Are You Dining Out Less Due to the Economy?

[Colleen Gray, The Boomers' VA]

I was just reading an interesting article (link is below) stating that eating at home may be one of the few behavioral changes from the recession that will last.  Many consistent restaurant goers are now learning to love cooking due to trying to save money!

Former restaurant goers learn to love their ovens

When I was growing up, eating out was a treat - not an every day occurrence. I have never really developed the habit of eating out frequently. I generally eat salads/vegetables so eating at home is really a quick and easy task to do, versus going out, getting a table, ordering, getting your food, paying your bill and driving home. Not only do I save money, but also save quite a bit of time. 

I know eating out can sometimes be easier then cooking an entire meal, but many times the way the food is processed isn't quite as good.

I'm curious.  Has the economy changed your eating (out) habits at all?  If it did, will they revert back when the economy picks back up?

[Colleen Gray, The Boomers' VA]

I completely agree Bev. I shop at those places once in a while, but they are so much more expensive. They almost want to make it impossible to stay healthy, have you noticed that?

[Michelle Gower-WordPress Mentor]

The economy has not changed our eating habits. We are committed to eating healthy whether out or in. And food prices have gone up dramatically at the grocery store, and continue to climb.

Our grocery bill is the one thing my husband will not compromise on. It's healthy now or doctor later.

http://money.cnn.com/2011/01/20/news/companies/walmart_food/index.htm

[Colleen Gray, The Boomers' VA]

I understand Michelle. Everyone is trying to eat better, non GMO type foods, but it is pricey for sure. Now Walmart, well we'll see. Everything they sell is mass produced so I'm not quite sure how "healthy" they can actually be. HA

[Gaynor Fries, 919 Director]

I love Trader Joes for healthy groceries. Since being in the US, I'm enjoying the quality of fresh fruits and veg - and their prices. It's all relative, I suppose. I lived in Bermuda for 11 years, where most things were imported and you wouldn't believe the prices I paid for fruit/veg that went off after 3 days in the fridge!

Slightly off subject, but I'd really love the government to take a look at the food that is served in the school cafeterias. The amount of processed food the kids are served there is ridiculous.

[Angel Lebak ~ Virtual Assistant]

Colleen, we eat out less and use more coupons b/c of the cost of feeding the family (and one is a teenager). I agree with the below, the fruit and produce prices are out of site.

[Colleen Gray, The Boomers' VA]

I love Trader Joes too, Gaynor. I wish they would put more of those stores around. Each one is a ways up or down the road a ways from me, and I tend not to like to drive far for groceries.. With all the information on ADHD and chemicals/sugars/carbs - and school food is still bad huh?

My problem with coupons Angel is they don't make too many for the kinds of food I eat, like salads and non-meat products. And why is the produce so high anymore??

[Colleen Gray, The Boomers' VA]

Hey everyone, so the good news to all of this is as you start to get a little passed mid life (I said a little now) you don't need to eat near as much as you did when you were in your 20's and 30's. So basically your grocery bill ends up staying about the same LOL. - Not really. Mine has increased drastically since I was in my 20's.

[Colleen Gray, The Boomers' VA]

Thanks for your input Vanessa and Karl!

[Colleen Gray, The Boomers' VA]

I'm sure there has to be a local steak house out there, but I am not aware of it either Betsy. If I run into one I'll let you know!

[Colleen Gray, The Boomers' VA]

Ooo yes Vanessa. I have eaten at The Peddler and their food is quite good! I forgot all about that place. Thanks