Cooking has been a part of culture for many years. Cooking meals at home
allows families time to get together and allows for preparation of healthier
meals. Due to rising grocery prices and fast-paced busy lives, most families
rarely cook anymore. They are eating out at restaurants, because it is more
convenient and saves time. With many fast food restaurants offering “value”
menus it is less expensive to eat out. In my opinion, preparing meals and eating
at home is better for families than eating out. Which would you
prefer?
In this economy, parents are working full time at their jobs in order to
make ends meet. With rising food cost, many people prefer to eat out as a way of
saving money. According to a report from The Fiscal Times, consumers spend
almost 4.5% of their income dining out. Grocery prices are increasing at a rate
of 6% per year, which is 2.5 times as fast as restaurant prices. This fact may
be true: however, in 2012 consumers spent an average of $2,505 when eating food
away from home. Preparing meals at home can be done in ways that actually save
money. There are many resources available such as websites like
“fitnessmagazine.com” and “allrecipes.com” that offer tips for shopping and
cooking on a budget. Being a smart shopper by taking advantage of store sales,
using coupons, buying in bulk, and buying store brand foods can allow for
savings at the grocery store. Using these techniques can make home cooking an
affordable option.
Many people argue that time is an issue. Families do not have the time to
plan and cook meals at home. Time can be saved by shopping smarter. Buying in
bulk reduces not only costs, but can minimize how often going to the grocery
store will be needed. Planning meals ahead of time will actually save time,
because it allows for menus to be planned for the week or even longer. Planning
ahead allows for buying what is necessary in one trip to the store. Pantry’s can
be stocked ahead of time with the needed supplies. Another way to save time is
to prepare meals that last for more than one day. Larger meals can be great
because leftovers can be frozen for another day. Using a crock-pot allows for
meals to be started in the morning, and they cook throughout the day and are
ready by dinner time.
People enjoy eating out because the food tastes good and can be greasy.
Although this may be true, the opponents do not see the health benefits of
eating at home. Consumers who eat out often don’t consider their health as a
priority. Many fast food meals are high in fat and calories. Most restaurants
have processed food that they heat up and serve. This food is full of
cancer-causing chemicals and lacks nutrition. Home-cooked meals are healthier
because families are able to control the amount of oil, butter, salt and grease
that is used. Also, cooking at home allows portion
control.
In this society, people tend to eat out more at restaurant than cooking
meals at home because they feel they don’t have time and grocery prices are
rising. I think it will be smarter to eat dinner at home because it is
healthier, faster and can be cheaper. The meals at the restaurants are harmful
for your health and can lead to various diseases. Home-cooked meals can be more
nutritious, and have better health benefits. I understand that cooking can take
up time for families, but there are meals that can be prepared in 30 minutes or
less. Taco salad, is an example of a homemade meal that takes no more than 30
minutes to prepare, and incorporates all the food groups. People can save money
eating and cooking meals at home and it would be worth it.