I haven't eaten out in 75 days how about you guys?

[CmFtns]

I looked today at mint and the last time eating out was 75 days ago! Only home cooked food for me. I don't know if I can make it to 100 because I have friends coming into town in a couple weeks but we'll see.

How long has it been since you have last eaten out?

UPDATE* I broke original streak but New Streak is 102 days as of OCT 22, 2015

NOTE* In my opinion if you didn't buy it then it doesn't count.... People at my work have the phrase F.O.P.B (phontetic: eff-oh-pee-bee) Stands for Food Other People Bought so go grab yourself as much F.O.P.B as you want

[frugalman]

We spend about $100 to $150 a month dining out or takeout/delivery. This is a far cry from before "we got it", when it was more like $500 a month. But nowhere near as good as your 75 days in a row.

Still, we made the change maybe 5 years ago. Just hard cash, that's say $325/mo saved times 60 months, or $19,500 cash. My present self thanks my past self for this change, and oh, by the way, I weigh 50 pounds less than 5 years ago too. Win win!

[clifford4970]

I looked today at mint and the last time eating out was 75 days ago! Only home cooked food for me. I don't know if I can make it to 100 because I have friends coming into town in a couple weeks but we'll see.

How long has it been since you have last eaten out?

That is awesome!

I can usually make it about a week or longer.  But with so many family functions going on making it hard.... a week is about the longest for my wife and I..... Wish it was 75 days!

[CmFtns]

I wasn't really paying attention to it I just got in routine of going to store and eating at home and when I checked I thought holy crap that's a long time.

[Wads]

Nice work!

I wish I was able to go 75 days without eating out. This is a main weakness for myself and I'm trying to cut it down. I personally enjoy going out for a good meal with friends/family or few drinks at the bar but looking over my spending I average over $200/month. I think i'll make a goal of 30 days to start.

[CashFlowDiaries]

I spent $150 on dinner last night.  Was painful but it was my GFs birthday and she deserves it for sure.  Really wish I could cook a gourmet meal for her instead.  This is on my to do list to learn how to be an awesome cook. I would save tons of money on special occasions.

[Tyson]

We used to eat out a lot (a LOT!) too, but when I got laid off a year ago and it took 9 months to find new work, we had to cut that stuff out, quick.  So I focused on my cooking skills instead.  When you can make a decent pan-seared pork tenderloin with a honey-balsamic based pan sauce with garlic infused oven-roasted cauliflower in 30 minutes or less, eating out really does lose some of it's appeal. 

I stated out as a terrible cook, so I focused on easy meals.  Eventually I discovered that for us, simple meals that are very well prepared are better than the more elaborate stuff. 

[CmFtns]

I spent $150 on dinner last night.  Was painful but it was my GFs birthday and she deserves it for sure.  Really wish I could cook a gourmet meal for her instead.  This is on my to do list to learn how to be an awesome cook. I would save tons of money on special occasions.

I'm glad my GF is on my side. She would be totally okay with cooking something special at home for special occasions instead of going out. And if we do go out it's mostly for sushi because that's hard to make at home and special and also usually won't go much over $20 a person unless we get a little crazy with the sashimi.

Where you doing dinner for $150? That must be quite the special place. Fancy Steakhouse with drinks?

[Cycling Stache]

This is one area I'm doing great in!  Other than the occasional $6 lunch maybe once every 2 months, I've eaten out at a restaurant twice (that I've paid for) since discovering MMM in September.  And one of those was for my son's birthday, who decided he really wanted a KFC dinner and we fed everyone for $11.

We're now eating all our meals at home, and really enjoying it.  The biggest sign of change for me has been Five Guys hamburgers.  Love them.   Used to eat there once a week.  We drove by one today, and I realized I haven't eaten there since MMM.  What's interesting is that I'm kind of proud of it.  It's not expensive, and I really enjoy it, but my wife typically makes hamburgers once a week, so I really haven't felt the need to go.  Good stuff.

