So picture this: you have had a long day and are tired, and cooking a meal from scratch just feels like too much. Of course, it's easy to grab your phone and order takeout. Convenient as that may be, that easy decision might be costing you more than you think. Cooking at home takes more effort perhaps, but it is one surefire way to save money and enhance quality of life.
Picture yourself hosting unforgettable barbecues with friends and family
Living in today's world, when expenses appear to mount, one needs to find ways of cutting corners without sacrificing quality. From ways of cooking at home that save money to some hidden costs of eating out, this article explores actionable tips so home cooking becomes efficient and fun.
The Hidden Costs of Eating Out
Before we delve into ways in which cooking at home can boost your savings, let's start with the real cost of dining out.
1. Restaurants- High Markups on Food
Each restaurant is a business, and as expected of every business, making profits is a core goal. The food you get from a restaurant often comes with a high markup. As a matter of fact, it is not unheard of that restaurants charge 300% or more than what the ingredients cost them.
Example: That $15 pasta dish you ordered? The ingredients likely cost in the neighborhood of $3 to $4. The rest of what you pay covers labor, overhead, and profit.
2. Hidden Expenses
One thing to think about when you are eating out: It is not just the price of your meal. Taxes, tips, and possible delivery fees add up quickly. And if you're eating out a number of times per week, those extras can really change your overall budget.
For example, if you spent $20 on takeout three times a week, that's $240 a month or nearly $3,000 a year. Imagine what you could do with those savings!
How Cooking at Home Saves Money
Cooking at home puts you in control. Here's how:
1. Buying Groceries in Bulk Saves Money
This is because you can buy ingredients to cook with in bulk at home, especially staple items like rice, pasta, beans, and spices. Buying in bulk cuts the per-serving costs and frequency of shopping.
Example: A family-sized pack of chicken breasts from a wholesale store may cost $12 and provide enough protein for several meals, compared with $12 or more for a single chicken dish at a restaurant.
Actionable Tip: Make a list of staples you commonly use and then buy those items in bulk at warehouse stores or any time they're on sale to stock up and save.
2. Meal Prepping Saves On Food Waste
How many times have you thrown away leftovers or forgotten produce in your fridge? Meal prepping saves you not only time during the week but can also cut down on food waste, one of the major culprits when it comes to household expenses.
Example: Instead of buying a week's worth of individual salads at $10 each, spend $20 once a week on fresh ingredients and make salads yourself. You'll save at least $30.
Actionable Tip: Plan your meals for the week and use multiple dishes with the same ingredients. Example: Roast a whole chicken and use leftovers to make sandwiches, salads, and soups.
3. Homemade Meals Are Healthier (and Health Savings Count!)
Cooking at home you can choose what ingredients you want to use. Healthier ingredients equal a healthier meal. Eating healthier, over time reduces medical expenses because there are fewer health issues with a healthier diet.
Example: Instead of ordering a fried chicken sandwich with fries, make a healthier version of a grilled chicken salad at home. Not only will you save money, but you will also make a much healthier choice that will benefit your long-term health.
Actionable Tip: Use fresh seasonal produce and lean proteins to make healthy meals. You don't have to spend a lot of time cooking simple, balanced meals.
Smart Strategies to Make Home Cooking Efficient and Budget-Friendly
Following are a few ways to keep cooking at home affordable and more enjoyable:
1. Meal Planning and Budgeting
Impulse buying at the grocery store can blow your budget. Plan meals in advance, make up a shopping list, and stick to it.
Actionable Tip: Organize all of your meals with meal planning apps like Mealime or Plan to Eat. You can even keep yourself right on track with a food budget that's set weekly.
2. Love Leftovers
Leftovers are your wallet's best friends. Make big batches of soups, stews, and casseroles and freeze them for future use.
Example: Cook a big pot of chili on Sunday, and you are set with lunches and dinners for days; time and money saved.
Actionable Tip: Invest in good-quality storage containers to store your leftovers. Put the date on each so that nothing goes to waste.
3. Cook with Seasonal Ingredients
Seasonal produce is fresher and cheaper, too. Sometimes when fruits and vegetables are in season, the supply far exceeds demand, which reduces prices.
Example: Berries are sometimes cheaper and tastier in summer. In winter, some of the cheapest and most versatile foods are root vegetables like carrots and potatoes.
Actionable Tip: Look for local farmers' markets for seasonal steals that inspire new recipes based on what's in season.
4. Invest in Versatile Kitchen Tools
A select few kitchen gadgets can make meal prep faster and more efficient. Tools like a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or even a high-quality chef's knife have the ability to make cooking less of a chore.
Example: A slow cooker lets you make large batches of meals such as pulled pork or vegetable stew, which you can portion out for multiple meals.
Actionable Tip: Begin with the basics and save your money for a higher quality item once you get more comfortable in the kitchen.
Picture yourself hosting unforgettable barbecues with friends and family
Conclusion: Cooking at Home Is a Worthwhile Investment
The use of cooking at home not only saves money but also invests in health and happiness. It may mean a little extra planning and work, but it is certainly well worth the financial and emotional payoff. By preparing meals for yourself, you can be in control of how much money you spend on food, reduce food waste, and enjoy delicious and healthy meals with family and friends.
Next time you want to order in take-out, just think of the money you will save and how much fun cooking from scratch can be. Your wallet will thank you, as will your body.
