I hardly ever eat out. I like to cook, its not difficult, I can have more control over the amount of salt in my food (most people don’t realize how much salt is in restaurant food) and its a lot cheaper. I go to the best grocery stores and buy the top quality fresh produce, meat, bakery items, etc. Its still way cheaper.
The average American spends a bit over $3,000 per year at restaurants. I’d rather not spend it on that and instead buy nice things - like guns for example - with that same money.
I am way, way way below the average.
I am with you. I hardly eat out and prefer to cook as much as I can myself. We list the art of home economy that allows effective planning coupled with skill. Earlier this evening my sister wanted to serve some peppers but didn’t want to cook them because they would take too long to cut up. I had them done in less than five minutes. I also invested in a couple of knife skills classes at one point.
Like you I want to control my salt intake. I also want to control my sugars and fats. Both of those can also be misused and overused in restaurant cooking.
Knowing how to shop and use a freezer can go along way in saving time and money.