Well if I use my contactor day rate say £50 pounds an hour cooking for my self costs over £100.
I have only ever spent more than that at a restaurant the #1 Grill at the Balmoral aka the best restaurant in Scotland and that was only because my colleague from the press office persuaded me.
This is an interesting Economic argument but I don't get it. It makes sense only if you are working that extra hour earning £50. Out of which you will spend some on taxes and some on food so your return are just diminished.
Cooking is mostly a leisure activity so you actually do other activities like watching you favourite TV show, calling and catching up with friends and acquaintances. Last but not the least, you actually know what you in putting your body.
You might be working 24hrs a day, but most people don't and they can take that time out of the rest of the day just like for taking a bath, chores etc.
I wasn't working 24/7 just making the point that beyond a certain point paying some one else to do boring stuff makes sense.
ok I spent >3 hours doing a special recipe the other weekend because I like to experiment with cooking some times other times I just goto a pizza place.
If you labor for yourself you don't pay taxes.