Eating out is in no way cheaper than making your own meals. The only way I can even imagine someone claiming otherwise is if you haven't yet built up a pantry and have to buy things like vinegars, dressings, sauces, flour, etc., every time.

Here are some numbers. I cook an average of 4x a week, making 4 portions of each meal. My grocery bill is never more than $70 and that's if I have to restock on some pantry items or am splurging on something like shellfish. So on the high end, that's $4.38 per portion that always includes meat or fish and a vegetable. That's comparable to eating on the value menu at McDonald's but certainly cheaper than the full combo meals which can run upwards of $10.

I'll admit that I shop at Trader Joe's which has some of the best prices out there. But the point is, it's not too difficult to make your own meals that cost about the same as shitty junk food. And at least for me, it's faster than any sit down place or even take out that you still have to go somewhere to get.

IME eating healthy isn't particularly expensive or difficult, but it does require more planning and consideration than just eating what's convenient.