from scratch like most moms (I can follow recipes and make anything in a box!) and two, there's hardly ever time to start dinner. I know others will say its unhealthy but I'd rather just go out to eat.

You're right, no clean up afterwards... and you can choose from a variety of fast food places/restaurants.

ilovelv · #3 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 03:55 PM

My family is the same, we go out almost every night and always spend less then we do when we go to the store. And the cleanup sure is much easier!

#4 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 07:44 PM

Some restaurants are cheaper indeed!
But then wou would have to eat take-out chinese every day, and every teusday a pizza. (it's pizza day at teusday here and then they are cheaper). I think you will get bored of it sooner or later

kitsch_k · #5 (**permalink**) 02-02-2007, 02:23 PM

i eat out all the time and it's not cheap!! hehe....

#6 (**permalink**) 02-02-2007, 07:25 PM

I would have to say in the long run if you add up all that eating out it will out do the amount of buy from the store. I calculated my family eating out and we spent 350 in one month and bot of our children are small so that would be between me and my husband mostly and then the next month we went to the store and only spent 180 for the month because we shopped twice that month.

kitsch_k · #7 (**permalink**) 02-03-2007, 12:40 PM

if you really put effort into cooking and eating at home it really amounts big in the long run...

pinkbag · #8 (**permalink**) 02-13-2007, 06:13 PM

apart from the money part i think health is of concern here...eating out everyday doesnt seem to be a very healthy option...

kitsch_k · #9 (**permalink**) 02-14-2007, 04:00 AM

yeah..too much preservatives and you cant really trust if they use fresh ingredients..

#10 (**permalink**) 02-18-2007, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kitsch_k

if you really put effort into cooking and eating at home it really amounts big in the long run...

I think a lot of time preparation but not the money is that what you are say it will do in the long run.

jimmys devoted · #11 (**permalink**) 02-18-2007, 05:43 PM

You figure a family o fthree adults, like in ,my family costs 30 to 35 dollars a meal.
When you consider for that same 35 dollars you can get Banquet zappable chicken, ready make pop in oven biscuits, side salads and dessert for less than 15 thats a big savings.
You have to consider that buying whats handy versus buying whats is a bargaibn shoudl be utmost.
Also considering the high epidemic of high cholesterol in choldren with teh amount of fast foods, health concerns shudl make up the mind to make the effort.
we eat out on ocassion and when you come home you raid the fridge looking for noshes and while you do have variety it is loded with salts to make you drink more and not notice the lack of fiber or bulk.

Taking one day on purpose tomake your own zappable meals is easy and fun. Consider making frozen lasganas with your kids. make tngs they can cook in a hurry.
Dinner needent take more than 45 minutes of time to be healthy, hearty and delicious.

#12 (**permalink**) 02-19-2007, 12:31 AM

Well I used to eat out EVERY night...literally...and its unhealthy for one..but I think it is cheaper...In a way...depending on what you eat each day...or want..when you eat out every night..you odn't get alot of choices...

kitsch_k · #13 (**permalink**) 02-19-2007, 12:47 AM

yeah..it's very unhealthy..i live alone so i love on mcdonalds..SO NOT healthy!

#14 (**permalink**) 02-19-2007, 01:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kitsch_k

yeah..it's very unhealthy..i live alone so i love on mcdonalds..SO NOT healthy!

Ohh I love their french fries...soo good...I don't care if they are fatty I can live without them...

kitsch_k · #15 (**permalink**) 02-19-2007, 02:46 AM

hahaha can't live without them too..the bad thing is..i dip my fries not in catsup..but in MAYONNAISE!! how sinful can you get!

#16 (**permalink**) 02-19-2007, 03:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kitsch_k

hahaha can't live without them too..the bad thing is..i dip my fries not in catsup..but in MAYONNAISE!! how sinful can you get!

My sin is...

the big mac sauce...I LOVE it..I can't get enough of it.. Ihave even eaten some of their burgers jsut so I can get it dripping with the sauce..even tho the meat isn't real....

kitsch_k · #17 (**permalink**) 02-19-2007, 03:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troubledmood

My sin is...

the big mac sauce...I LOVE it..I can't get enough of it.. Ihave even eaten some of their burgers jsut so I can get it dripping with the sauce..even tho the meat isn't real....

oh darling you have nothing to be ashamed of! im obssessed with the quarter pounder! haha

LizF · #18 (**permalink**) 02-19-2007, 07:57 PM

In New York City, if you are eating take out or eating at moderately priced restaurants, it seems to cost about the same to grocery shop and eat out.

jimmys devoted · #19 (**permalink**) 02-20-2007, 01:15 AM

I know Dagastinos is not a cheap grocery store, but it has got to be cheaper than eating at some o fthe restaurants.
Whats a entree cost now about 12 dollars?
I used ot eat at a little hole in teh wall on 57th and 10th Angelos and it was to me expensive. 8.99 plate of pasta....
shoot a box of pasta and a jar of sauce is about 4 bucks.

julie

but in defense my hubby is all about the dollar menu.........

