Trying to lose weight and save money? You might want to consider cutting back on eating out. Eating at home is usually more nutritious because you can control what you make as well as what you add to the dish. It’s also usually cheaper.
The cost and calories of eating out add up quickly. Here’s an example: if you eat a $10 lunch 5 days per week, you’re out $50 per week and $2,600 per year. Not to mention your added calories depending on what you’re ordering. And let’s be honest, it’s hard to keep your lunch cost under 10 bucks.
I’m not saying you should never eat out but save eating out for special occasions or a weekend treat.
And, if you’re going to eat out, make a Centsible Plan before going.
Research before you go
A lot of restaurants now have their nutritional information and prices listed on their website. If you’re planning to eat out, it may be helpful to look these up and plan out what you’re going to order. This will help eliminate impulse ordering, which, let’s face it leads to more money and calories.
Don’t go to a restaurant hungry
I always say, if you’re going to splurge, splurge in moderation. That’s a lot harder to do when you’re starving, so don’t sit down at a restaurant hungry. Here’s an example we can all relate to, a Mexican restaurant’s basket of chips. We have all been there. While the chips are free, the calories are not. So, eat a well-balanced snack before you get to the restaurant; like a piece of fruit with a handful of nuts.
Share meals
Sharing a meal is the holy grail of eating out. You’re not only splitting the cost (and saving money) you’re eating a smaller portion (and saving calories). Try splitting an entrée and a salad.
Order water to drink
Water is free and healthy! You can have unlimited refills of water! Add lemon if you want a flavor! Don’t waste the money and calories on a soft drink.
Order from the kids menu (if allowed)
Kid’s meals are less expensive. The portions are smaller, therefore less calories.
Order an Appetizer
Appetizers tend to be a little cheaper too and smaller (and sometimes enough to make a meal).
Lunch Time
If you do have a desire to eat out, go during lunch. Prices are usually less, and portions are usually smaller.
Happy Hour
Who doesn’t love a good happy hour? I know I do. Ordering from the happy hour menu will save money and if the portions are smaller, you’ll consume less calories.
Let’s look at Olive Garden as an example
Olive Garden is a popular chain, so I figured this is a good one to show you the comparisons. These prices and nutritional facts could change so always check the website before you go:
Chicken Margarita at dinner it is $15.29 and 550 Calories.
The Lunch portion of Chicken Margarita is $10.29 and 380 Calories.
Saving: $5 and 170 calories.
Kids menu: Cheese Ravioli is $5.99 and 340 calories.
An appetizer, such as the “Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms” is $7.99 and 370 calories.
Even the low-calories options may not be “healthy”, so be sure and check the ingredients.
And remember, don’t go to a place like Olive Garden hungry or you may find yourself eating a whole basket of bread!
While these tips are intended to help you when eating out, it is still usually healthier and cheaper to eat at home. If you’re going to splurge, do it in moderation!
Disclaimer: The information on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. You must always check with a Medical Professional for any medical advice.
Lauren
19 Jan 2020These are some really good tips! I like your idea of going out to eat for lunch rather than for dinner- I know a lot of restaurants do lunch specials, so especially on a weekend, this could be a good compromise!
Linda Purcell
19 Jan 2020Thanks for all of the tips. I almost always check out the menu before I go so I’m not making decisions on the fly. I don’t do this because I’m a control freak. I do it because I’m trying to really search for the healthiest choice as well as the fewest calories.
Alice
20 Jan 2020These are great ideas! I work at Walmart so I cannot afford to eat out much. I see many getting their meals from the deli. I make a pot of something, like soup, on my days off. I then portion it out into small freezer storage containers and freeze them. I bring one for my lunch every day. To my lunch box I add a small salad, a low cal drink and a fruit. I save a lot this way and I know what is in my meals. Great post!
Angie
20 Jan 2020These are some great tips! I have been struggling with eating out. I mostly cook at home, but love to eat out a couple times a week. Great tip on eating a snack before going to the restaurant!!!
Ashley
20 Jan 2020These are some great tips! My husband and I are always talking about how we can eat out more sensibly and also spend less money too. We are trying to get better at just ordering water, since alcoholic beverages end up being like 2/3 of our bill & empty calories! Ugh! So crazy!
Connie
12 Feb 2020I love it when the calories are on the menu. It really makes me think twice about what I’m ordering. I often split an entree when I go out to eat since the portion sizes are so big. Thanks for sharing.
Ayesha Siddiqui
12 Feb 2020Great tips! We usually end up eating out when we’ve had a busy day and are in a bind to feed the kids — but sometimes it’s definitely more economical to just let them wait while something is cooked up :/
Georgette
12 Feb 2020This all makes sense. We eat out alot…and often bring home leftovers. Unfortunately the leftovers go to waste and get tossed. My family will be putting these recommendations into play from now on! Thank you!
nancy richardson
12 Feb 2020I am actually trying to lose weight and LOVE Olive Garden ! I have just avoided it altogether and now have a better idea – go during lunch and order the Chicken Margarita !! Thank you for your suggestions !