Why Fast Food Is Costing You More Than You Think

And What to Do Instead

We’ve all done it—grabbed drive-thru on a busy night or ordered delivery out of sheer exhaustion. But while fast food might feel like a convenient choice in the moment, it adds up fast—in ways that hit both your wallet and your well-being.

Let’s break down what it’s really costing you—and what you can do instead to save money, eat better, and feel good (without spending hours in the kitchen).

How Much Are We Spending on Eating Out?

The average American household spends $3,500–$4,000/year on dining out (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
That’s around $300/month — often spent on food that’s not nourishing, and sometimes not even satisfying. Most people spend way more than that a month.
One fast food meal = $10–$15 per person. Do that 3–4 times a week and you’ve just dropped a car payment on fries.

The Health Cost of Fast Food

High sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars = increased risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and chronic inflammation.
Studies show people who eat fast food more than twice a week have significantly higher risks of obesity and metabolic disorders.
And let’s be real: it rarely makes you feel energized or full of life afterward.

3 Real-Life Solutions That Actually Work

1. Quick Meal Prep = Big Wins

You don’t have to prep for hours. Even just batch-cooking one grain, one protein, and chopping a few veggies can get you through the week.

2. Build a Rotation of Easy Wins

Have 3–4 go-to meals that you love, can make in 20 minutes, and don’t require a recipe (Hello, chili, stir-fry, baked sweet potatoes…).

3. Get Creative With Your Leftovers

Get creative with leftovers by turning them into soups, stir-fries, or wraps.

`Meal prepping can save you hours a week by cooking once and eating all week.`

What You’ll Save by Cooking at Home

An average home-cooked WFPB meal = $2–$4 per serving.
That’s less than half the cost of most takeout meals—and way more nourishing.
Multiply that by even 3 meals a week, and you could save $1,000+ per year (or more).

You Don’t Have to Do a 180 Overnight

This isn’t about giving up fun or being perfect. It’s about taking small steps toward food choices that make your life better.

Give one of these a try tonight and get started using what you already have in your kitchen — and start feeling better, spending less, and eating real food that works for you.