How to Save Money on Dining Out – 7 Habits to Eat Cheaper

1. Share Your Food

Save Money on Dessert – source

For those with significant other try tasting both dishes. You get a greater appreciate of the chef’s abilities and a variety of food for the meal to excite the taste buds. With my rigorous fitness schedule I usually help finish her plate too! That’s my proven way to share our food when eating out.

Try buying a foot long Subway and going halves in it. Share the soft drink as it isn’t good for you anyway! When ordering Thai or Chinese try smaller meals and order a side dish of noodles or rice to share.

When the boys are out try sharing a pizza between two! It isn’t rocket science, you’ll eat half the calories, save half your monies and won’t look like your romantically involved in the process. C’mon guys! Share your food.

2. Order Smaller Meals

Save Money by Eating Small Portions- source

Are you eyes bigger than your stomach?

When eating at a pasta restaurant order entree sized meals which are more than big enough to be satisfying.

Even if they bring out a full plate plan to eat a portion of it and take the rest home. Ask if you can take it away in a doggy bag or plastic container.

HEY – If you stuff yourself each meal it can lead to weight gain. An excess in calorie intake vs calorie expenditure equals a storage of energy into fat. Learn your portions.

3. Eat Slower

Did you know there is a time delay for when your brain tells you that you are full? If you eat too fast it will lead to that ‘bloated’ feeling and your body will need slow down to provide energy for digestion.  

Save Money by Eating Slowly – source

By eating slower you can Then, get the food in a doggy bag and you will have lunch for tomorrow! Extending your $15 dollar restaurant into two separate meals is a great way to save money.

4. Eat Your Greens

Save Money on Dessert – source

Yes your parents told you when you were a kid to do this. It is actually a good thing!

By slowly eating your vegies  first you will:

• get full of side dishes splitting the meal into two
• essentially be eating the healthly food as a high priority

5. Watch What You Drink

Save Money on Drinking – source

Alcoholic beverages put a hole in your wallet when you drink at restaurants. After a few you might want to go out to bars and have a massive night!

If money is tight and you seriously want to save drink water. Ask for a chilled bottle with your meal – it will probably be free! If water’s not down your alley try a refreshing lemon lime bitters or a lime & soda.

If you really need to drink booze with your meals try a glass of house wine. It is relatively cheap and makes you feel ‘happier’ quicker. Remember, a glass of red per day is a good thing too.

When you buy alcohol at a restaurant or bar you will pay approximately 40% mark up. Maybe even more!

Remember – You eat out to appreciate the food so stop ordering 4 beers per meal and save it for home. It is costing you monies!

6. Dessert

Save Money on Dessert – source

As tantalising as they look desserts are often expensive. On a positive they are served in small portions at sit down restaurants. So after you main meal has settle are you able to simply get your cheque and go?

What you can do back home and have a small bowl from the cheaper carton of ice cream you have in the freezer. If your sweet tooth is controllable than just forget about dessert. 

7. Stop and think

Save Money on Food – Stop and Think

 

It is all about self control. Think about your goals and what you want to achieve in life. Eating out is usually an impulse that is reinforced by laziness. Ie: You can’t be bothered getting the groceries to cook and that nice looking restaurant is just across the road. Stop. Think. Keep the above tips in mind and hopefully you will eat healthy and also save monies!

Stay tuned for the rest in the ‘How to Save Money Dining Out‘ series. Take care!

Comment in the forums and let everyone know how you save dining out!