How often do you eat out?

[shengmei]

Cold ramen is actually tasty if it is marinated in a Thai sauce.

However, I don't think I'll be going back to eating ramen everyday. My health is more important than whatever money I might be saving. Ramen noodles have too much MSG. I like the Asian instant noodles much better.

[shengmei]

Also, if you eat out you should try to enjoy every part of the experience and not think about money when you eat the food.

There is no other way to get the money's worth. If you are not going to enjoy the automosphere you are much better off getting takeout.

[eisor]

I actually like Ramen noodles. My BF last night was hungry but didn't want to go shopping for groceries. I suggested eating the ramen noodles he has and he's like they are ABSOLUTE last resort. Hehe. I think Ramen noodles are really good. Especially if you have the chicken with grilled cheese sandwich. Yumm....

[lillyb]

Eating out is much more special now since we cut it wayyyyy back. Such a treat!!

[lrjohnson]

lillb-so very true. I saw the thread, and was gonna post...exactly what you said! Eating out is now a savored treat, even if it is cheap burritos. It's fun to take something I took for granted, cut the expense by a huge margin, and enjoy it more.
Jan- Feb 2006 dining out 287.26
Mar-May 2006 dining out 28.22

[Ima saver]

WE do eat out, but we usually go for very cheap meals and drink water (or brown bag it)

[rob62521]

Ima Saver, you and I should meet! (just kidding!) I believe we are in some ways kindred spirits! We eat out 2-3 times a week. We eat out Saturday night at a nice restaurant and that is like a date. We usually eat lunch out Saturday and it is more like brunch. And sometimes we head to Steak and Shake on Sunday evenings for a sandwich. I cook all our dinners on most nights and we have cereal for breakfast...gotta have that fiber! I take my lunch to work, usually leftovers.

My family eats out (2 adults 3 kids) twice a day. It is really exspensive but I don't cook nor does my husband. At least breakfast is easy! And I live in Miami, Florida so we pay tourist prices. I wish I could come up with a solution. My kids want to eat at fast food restaraunts but I'm concerned with their health even though it is cheaper.

[funnyvalentine]

solution? Are you serious? I'm hoping this isn't a real post, that you are kidding. Cutting up fruit and putting cereal and milk together is hardly cooking, and yes, if they are on a diet of fast food, their health is at risk.

Start small; buy packaged salads and add canned tuna or poached chicken. Boil some pasta, add some sauce. Eating out twice a day will never allow you to save a dime.

I'm not kidding. No my kids aren't on a diet of fast food just sometimes they want it and i'm against it. Thanks for the start small ideas! I will try them tomorrow.

[getforfree]

I usually eat out only if it's free because of my job, I get giftcards sometimes.

Eating out is way to expencive for me.

If you don't have time cooking, cook simple things like pasta with shreaded cheeze on the top. I usally shread the cheeze myself, but there is a shreaded one available too, more expencive though.

Buy some fruits and vegetables, they dont need to be cooked, but are healthy and not that expencive, at least here in CA espessially if you would visit a farmers market every week or every other week.

You can check the Recipes section on this forum, its called Food and recipes or cooking or something like that, sorry, forgot now.

[Thrifty Ray]

Did someone tell on me? Ok, ok...I know tonight was TWICE this week....but Fathers Day...and then Girls night out tonight...I am off to stand in the corner...but please, don't keep asking!! LOL

[Ima saver]

Still guilty, still eat out every night and I love it!! I enjoy talking to all the girls at the restaurant and finding out about their lives!! Plus I have my handsome date with me!

[lrjohnson]

I'm on the road for work, so I COULD be eating out all week, but I just ate a pre-packaged Trader Joe's little salad in my hotel room. Very luxurious salad actually. BUT I could be eating fancier on someone else's dime, yet I just don't want to be spoiled. Or stay chubby!

[BCHGRL]

I used to eat out nearly 2-3 times a day. When I stopped, I lost 30lbs (i've gained back 8 lbs to a healthy 127lbs). I really don't exercise like I should, but eating right has really helped me maintain a healthy weight and a nice physique.

I eat breakfast at home, take my lunch, and usually have dinner at home. I allow myself to go to lunch with coworkers (who eat out every day) once or twice a week. They LOVE Thai food. My husband and I go out to dinner about once every 2 weeks.

Now that I don't eat out as much, I don't seem to enjoy it as much either. Sure, I think about all the great things on the menu before I arrive, but when I order I realize that the portions are much larger than anything I'd eat at home. Trying to be frugal, I eat the whole meal. Leftovers don't have the appeal that they used to. Then I feel sick afterwards.

I understand the temptation to eat out when you are single or when it is just you and your spouse. My husband and I only cook once or twice a week. The rest of the week I have lean cuisines and he has burritos or some easy meal we can throw in the microwave.

[rob62521]

We used to eat out a lot more than we do now. I buy a lot more fruits and vegetables because paying a little extra at the grocery store seems to mean paying a little less at the doctor's. I like the fact I often have leftovers for my lunches, and I control what goes into the meal. Like one of the others, I feel like I have to finish stuff on my plate at a restaurant, especially if we aren't going right home and can't take something with us. I think we are eating better and more healthy and saving some money besides. For those who don't cook, either watch the Food Network -- there are shows that give ideas on basics, or find a friend who will show you the basics if you purchase the food.

[4TimesCharmed]

We don't eat out much. I'm a good cook and I make sure my family has good quality meals at home. We do go to O'Charley's about once a month or so, kids eat free and hubby and I share an app and a meal. We get out for around $18.00 + tip for a family of 5. I am a big tipper (used to be a waitress).

There is also a little local pizza place that makes the best pizza. Kids eat free on Thursdays, so sometimes I'll take the kids there for lunch. I can feed the four of us for $6.50 +tip.

Planning and eating at home is one of the best ways to cut your monthly spending.

[Ima saver]

We eat at home on Sunday nights. I think 40 years of cooking has done me in!

[Lori63]

We were eating out 1-2 times a week, but we went out tonight for hubby's birthday, and this was the first time in 14 days! I'm so proud!