Updated: June 26, 2020
Originally Published: Feb. 7, 2020
Gone are the days of saying, “Let’s grab dinner from the deli tonight.” No more, “Hey, let’s just order from Marco’s Pizza.” And definitely no more last-minute stops at fast food places when we’re rushing to the park. Instead, we find ourselves preparing quick dinners: pasta, ready-made meals, or whatever leftovers we have. Now, I must ensure I allocate time each day to feed the kids, regardless of their fluctuating hunger levels.
Sure, it’s more challenging than simply swiping a card at a restaurant. But we were dining out far too often. Many families do the same. As reported by The Simple Dollar, the average American consumes about 4.2 commercially prepared meals per week. Our family was above that, easily five or six meals sourced from outside — and I’m not talking about meals from grandma’s kitchen.
With three kids, I quickly realized that a trip through the local drive-thru or to that fantastic pad Thai restaurant downtown would run me at least $20 for just lunch. Dinner typically ranged from $40 to $60 for our family of five, especially since our ten-year-old has outgrown kids’ meals. My husband estimated we were shelling out around $200 weekly for what is classified as “commercially prepared” food.
Consider this: a stop at Target usually ends up costing at least ten bucks for a drink and treats for the kids. A quick fast-food run on the way to practice? At least $20. Ordering pizza for five? It’s relatively affordable for delivery, but dining in at a sit-down restaurant? That’s a different story, and it was adding up quickly.
So, we made the decision. We quit cold turkey with no gradual phase-out. Confession: we didn’t entirely eliminate eating out. Occasionally, after a long day of sports, we might treat ourselves to a pizza on a Friday night. Other than that, we have significantly cut back on visiting restaurants, ordering delivery, and indulging in fast food.
How We Made the Shift
First, we took a hard look at our dining-out expenses and were shocked. This prompted us to start meal planning. My husband has always been a decent cook, but we needed quick and easy meals for those exhausting nights when the kids were starving.
What did we discover? Avoiding takeout means embracing some frozen foods, like chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, and steam-in-the-bag veggies. Our kids love ramen noodles, so we often rely on those, along with leftovers. When my husband does cook, he focuses on meals that can last a few days, such as pulled pork or mac and cheese. The Instant Pot has been a lifesaver, cooking meat quickly and keeping it fresh for several days. My go-to quick dinner is nachos, while my husband prefers beans and rice. It’s not about being broke; it’s just practical.
We even started making our own sweet tea, which slashed my Starbucks trips.
How Difficult Was the Change?
It was somewhat challenging. We had to adapt to this new lifestyle. We found creative solutions: to stave off energy crashes after sports, we whip up “milkshakes” using milk, protein powder, and stevia (with a sprinkle of fun on top!). I had to ensure I set aside time for lunch prep.
Admittedly, I’m not a fan of cooking, which presented its own challenge. We had to strategize lunches that I could quickly heat up or assemble, like sandwiches or steamed veggies. Each morning, my husband reminds me what’s available for the kids’ lunch, which is incredibly helpful. Knowing what to expect keeps everything running smoothly.
The moments I miss dining out the most are when everyone is running low on energy and we need to eat immediately. In those instances, the protein shakes for the kids are a lifesaver, while my husband and I typically throw together some nachos or finish off whatever leftovers we have. And yes, eating at home means more dishes to wash, which can be a hassle, but we consider it a small price to pay.
How To Break the Habit:
- Create a Plan: Avoid starting this journey with an empty fridge. Know what your family enjoys and be realistic — are you truly going to create elaborate meals every night? Probably not. Quitting dining out is not easy.
- Frequent Grocery Runs: Be prepared to make multiple trips to the store on your way home from work for those last-minute dinner needs.
- Quick Meal Hacks: When time is tight, my ten-year-old helps me with PB&Js for meals on the go. Ramen is quick and affordable, and adding some steamed veggies makes it a balanced meal.
- Pack for Outings: When we go out, we bring our own food. I prepare sandwiches for the park, and for longer trips, we pack a cooler with drinks and snacks. If we must eat out, we aim for healthier, budget-friendly options.
- Track Your Savings: When we realized we were saving hundreds of dollars a week, it made resisting fast-food temptations easier. I cringe each time I hear the total at a drive-thru; it’s shocking how much it costs for so little food.
You can do this; it’s an adjustment, but we’ve saved nearly a thousand dollars a month! Even if you cut down your dining-out habits by half, you’ll still see significant savings. Yes, we still indulge occasionally, but we do so less frequently now, and it’s worth it.
For more insights on budgeting and planning meals, check out our post here. If you’re interested in artificial insemination resources, visit Make A Mom for expert advice. For information on IVF, see this excellent resource from Mayo Clinic.
Summary:
We drastically reduced our dining out habits and found that meal planning and quick cooking strategies helped us save significant money while still feeding our family. Although the adjustment was challenging, it’s clear that we’ve gained more than just financial savings — we’ve also improved our cooking skills and family meals.
Keyphrase: Stop eating out
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