A challenge in and of itself for our family, but one that we stuck to for over two months, was our family challenge of no more eating out. I am not going to pretend that we didn’t eat out for two whole months, but we did cut it down so much that at most we are eating out once a week. This is usually on the weekends.
What was the purpose of trying this experiment?
Several reasons actually, which I would like to take a moment to explain.
Health and Fat Intake
The first reason, was to cut back on the amount of fat intake and allow the family to eat healthier and make healthier choices regarding their food. I am on a weight loss quest, while I am trying to teach my five children and significant other, to make healthier choices in their eating habits. The first lesson was on not filling yourself up to past full. This has helped reduce our grocery bill by a lot because we have leftovers all the time, which makes for all new meals made with stuff we already had or made.
Using What We Have
The second reason, was to begin consuming and using the things we have already in our freezer, pantry and refrigerator. When I cleaned our refrigerator and pantry, I was startled by how many items were stowed away that would make delicious home cooked meals for my family, and I might have only needed one or two additional items from the grocery store to make.
A More Frugal Lifestyle
The third reason, is because we are trying to actively live a more frugal lifestyle which involves limited expenditures, especially for eating out. If I can practice what I preach, I am doing pretty well. It sure does not say much, when I tell all of you to cook at home, do not eat out, and I am not taking my own advice. Plus, eating at home is a whole lot of fun.
Saving Money
The fourth and final reason and the most important, is to save money that would have otherwise been spent on eating out. We have a family of seven, and a typical dining out bill, depending of course on where we eat, is about $50-$60 at a family style restaurant, and about $30 at a fast food restaurant. A meal at home cost me under $10.00 to make and usually lasts for several meals.
Have you tried to cut back your eating out? If you have, how has it been? Share with us in the comments field.
More Articles:
Can Meal or Menu Planning Really Save You Money?
A Deeper Look Into a Once a Month Cooking Session
Save Money on Breakfast: Some Frugal and Healthy Ideas