Facepunch! Kaa-pow!:) - You now have the distinction of receiving my first facepunch to anyone on this forum. You are ready for change and you know it.
Seriously, you received a ton of helpful suggestions - so if you are really ready to take control of your finances, have a talk with your GF.
Tell her you think it is time to limit your eating out so you can focus and contribute more to your financial future(s).
Having her onboard would be huge, but you need to be prepared to be the one to start and hang in there on your own until she sees that you are committed and may decide to join you for her own financial health.
Just be careful that you do not end up compensating for not going out to eat by going shopping or engage in other expensive activities - it happens:)
Think about the suggestions given here and how they fit into your own lifestyle - surely you noticed most of us prefaced our suggestion with "I used to":)
Pick a couple maneuvers and see what your GF thinks, but do let her know that this will be your new MO.
Your new normal might be to only go out once a week and if that happens to be for someone's birthday - well, that's it then for that week.
It will be tough in the beginning, but stay firm - it is your life, your rules and your financial future.
There is nothing wrong with telling a good friend that you are turning over a new leaf, because you feel you are spending money like water with absolutely nothing to show for it.
You have to start somewhere. In my case - I allowed myself one work lunch a week with my co-workers (often just a $5 sandwich and water - we had good free coffee at work, sometimes a lunch special at one of the surrounding restaurants) and every two weeks an evening out with the occasional get-together at my house.
It is indeed all those small decisions and your perseverance at acknowledging and honoring your own priorities that will over time bring financial joy - relief - security, in other words, FI.
For one whole year, my reply to my good friends was always, "Sorry, I can't, I'm saving up for a new car." To everyone else I just said - I'd love to, but ...maybe next time.
You know you will not get anywhere unless you take a stand, make a plan and save/invest - in truth - anytime or now is a very good time to start.
Get your priorities straight and do whatever it takes to get there - an evening out is not going to derail your plans, but continuous mindless spending will.
To reiterate in seemsright's words:
There is more to life than pissing away your $$$. Find bigger goals!