Another aspect to this is our society and culture. Eating out is a special treat, a privileged event that’s deep in our subconscious. Have grandparents that take you to a favorite spot? A friend that loves to eat at this one certain place. Just want to have a more relaxing day because of over-stressing? The food joint is our new spa.
I don’t enjoy eating out so it’s easy for me to avoid it. But, my family has the average addiction and my partner comes from a household that would eat out at any opportunity (I’ve seen them do all 3 meals in a day when visiting once). You don’t realize the amount of money being spent on advertising till you’re trying to get someone to cut back. Newspapers, online ads, roadside signs, we even get “coupons” in the mail it feels like several times a week. Kid’s programming, sponsored school events from nearby food chains, high schools will have a domino’s in it before they get a robotics lab.
It’s crazy we allow any of this, we know from past cigarette legislation what this kind of inundation can do to people psychologically.