As I look back, these were precisely the reasons that got me into the kitchen. There had to be something I could make that was different from the usual, boring stuff! In a few days, I started to notice the advantages -- it's definitely healthier, it saved me a ton of money and I finally had variety. During the next several years, I would notice a number of other advantages to cooking at home, not the least of which is that being able to cook is just plain cool. Believe me, you'll instantly impress people by simply mentioning that you can cook, you'll nurture friendships and get more attention from that special someone by throwing dinner parties. Heck, you'll even make your mama proud. Eating out may be the short-term remedy, but learning to cook takes you to a different (and better) level :)