Eating out is killing us

[Anonymous]

OP, going out to eat is fun and relaxing.... and someone else has to do the dishes. If you go with friends it is social, even if it is just your family, it *feels* social.

Instead of quitting going out to eat it might be nice to start a new tradition. Do you have friends with kids around? Some people do a casual gathering at their home say once a month -- it could be you make a big thing of chili, or some other food you find easy to make, and they bring the sides. Use paper plates, or else have people help wash the dishes, and you provide some entertainment for the kids.

Agree with getting freezer pizza and a bagged salad for Friday Pizza night. Don't do takeout pizza except every so often.

Stop going out to eat weekend mornings at the breakfast diner or whatever. Cook family breakfasts at home.

When you do go out to eat -- stop ordering alcohol. Definitely no bottles of wine! Don't do dessert and coffee either. When you eat out do you have too much food? Order less food and split more portions. Go to places rated $ and $$ not $$$ and $$$$.