While prices are soaring in super markets it seems as if the bill for daily shopping is not far away from eating out in a restaurant. Adding the convenience of not having to do the cooking or the cleaning afterwards, it seems to be worth those extra pounds – or is it really?

According to a new Zagat guide, 76% of Londoners are spending more eating out than ever before. Yet 82% of the survey respondents said they are going out just as much, if not more, than they did two years ago.

This could also be down to the variety of restaurants in the capital, apparently, according to the survey, due to the declining pound, London is no longer the most expensive city in the world when it comes to eating out – instead Paris tops the list.

Another reason for Londoners heading out for meals might also be encouraged by the amounts of restaurant 2 for 1 vouchers which are being promoted in emails or handed out. Just in the last couples of weeks I’ve received 2 for 1 from Wagamama and Gourmet Burger as well as 25% of Yo Sushi.

However – perhaps these ‘offers’ goes hand in hand with the rising obesity rates in this country- according to UK Obesity Statistics, about 46% of men in England and 32% of women are overweight, and an additional 17% of men and 21% of women are obese. And although it seems convenient to let someone else sweat in the kitchen- it has its downsides.

Since most restaurant meals are loaded with fat, sugar, and calories, it’s hard to watch how many pounds you put on – or loose – although this time just adding to your bill.

For further research view How Britain Eats!™: Consumer Insight Series – Report 1