Eating out vs. cooking... on a budget?

Question

I know most people will claim its cheaper to cook than eat out, but i'm doubting that now. I live alone, so I find myself throwing things out (eggs, meat, etc.) after they spoil b/c I don't always have time to cook.

Even if I do cook a big meal I don't want to eat that for every meal until it goes bad, so it usually will go bad before I can finish it. What are some good meals that will last a good week or more in the fridge? Health is not a concern, I can't gain weight if I tried...

I'm looking for responses from people that have balanced a good budget for dining - (whether its cooking all the dinners, going out for the lunches, etc.)

Answer 1

im in high school but i have to manage my money with eating out gas and clothes so instead of just buying food and  keeping it in my fridge i just buy snacks like chips pop and popcorn to munch on then for every meal i eat out but i usually use the dollar menu and occasionally i eat somewhere fancy at the end of the day i usually have a lot of money left over

btw i work at a gas station with no allowance

Answer 2

since you live alone i would say it's cheaper for you to eat out just don't plan on expensive restaurants every night

Answer 3

If you buy things like past/rice/ etc... they have a good shelf life. buy things like herbs and spices to - they also have good shelf life.

If you spend one day making several dishes - chilli beef - chicken curry - lasagne - spicy wrapped chicken etc... freeze portions - then you can select what you fancy and then add rice/pasta/potatoe etc....  buy frozen veg -  then buy whatever fresh produce you like as and when required.  If you cook your own fresh stuff and freeze - it's better for you then reconstituted guff from the shops.  Then on  the days you don't fancy taking something out and re-heating - eat out.  Having a healthy balance is important.  Plenty fruit and veg.

Invest in a decent cook book and get some refreshing idea's.

Answer 4

When I got the new house was busy and no microwave and no pots in boxes.

I ate the $1 meal and Wnedys most days. Did not gain weight and save a lot of cash..... No snacks in the house

So you can save money and not gain any chub.

eat out for a month and you will get tired of the food

Answer 5

The McDonald's double cheese burgers are always cheap,man I wished I was like you I just look at food and gain weight. Subways is always cheaper,but there food usually don't have the preservatives that McDonald's have. I also go for the bulk top Raman and doing different things with it(like stir frying Raman with can mixed vegetables Having a variety in your meals and being on budget is a real challenge It almost seems as if everything is stack against the middle and poor class.

Answer 6

I think eating out is more expensive in the long run.  When you figure in tips.  I would buy less food, maybe buy more frozen veggies and stuff.  Cans keep well for a while also  packs of 6 eggs are available now.  You don't have to keep eating the same thing everyday until you finish it.  You might want to consider making smaller meals and freezing them in sections large enough for one.  Lasagna, baked ziti, meatloaf, soup,  chicken parm, beef fajitas and casseroles for example can be made and freeze well.  You'll even want to bring some of these dishes to work for lunch sometimes and save even more there.  Just get some freezer bags or tight containers and reynolds wrap for the freezer.  You'll save so much money that way and you'll become a great cook to boot!

Answer 7

if you live alone.. eating out is a little less expensive...but really bad for you...so stick with cooking

Answer 8

canned and frozen things last long

Answer 9

if you eat at a cheap restaurant then it probably is cheaper. its better to cook if you have a whole family to feed

Answer 10

if your single eating out is cheaper

but as for health sake eating at home is better

so get your double cheeseburger and salad from McDonald's and go home and it it

lol