Here is a guest post on youngandthrifty.ca by Jennifer Williams. Jennifer Williams is a writer, turner traveler, turned blogger. She’s trying her hand at blogging on various topics, so you can find her stepping into tech, business and finance. Follow her on twitter- @JtotheWilliams or check out her blog- allovertech.wordpress.com.
We live in a culture where nobody seems to have the time to cook anything. Or maybe it’s the dishes nobody has time for. Whether it’s a race through the drive-through or a dinner that uses the last of your energy (that takeout bag is pretty heavy), eating out is a way of life, recession or not. But you still have other expenses. Here are five ways you can eat out, and still have some money to fill your fridge later on.
1. Eat your biggest meal early.
It’s a well known fact that you need to eat early in the day to jump start your metabolism. Common sense also dictates that if you eat a larger meal in the morning, you won’t be ravenous (and spending even more) for lunch or dinner… or even wandering the grocery store like a zombie looking for bloog. And if you want a fourth reason, remember that taking in your calories earlier means that you’ll be burning them off all day long.
2. Bring snacks.
While this may sound like advice only a parent needs to follow, remember that there’s
no rule saying you have to eat entirely at restaurants.
The grocery store is often the least expensive option available to you. Look for free days
at bulk discount stores (such as the one Sam’s Club had on August 6-8, 2010), and pick
up a box of small chip bags, or a large container of popcorn. A little self knowledge and
some foresight can pay big dividends when it comes to meals on the go. Just be sure
to get things you actually like, instead of falling into the trap of “I should eat this, even
though it tastes like packing peanuts.”
You can also go to sites like Offers.com and download some coupons- this way, you
can get more of what you want without spending a ridiculous amount of money.
3. Learn to appreciate salads.
Believe it or not, a lot of people are so chronically dehydrated that they actually confuse
thirst for hunger. In cases like that, a meal with plenty of water (such as most salads)
can be just as filling. Couple that with roughage and fiber, and you’re good to go for only
a couple of bucks. Your waistline won’t complain, either.
You would be surprised at the amount of salads out there- everything from sirloin steak
salads to taco salads. There has to be SOMETHING you like, and often times salad is
cheaper than anything else on the menu.
4. Eat something with substance.
A piece of cheese pizza on white bread has roughly the same calories as a turkey
sandwich on wheat. But the protein in the turkey and the fiber in the bread take
substantially longer to digest, meaning you won’t be hungry as soon afterward.
Eating a lunch that takes longer to digest will mean you won’t be as likely to need an
extra “something” around 3:00 or so. An extra meal every working day adds up to over
200 “somethings” a year—or a 3-day cruise you won’t be able to take.
5. Forget the combos.
Have you ever noticed that you pay 40% extra for fries and a drink? Will you even finish
the drink? Are the fries even that good? They won’t satisfy your hunger, or your wallet.
Everybody loves the convenience of eating meals out. But while everybody pays for
convenience, these suggestions will help you pay a little bit less. Don’t just read this—
actually do this stuff!
Image: http://www.oaklandmagazine.com/media/Oakland-Magazine/June-2006/Dining-Out-
Wines-and-Spirits/
Thanks Jennifer for writing the thoughtful guest post.
I’m a big fan of not ordering extra drinks when I eat out (I usually just ask for water) and that’s how I save some money when I eat out. Nor do I order appetizers or dessert. I am just all out cheap, is all. lol!
I’m with you on not ordering drinks when going out. Eating out is about the food because you get food you wouldn’t otherwise cook + you avoid the work and the dishes.
Drinks can easily be consumed for much cheaper at home without any work at all. I make the odd exception for a tea on the go at Tim Horton’s or the odd Starbucks with my wife that is fancy and expensive for the fun of it!
@SavingMentor-that’s a great way to think about it
Yeah, I can’t just bring myself to buy tea or coffee while out having breakfast, for $2.95 + tax. That’s like the price of half a meal!
Nice post Jennifer, Specially i love the writing about salads. Salads are very cheap when compared to other fancy foods, moreover they are healthy too..
Beth
Nice post! Yes, there’s always a HUGE markup on drinks; restaurants don’t really make any profits off food, it’s all in the cocktails!
@Financial Cents- Yeah, I definitely can’t justify a $9.50 martini to a $12 Pad Thai meal. Just. Can’t. Do. It! They’re always disappointing for me anyways, might as well have more fun making cocktails at home. Though a Caeser never usually disappoints (for those of you who are reading this and are non-Canadian, you got to try one! It’s like a Bloody Mary on speed).
We seem to have naturally migrated to cost savings at restaurants through the years.
My wife is an abstainer and I only drink socially so when we eat out, she has water and I have a pop. And since we both like a coffee or tea afterwards, we frequently skip desert. You’d be surprised at how easy it is to get away with a $50 or less meal at a top end restaurant without those two things. An appetizer and an entree aren’t that expensive.
When our kids were younger, we’d go to ‘kids eat free’ places. That means you have to eat out on a Tuesday or Wednesday but we just planned it that way and it was as enjoyable having a break from cooking mid week as it is on the weekend.
@Glen Cooke- Coffee or tea instead of dessert is a good idea. I’ll keep that in mind re: kids eat free when I have kids! Thanks for visiting Glenn!
Nice post. Most weight loss experts do recommend eating a lot during the beginning of the day so you have more time to burn the food and eating less as the day progresses.
@Ken- Yeah, so if we ate out during lunch instead of dinner, than it’ll be more economical and better for our waistlines!
I think the most important thing we must consider to avoid spending money just to eat outside is to learn how to cook! The most common reason by people especially working individuals is because they don’t know how to cook so they just eat ready made foods or they just go to restaurants.
@Cole Stan- Very true! Or have the time to cook
AND not be afraid of cooking.
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Now these are definitely good advice. In my case, I always eat heavy meal early on to give me a boost and to let my craving down throughout the day. And about snacks, fruits are good.
@Walter- yes, fruits are good! But I don’t crave them, unfortunately! I start my day off with a bowl of fruit though
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