Avoiding the Eating In Doldrums

Limiting eating out can be hard at times.  Eric and I used to love trying out new restaurants and experiencing the flavors from around the world.  When you're living on one income, that sort of lifestyle becomes rather difficult. 

When we realized that we wouldn't be able to eat out as often, it really was like breaking a bad addiction.  We would go a couple of weeks without eating out and feel so accomplished.  Then, we would "binge eat out" by spending the following weekend trying several new restaurants.  The problem with us going to restaurants is that we like the more expensive ones.....and that's just not in the budget.

After trying everything under the table to stop this expensive habit, I realized that there were a few effective methods that really helped us get this "addiction" under control.  Hopefully, these methods are just as effective for others. 

First, try having theme nights at home.  Pick a part of the country or another country all together.  Look up recipes, and get creative.  I find that this takes away the routine-ness of making dinner.  It's fun, and it allows you to get to know other cultures through their food.

Second, pull out a specified amount of money from your total budget (ex: $60) and make that your monthly budget for eating out.  Don't allow yourself to go over that amount.  If you have to, you can actually take that money in cash and put it into a safe place like your valuables safe.  If you prefer restaurants that cost a little more than that allotted amount of money (like we do!), you can save it for the following month making your budget double what it was. 

Last, try new ingredients.  Sometimes, I'll walk through the grocery store and pick a couple of vegetables or fruits that I've never tried before if I see that they are on sale or cheap.  Then, I'll do a search on the Internet for recipes using those ingredients.  I love doing this, because it allows me to discover new ingredients and new tastes.

If limiting eating out is something that you and your family struggle with, maybe these methods could help to alleviate some of that temptation as it has for my family.  Once you start the eating in habit, it eventually gets easier.......and over time, you won't even feel the urge to go out to eat as often.....making your wallet much happier!