Growing up I was always taught that homemade meals were healthier and cheaper. Eating out was a rare occurrence, and only happened on special occasions or trips. I still believe that eating at home is healthier the vast majority of the time. That is assuming you cook instead of eat microwave meals. The idea I am beginning to doubt is that homemade is still cheaper. Dollar menus, and other such deals have provided doubt as to whether they are always cheaper. So using my own research and a few resources I have compared a common meal.

Hamburgers on the grill vs Burger King Whopper Jr.

I checked the prices at the store to see how much making a burger would be at home.

You can get 2 lbs of 80% lean hamburger meat for about $2.50/lb. Let’s say that you want to make ¼ lb hamburgers.  I figured in the prices and nutritional facts  for one ¼ lb burger with tomatoes, onion, lettuce, and a bun. I didn’t account for any condiments.

The info for the BK Whopper Jr. is from Burger King’s official menu. The homemade burger is based on average prices and calories of these ingredients. As you can see with the homemade burgers you get more meat, less calories, no trans fat, and more protein. The only drawback is the increase in cholesterol, but that can be taken care of by decreasing the patties to 2 oz patties.

So overall your homemade is much better value. More meat for just a little bit higher price. Another plus is that this can be made however you want. We’re programmed to think that hamburgers are bad for you, but cooked at home, and eaten in moderation they can actually provide you with some great nutrients.

Other Advantages to Eating at Home

If you take the time to look at the nutrition facts from different restaurants you’ll be amazed at how many calories are in even the salads and sandwiches. However, cooking at home has other advantages too. There have been many studies done on this subject, and here are the main advantages studies have found.

1. Families that eat together at home eat healthier, and drink less soda.
2. Children who eat at home with their parents create stronger relationships with their parents.
3. Family meals help children increase their vocabulary.
4. Children who eat at home do better in school.
5. Family members develop fewer eating disorders when they regularly eat at home as a family.
6. Finally, children are less likely to engage in risky behaviors.

For other common meals that can save you money and calories at home check out this article on CookingLight.com.