Families Dine Out
Families dine out quite often. However, during these economic times it is wiser to eat in. It costs a lot less to cook at home, but with our hectic schedules, it can be difficult to take time to grocery shop, cook and clean up. Now more than ever there is cause for slashing the eating out budget. It may take time for you to figure out how to decrease your food budget for it takes a creative imagination. Listed below are ideas you may find useful when trying to save money on food.
What’s Wrong With Eating Out?
Consider eating at places that offer free trials, free refills on drinks. or two for one specials. Especially with children, beverages can add up quickly. This way, you can buy a smaller sized drink and refill if you need to. This can save considerable money. Of course there is always the old standby, water. Water is better for you and your kids than soda and fruit punch drinks. You can easily save at least $2 per person by opting out of beverages. That means a savings of $8 or more for a family of 4.
Have you thought about passing over the kid menu and ordering an adult meal and split it with your children? Kid's meals can be quite expensive for the amount of food you get with them. If you have young children, they often can't finish an entire kid's meal on their own. Try sharing a kid-friendly item from the adult menu with the kids. If you have a toddler, most restaurants will even look the other way if you bring your own snacks for your little one.
When dinning out, try filling up on free breads and chips while you’re waiting for your entree. These are inexpensive items for the restaurant and can be very filling for you. Some of them have reasonable nutritional value. Quite often appetizers, when ordered separately can be very expensive. The vast majority of American restaurants serve portion sizes that are far too large for a single meal. One of the best ways of slashing the eating out budget is to share an an entree with someone else. If you are worried about not having enough food, order a small salad or side dish to bulk up the main course. By splitting an entree, you may even save enough to enjoy an appetizer or dessert without going over budget.
Another way to eat out for cheap is to go where you don't have to pay tips. There are some reasonable fast food places that have inside dining where you serve yourself. These are great places for the kiddies and adults alike. Some restaurants have special offers were kids eat free. Children generally have to follow a kiddy menu and there must be a paying adult, but this is a fantastic way to save money. Don't forget to look for coupons that offer 2 meals for the price of 1. Many fast food and sit down restaurants with waiters have excellent discounts with coupons. If you have food left over while dining out, don’t forget to get a doggie bag. These leftovers make great lunches and snacks, and gee, you don’t have to cook again!
Posted in: Diet and Nutrition