We all know eating out is more expensive, but sometimes the process of cooking (and cleaning up afterward) makes the idea of eating at home less than appetizing.

In this article, we’ll show you the basics of how to make a habit out of eating at home — and hopefully inspire you to save money by getting into the kitchen more often.

Eating out can be tempting and convenient, but it often comes at a high cost. By prioritizing home-cooked meals, you not only save money but also gain control over the quality and nutritional value of your food.

To make a change, you need to understand your current eating habits:

1. Map your weekly meals. Write hoe often you dine out, order takeout or prepare meals at home.
2. Calculate your cost of eating-out. You’ll gain a clear picture of the impact on your budget.
3. Examining your food planning routines. Take a moment to list your habits related to researching recipes, grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning up.

As you can see, eating at home and saving money go hand in hand. It might be tough to avoid takeout for a while, but once you make a habit of regularly preparing your own meals, you’ll quickly realize the benefits.

For some extra help, try our Eat-at-home Workbook. This workbook will help you learn how to build mindful eating out habits and improve your financial health.