#20 (**permalink**) 02-20-2007, 02:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kitsch_k

oh darling you have nothing to be ashamed of! im obssessed with the quarter pounder! haha

*haha* well i just..I don't eat meat really..but I feel ok doing it from mcdonalds..since it isn't real meat...but sometimes it still feels wrong..and..I try being healthy..at least when I do eat...

kitsch_k · #21 (**permalink**) 02-20-2007, 10:28 AM

i can't imagine how the vegetarians do it though..i can't live without meat

#22 (**permalink**) 02-22-2007, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kitsch_k

i can't imagine how the vegetarians do it though..i can't live without meat

Well..come live with my mum growing up..and you will see....how i could do it..most people don't eat it cause of the whole..animal thing...I have to admitt it grosses me out..but that isn't the main reason I don't eat meat

r8rpwr · #23 (**permalink**) 02-25-2007, 06:22 PM

For eating out to be cheaper than home cooking, you would have to be eating at McDonalds vs. cooking veal or steaks at home.

Ordinary food is much more economical to eat at home. The OP mentioned spending $14 on pork chops, breading, etc. but wasn't some of that left over for later? I may spend a couple of bucks on bread crumbs (which btw you can make yourself much cheaper than buying a box of them) but it lasts for months.

You build a pantry of classic, versatile food items and you buy them on sale, then you can eat at home very economically.

And that doesn't even touch on how much healthier it is to prepare your own food.

#24 (**permalink**) 02-25-2007, 09:38 PM

I don't think so. I have found it actually to be a lot more expensive and not as healthy.

kitsch_k · #25 (**permalink**) 02-26-2007, 06:39 AM

i just wish i could have the patience to at least try to learn to cook

britjojo · #26 (**permalink**) 03-15-2007, 07:32 AM

Cooking is a wonderful skill to have. I have worked as a pub cook, and fed a family on a regular basis and have to tell you that it gives me great satisfaction. And it really isn't hard to learn!

(says the woman who at one time regularly burned soup)

kitsch_k · #27 (**permalink**) 03-15-2007, 10:57 AM

i think cooking is a very important skill to have especially if you plan to have a family

etali · #28 (**permalink**) 03-17-2007, 08:28 AM

I think supermarkets are a rip off, but if you can find local farmers / producers to support, then you can get some great bulk deals on fresh produce, cook it up in one big batch, freeze it, it will keep for a while - cheaper than eating out, and probably healthier too.

kitsch_k · #29 (**permalink**) 03-19-2007, 07:26 AM

well i guess if you want cheap and healthy food you must also be ready to exert more effort in buying and preparing it !

QueenMaa · #30 (**permalink**) 03-23-2007, 02:13 PM

I have to agree eating out does add up and it isn't good for your health. I know when Oprah had on her debt diet show that was the first thing they told people to do was cut down on their eating out and they saved a lot of money doing it.

kitsch_k · #31 (**permalink**) 03-27-2007, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QueenMaa

I have to agree eating out does add up and it isn't good for your health. I know when Oprah had on her debt diet show that was the first thing they told people to do was cut down on their eating out and they saved a lot of money doing it.

i remember that episode!! that was so enlightening..im guilty of the primary sins of excessive unnecessary spending that she pointed out.

LouisLady · #32 (**permalink**) 03-29-2007, 08:56 PM

Has anyone heard of DREAMDINNERS.com?

kitsch_k · #33 (**permalink**) 03-30-2007, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LouisLady

Has anyone heard of DREAMDINNERS.com?

i've never heard of that..wats that about?

KeLLi · #34 (**permalink**) 03-30-2007, 01:24 PM

I've wondered that too. My husband doesn't think so, but food in the grocery stores are high with their prices.

kitsch_k · #35 (**permalink**) 04-04-2007, 06:42 PM

maybe the answer is marrying a chef...hehe

watcha think guys?

KeLLi · #36 (**permalink**) 04-04-2007, 08:02 PM

Hmm good idea... anyone know where I can find a nice, good looking chef to marry hehe

kitsch_k · #37 (**permalink**) 04-05-2007, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KeLLi

Hmm good idea... anyone know where I can find a nice, good looking chef to marry hehe

haha if i found one i might have already married him already. haha

britjojo · #38 (**permalink**) 04-13-2007, 05:06 AM

Marrying a chef would NOT be cheap! They would want all the best ingredients to make their fancy meals! Nice, but not cheap.

kitsch_k · #39 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by britjojo

Marrying a chef would NOT be cheap! They would want all the best ingredients to make their fancy meals! Nice, but not cheap.

well you have a point..hehe..my friend used to date a chef and because the girl had SO HIGH standards when it came to food..they spent so much eating at high end restaurants..needless to say they broke up eventually

Greenie · #40 (**permalink**) 04-20-2007, 03:17 PM

At least if you cook for yourself you have leftovers that you can eat again. So actually, you get more for your money. If it cost $15 for pork chops, breading, and veggies, you get at lest 2 meals out of that (pork chops come in packs of 2). The breading you use again, and the veggies you can eat again.