[Bearded Man]

This is one area I really need to work on. We go out to a Thai place maybe once every 2-4 months, but even with tip we get four meals (with left overs) for $27. Not great, but not like spending $100 once a week eating out either. Once in a while we go out, though usually we eat at home, pack lunches, etc.

I'm getting to the point where my favorite meal or treat food wise is BBQ, so I buy my meats at Walmart for a good price and BBQ to celebrate. It's amazing how a rib eye steak, mashed potatoes and a  salad cost less than $4 per person made at home if you shop right. And that's a luxury meal.

Then there's the bi-weekly pick-up pizza for $5 feeds two for four meals.

[FIRE me]

For me, five times in the past two months, for a total cost of $83.75.

[Zamboni]

That's pretty badass.  The best I ever did was one month when I all got out was a single fast food biscuit.

I travel quite a bit and use that as an excuse to eat out. At least I understand that it is just an excuse, as my crockpot would work just as well in this hotel room as it does on my kitchen counter.

[1967mama]

Congrats, @comfyfutons! We have a long way to go in this one area, unfortunately. 

And this meal sounds amazing @tyort1!!

  When you can make a decent pan-seared pork tenderloin with a honey-balsamic based pan sauce with garlic infused oven-roasted cauliflower in 30 minutes or less, eating out really does lose some of it's appeal. 
 

[Potterquilter]

Wonderful.

Think of it as seventy five steps closer to FI. Were you tracking before so you can approximate how much you saved? 

[fb132]

I think it's been 2 or 3 months since I last ate at some fast food restaurant. I don't miss it, it also helped me hit my 50% savings rate easily for the past 2-3 months. I also workout, so the combination of those 2 has helped me see my six pack alot more :p

[cdttmm]

75 days is impressive -- way to go! I'll be happy if I can make it 7 days. . .

[2Birds1Stone]

About 18 hours.

Got a $25 gift card to Bahama Breeze. Went for happy hour. $3 20oz draft beers, $3 mixed drinks, 1/2 off apps. Not a bad deal at all =)

[CmFtns]

Wonderful.

Think of it as seventy five steps closer to FI. Were you tracking before so you can approximate how much you saved?

Unfortunately not but I estimate I cut down total food budget to less than half what it was... But I was fairly frugal before MMM. Back in college when I did eat out more often I would try to find $8-10 takeout that would be plenty for me and my GF so split. Although harder to do now... college town always have good deals and cupons for all those cash strapped students.

About 18 hours.

Got a $25 gift card to Bahama Breeze. Went for happy hour. $3 20oz draft beers, $3 mixed drinks, 1/2 off apps. Not a bad deal at all =)

Hey if it's a gift card go for it =)

[CashFlowDiaries]

I spent $150 on dinner last night.  Was painful but it was my GFs birthday and she deserves it for sure.  Really wish I could cook a gourmet meal for her instead.  This is on my to do list to learn how to be an awesome cook. I would save tons of money on special occasions.

I'm glad my GF is on my side. She would be totally okay with cooking something special at home for special occasions instead of going out. And if we do go out it's mostly for sushi because that's hard to make at home and special and also usually won't go much over $20 a person unless we get a little crazy with the sashimi.

Where you doing dinner for $150? That must be quite the special place. Fancy Steakhouse with drinks?

We love sushi too!!  We went to a fancy schmany restaurant in Austin called Odd Duck.  The plates are small kind of like tapas and after 6 plates, alcoholic beverages and dessert it can really add up!  Luckily this is a once or maybe twice a year thing that we do.

[Kaikou]

day 1

[Cookie78]

15 days. But I don't imagine it'll happen again any time soon.


*** oh! Except I went a week ago too, but someone treated me. Does it still count?

[Anje]

My last time was 1st of August. And only because I was on holiday. My next time is 5th of December. And I'm not paying for that, so that possibly doesn't count?

