Meals prepared away from home tend to have more calories, fat, and sodium compared to home-cooked meals. So eating out just once per day can equal several pounds gained in a year. According to dietitian Julie Upton, MS, RD, of Appetite For Health, you can trim 134 calories from each meal if you make it at home instead of eating out or getting takeout. Save money and eat healthier by cooking at home so you can control the ingredients in your meals and how much you eat.