Save Money, Eat Better: Strategies to Reduce Dining Out
I’ll be the first to admit it—eating out is a massive part of my husband’s and my routine. We fall right into the “social and convenience” category. After a long day, chopping vegetables and doing dishes feels overwhelming. And let’s be honest, heading to our favorite local restaurant sounds way more fun than cooking at home. But lately, we’ve been rethinking how much of our time—and money—is spent dining out.
We’re not alone in this. Americans eat out a lot, and there are some pretty good reasons why. For one, it’s convenient. Between work, errands, and everything else life throws at us, grabbing a quick meal on the way home is easier than cooking from scratch. Eating out is also social—restaurants have become the go-to place for catching up with friends, celebrating milestones, or spending quality time as a family. Plus, there’s so much variety out there. Who wouldn’t want to try a new dish or indulge in something you’d never attempt to make at home? And let’s not forget the power of marketing—those food delivery apps make it tempting to stay in and order out.
But convenience and fun aside, the habit comes with a cost. When I sat down to look at our budget recently, the numbers were hard to ignore. According to a report by Oberlo, U.S. households spent an average of $3,933 on food away from home in 2023, equating to approximately $327.75 per month.
And remember, there is also the price of tips, delivery fees, and “extras” like appetizers or drinks, which all add up fast.
It’s not just our wallets taking the hit, though. Our waistlines feel it, too. Restaurant portions are huge, and I have zero willpower when finishing what’s on my plate. Most meals contain calories, sugar, and sodium—things I wouldn’t use nearly as much at home. No wonder I feel sluggish after indulging in a greasy burger or overly creamy pasta dish. The more I read about the long-term effects of these choices, the more I realize we need to make a change—not just for our finances but for our health.
So, what’s the plan? I’m a realist, so I know we won’t completely eliminate eating out. But we’ve decided to set some boundaries and make eating at home the norm, not the exception.
5 Steps We’re Taking to Avoid Eating Out
- Meal Planning: I’m dedicating one day a week to plan our meals. Knowing what’s for dinner makes me less likely to cave into ordering takeout.
- Batch Cooking involves making large portions of meals, such as soups, casseroles, or pasta, that can be frozen or reheated on busy nights.
- Setting a Budget: We’ve agreed on a monthly “eating out” budget. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. This makes those meals out feel more special, too.
- Stocking Healthy Snacks: Keeping quick, healthy options on hand for when we’re hungry and tempted to grab something on the go.
- Making Dining Out a Treat: Instead of hitting a restaurant out of habit, we save it for special occasions or when we genuinely want to celebrate something.
It won’t be easy, but I’m ready for the challenge. I know that cutting back on eating out will help us feel better, save money, and maybe even make those dinners out feel more special when they do happen. If you’re in the same boat, give it a try. Let’s swap that takeout for a home-cooked meal and see where it takes us. Who’s with me?
Looking for inspiration in the kitchen? Check out Taste of Home for 50 cheap and healthy meal to make at home.