I't not for any super-mustachian reason, though. We have no good restaurants in my tiny town. Saves money...

Thoug, they are opening a sushi place near work next month. Might get dangerous if they serve good sushi (it's one of the few things I don't make often at home)

[TravelJunkyQC]

I stopped by Tim Hortons for a sandwich monday morning because we had been away on vacation and had nothing to eat for breakfast. Apart from that, I believe the last time I set foot in a restaurant was... last spring maybe? I honestly can't remember. I'd rather buy a kick-ass lamb roast from Costco and make a fancy-pants meal at home.

[zephyr911]

Totally had Taco Bell last night. Paying for it today! Bahahaha

[dpfromva]

Well, a week, but I was treated! Recently started bringing a lunch instead of buying at office cafeteria. Oh, excuse me, we're supposed to refer to it as "the dining facility."
My justification was I used the café to guarantee at least one "healthy" meal -- salad, veggies, soup -- per day. But guess what?! I'm losing weight eating my leftovers bagged lunches. (What DO they put in that café food??)

[elysianfields]

Totally had Taco Bell last night. Paying for it today! Bahahaha

It's called Taco Hell for a reason!

[Kaikou]

Day 1

[Zikoris]

We eat non-home food once or twice a month, but very rarely is it a full meal - it's almost always something like fries, gelato, or a donut.

We have 23 transactions so far this year, for a total of $226:
- 7 stops at the artisan donuterie
- 5 fries
- 4 actual meals
- 3 takeout sushis
- 2 ice creams
- 1 popcorn at an amusement park
- 1 slice of cake

[Apocalyptica602]

At first I read this quickly as: "I haven't eaten in 75 days how about you guys?"

[Jakejake]

I normally don't eat out, but we went out for dinner Sep 16. I got hit by a car while biking home from work, and although I was just bruised, nothing broken or worth going to a doctor for, we instituted a new rule in the house: I don't have to cook on days I get run over.

[Taran Wanderer]

Ate out 12 out of 21 meals this week, but 10 of those were on the company while traveling or with someone trying to sell me something.  I don't think I will ever go 75 days without eating out, but kudos to you!

[Rosy]

Nice going!:)
Skipping dining out is probably the only frugal activity or rather non-activity I would have absolutely no trouble with at all. Once, when money was tight and I was living alone, I didn't eat out for about nine months, didn't really face me all that much.
These days we go out to eat about 4 times a month, including those obligatory family and friends birthday dinner celebrations. Just glad all the kids are currently out of the Chucky Cheese birthday party age:)

The way I look at it dining out should be an experience, great food-preferably something that I would not cook at home, good service and a nice atmosphere. (Think quietly humming place with a live piano in the background or overlooking the ocean...) I know a little French place that is to die for and the kid picked a fabulous new place for his birthday brunch - we live in tourist mecca with lots of great options.

We recently tried a new Texas steak place, crammed into a booth with a waiter that called me sweetie - really:) Actually had to send the steak back, because it was burnt to a crisp - phew, not to mention the place was so loud we had to practically scream just to have a conversation. Where is the pleasure and joy in that?

Fast food place? Naw, it literally hurts me to give them my hard earned money. Not even tempted and no, I don't even ever buy chips or coke at 7-11, it is simply not where I want my money to go, besides, if you keep doing that, you will not only be poor, but become as big as a house.

Well, up to now I hadn't realized I do have one redeeming redeeming MMM style quality, imagine that:)

[CmFtns]

So I see My thread has resurfaced so i'll give an update on my current streak:

Unfortunately my last streak ended when friends came in town and we ate out. But now I can proudly say that I have not eaten out since that occasion on July 11 making this new streak (as of today) 86 days of good home cooked non restaurant food.

I do have to admit though that my GF and I stopped at an ice cream shop with a friend this past weekend (social peer pressure).
But it was in the middle of a 22 mile bike ride so I didn't feel too bad.

