The average American eats about five meals outside the home each week

How many times a week do you eat out or stop for takeout? Be honest here.

If you are like the average American, you eat about five meals outside your home each week, either takeout or dining out. That’s according to the NPD Group, a leading market research firm.
That didn’t change between 2007 and 2008. In fact, Americans bought 2% more meals at a restaurant in November of 2008 than November 2007, the company says.

So far “there hasn’t been a recession in eating,” says Harry Balzer, an NPD vice president. “We may postpone a car purchase or a new coat, but we won’t postpone eating.”

If you’re trying to save money on food, keep in mind that 50 cents of every dollar you spend on food goes to restaurants, Balzer says. Many people are looking for ways to control their food costs without cooking more so some are turning to inexpensive takeout options, he says.
The average restaurant meal is $6.84 a person, averaging breakfast, lunch and dinner at different types of restaurants, Balzer says. Dinner is the most expensive at $8.60 a person. A special meal deal at a fast-food restaurant costs an average of about $5.07 a person. That compares to $2.20 for meals and snacks prepared at home, including breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner, he says.

Restaurants also serve huge portions and may not cook with healthier ingredients that you choose, so be picky and ask questions when you're perusing the menu.