Soul Peak

Can we all agree that eating out is not only delicious, but also so dang expensive?

On average, Americans spend $3,365 per year on eating out. Thats more than $280 per month! That’s A LOT of money y’all! In my budget-less days I have easily spent that much, and if I’m being honest, probably more🤦🏾‍♀️

Think about what we can do with that extra $3,365 if we didn’t spend it on restaurants. Can that money go towards paying debt? Savings? Retirement? Your child’s college fund? Or maybe towards that trip to Europe you’ve been dreaming about? (Can’t wait until we can travel again😅)

Don’t get me wrong, I love to eat out on occasion but I set an amount in my budget’s Restaurant Category for each month before the month begins and try my best to stick to it. Our income is our biggest wealth making tool and I sure don’t want to blow it all on eating out when I can make the same thing at home for at least half of the price!

I love eating out and supporting local businesses but when eating out goes from being a nice occasional treat to an outright money-sucking addiction, I have to make some changes.

Here are some easy and economical meals that I enjoy eating at home because they are simple to make and are delicious 🙂

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a simple and hearty breakfast you can’t go wrong with. Use water or your favorite milk alternative, add strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, chia seeds, walnuts, pecans, agave, cinnamon; or not, the choice is yours 🙂

Eggs on Toast

Don’t eat eggs? Try toast with peanut butter, jelly, avocado, or anything you do like. I like to pair this meal with a veggie and fruit smoothie.

Lentil Soup

This meal is economical, easy to make, and delicious!

Although I did not follow the recipe to the tee, this recipe was inspired by Pick Up Limes.

Veggie & Egg Stir Fry with Noodles

I absolutely LOVE Noods! When I’m craving pad thai, chow mein, or pad sew ew, these noodles really satisfy that craving. I bought a 12 pack of them at Costco for around $10 and they have been a quick and tasty treat for dinner.

Pasta

I challenge you to eat at home this week. When you’re tempted to eat out, try making one of these meals or buy the ingredients to whatever you’re craving and make it at home.

What are some of your favorite home cooked meals?