I am a big proponent of cooking for yourself. My husband and I have no children, but I cook about 5 nights (includes weekends). It's easier if you plan ahead. I make very easy things: broiled chicken and salad, turkey burgers, pasta, etc.

Fast food will kill you. Did you see fast food nation?

hoganfe · #41 (**permalink**) 04-21-2007, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinkbag

apart from the money part i think health is of concern here...eating out everyday doesnt seem to be a very healthy option...

I agree ...it maybe easier or cheaper to eat out but the healthy places to eat are far and few. The healthier places to eat are usually expensive also.
Mary

elaine130 · #42 (**permalink**) 04-22-2007, 12:48 AM

I disagree that eating out is cheaper than buying and preparing your own meals! That's because I buy tried and true perishable and non-perishable staples in bulk from Costco or Sam's. I usually buy lots of pasta, ragu sauce, taco stuff, tuna, cream of mushroom soup, cereal, chicken, pork ribs, salmon, chicken nuggets and lean ground turkey all in bulk! we go thru this stuff like there's no tomorrow. then i divvy up the large package of, say 20 pcs. of chicken, into 5 or 4 freezer bags. defrost the morning of in the fridge and you're good to go! with just the above staples, my husband and i have the goods to make 20+ lunch or dinners. plus i buy frozen veggies in bulk too.

we hardly eat out or even order chinese or pizza - these are luxuries to us that we truly do maybe once a month, if that. we save lots of money this way and we're eating a heckuva lot healthier! plus i virtually have no leftovers because i usually make just enough to feed the family (with exception of tuna noodle casserole or lasagna). for those of you who are cooking too much for just yourself and throwing out the rest (or refrigerating leftovers, forgetting it, then throwing out the icky science experiment), perhaps consider freezing the remainder in the quart-size freezer bag!

kitsch_k · #43 (**permalink**) 04-22-2007, 07:15 AM

i heard about that movie fast food nation but didnt watch it..im a very fastfood person and i guess i was too scared to see it!! but i am seriously planning to get healthy now and stop drinking coke and stop going eating fastfood almost everyday.

elaine130 · #44 (**permalink**) 04-22-2007, 01:00 PM

oh kitsch dear... i really hope you do start to take better care of yourself! you're in your 20's now but when you're in your 30's it really is much harder to lose weight and then all the aches and pains start up (arthritis from old injuries)! as for coke and sugar - just start using splenda in everything and pretty soon you won't notice (trust me, i used to be a light and sweet dunkin' donuts coffee gal !)

Quote:

Originally Posted by kitsch_k

i heard about that movie fast food nation but didnt watch it..im a very fastfood person and i guess i was too scared to see it!! but i am seriously planning to get healthy now and stop drinking coke and stop going eating fastfood almost everyday.

hoganfe · #45 (**permalink**) 04-22-2007, 02:51 PM

Kitsch my dd also dips her fries in mayo!!

Well we rarely do fried food out after seeing the tv special fast food nation. that show mentioned that the fry oil keeps being reused and that the more the oil is reused creates carcinogens (sp) (cancer) get in your food that is fried. So the rare times we even eat fried foods now is at home with our 'fry daddy'

Mary

kitsch_k · #46 (**permalink**) 04-23-2007, 08:23 AM

thanks elaine for the concern..thanks hogan for the tips. i know i really should start getting healthy. i noticed my metabolism is not the same as when i was in my late teens...

i shouldnt be too complacent now.

Lila42 · #47 (**permalink**) 07-22-2007, 02:40 PM

Before we had kids, eating out was pretty cheap. Value meals at McDonalds, etc. But with two teenage boys, we cannot possibly afford to eat out that often. Take their school lunches. $5 apiece, $10 a day, $50 a week. I make their lunches; two loaves of bread, lunchmeat, snack, fruit and drinks (I make koolaid) all for about $20 -$25 a week. Eating out may seem cheaper for one particular meal, but if you have the items on hand on a regular basis, such as bread crumbs or the seasonings, etc, you buy the meat when it is on sale and freeze it and you don't have to purchase everything all at one time.

PrettyinPink · #48 (**permalink**) 07-23-2007, 03:17 PM

I try to cook for myself most of the time because I think eating out is unhealthy. There was some study I read that said that people who eat out daily, typically consume 200-400 more calories than people who don't. The portion sizes at most places are just too large. I guess it is more bang for your buck, but it also puts more bang in my booty! If there is food in front of me, I want to eat it! Cooking at home allows me to make just enough for a healthy meal.

Lila42 · #49 (**permalink**) 07-23-2007, 07:00 PM

Also, after awhile I get sick of eating out! I start craving a home cooked meal.

kitsch_k · #50 (**permalink**) 07-24-2007, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lila42

Also, after awhile I get sick of eating out! I start craving a home cooked meal.

yeah!! i get the same feeling after eating at mcdonalds for a week..you crave for good food and you're willing to do it or pay an incredible amount of money just to get it! haha

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