Eat In To Save Money and Calories

“Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon.” — Doug Larson.

In a time when costs are going up at rates which far exceed salary increases, it makes sense to focus on cost-conscious decisions. Dining out is a great way to meet with friends and to get out of the house. The problem is this cost is also steadily increasing. Help your wallet, and your waistline, by cooking more meals at home.

People are tired of hearing about the rising cost of everything, but it’s true. Going to restaurants is no exception. 91% of restaurants continued to increase menu prices in 2024, with the majority keeping their increases between 5% and 10%¹. Obviously, price hikes are expected due to inflation and fluctuating markets. But restaurants that fall into the “fast casual” category go even further, with a raise in price of 42% over 5 years, almost double the inflation rate². This is a one-two punch when you consider that regularly eating out is associated with higher rates of obesity³, taking hits in your wallet and gut simultaneously.

The object is not to stop dining out completely – we love and support our local owners out there. The goal is to strike a balance for both financial and health reasons. When planning you budget, consider the US spends 42% more on eating out than on the comparable groceries⁴. If you are working on that beach body, consider how much healthier it is to cook at home. It also allows you to flex your hosting muscle when inviting people over. All of this offers a win for your finances and your health, while still providing opportunity for social interaction. Now, eating at a restaurant will feel like more of a treat when it does happen.

Action: Make eating at home or having a home cooked meal your default this week.

Further Reading:

1. 2025 Independent Restaurant Industry Report
2. This Fast-Casual Restaurant Has Increased Prices By Nearly 100% Over 5 Years
3. Cooking at Home: A Strategy to Comply With U.S. Dietary Guidelines at No Extra Cost
4. Despite inflation, food-away-from-home spending continued to accelerate in 2023