NOTE* Also, in my opinion if you get treated to food somewhere and you don't pay then it doesn't count.

[Kaikou]

Day 1

[Lady Fordragon]

Awesome job!  I wish that I could say the same, but I just went out for lunch today. 

[UnleashHell]

we have moved from 2-3 times a week to 2-3 times a months.
In the last 4 weeks we've eaten out once (lunch for 4 - under $10 a head).
Heading in the right direction.

The eating out was mostly for convenience - we wouldn't prepare in advance and be tired from working. I bought a chest freezer in July and we've been doing a lot better at meal planning and cooking things that can be made in advance and frozen.

Plus when we focus then the meals awe cook are as good or better than eating at restaurants.

My wine budget has increased though - after all its not cooking unless you have a glass of wine :D

[dividend]

I read the title as 75 YEARS and was about to be super impressed. 

[CmFtns]

I read the title as 75 YEARS and was about to be super impressed.

That would be a feat of strength lol... I'm not quite old enough for that

[1967mama]

Makes me think, "How often did my grandparents (born in 1910) eat out?! :-0

[DrSweden]

I checked my excel chart. I Went out fpr thai food  the first week in july. After that nothing. I Went to a party were dinner was included last saturday. So if I don't Count the party it is 100 Days withoud eating out

[Fishindude]

We are empty nesters and eat out a lot.
 
 

[Matt_D]

8 days ago, for my birthday.

Will be eating out again week after next (traveling), but otherwise probably not again this month?

Typically we get Chipotle takeout a couple times a month (though we're trying to cut that habit by having more ultra-quick meal options). Otherwise, it's a pain in the butt to feed everyone at a restaurant when you have:
- 1 person with allergies to eggs, seafood, and various nuts
- 1 person allergic to wheat
- 1 person who's currently avoiding dairy

Also, we've discovered that there are only a handful of restaurants now where we feel like it's actually worth the cost, given that we make pretty darn good food at home, and the kids are young enough that eating out with them is not always precisely a relaxing experience.

[stephQ]

Wow, that's very impressive! It's been a measly three days since I've eaten out. Gotta work on this, can't seem to get beyond a week or two at most. We just came back from our honeymoon so DH and I ate out for over two weeks straight while on vacation, lol. It was fun and tasty (no more wedding diet, yay!) but towards the end of our trip we were really looking forward to some home cooked meals. So now we're getting back into meal planning, especially since I bring lunch to work.

[CmFtns]

8 days ago, for my birthday.

Will be eating out again week after next (traveling), but otherwise probably not again this month?

Typically we get Chipotle takeout a couple times a month (though we're trying to cut that habit by having more ultra-quick meal options). Otherwise, it's a pain in the butt to feed everyone at a restaurant when you have:
- 1 person with allergies to eggs, seafood, and various nuts
- 1 person allergic to wheat
- 1 person who's currently avoiding dairy

Also, we've discovered that there are only a handful of restaurants now where we feel like it's actually worth the cost, given that we make pretty darn good food at home, and the kids are young enough that eating out with them is not always precisely a relaxing experience.

I've made this (or something simmilar) quite a few times... It's one of my favorites and comes in at 25% or lower than the price of Cipotle. Also, no eggs, seafood, nuts, wheat... And no dairy if you don't use sour cream or cheese
http://whatsgabycooking.com/diy-chipotle-burrito-bowl/

NOTE* I don't do all that fancy stuff with the rice it's not worth the work/cost ... just make any old rice the normal way

[Helvegen]

Sept 8th was the last time I ate out. Picked up 2 slices of pizza and a Diet Pepsi in the Costco food court for me and the kiddo. Looking good to make it until Nov 21st. Then it is vacation for the next 10 days and all bets are off. After that is Christmas cooking and baking season, so I can't see eating out until after Christmas.

[Kaikou]

I'm at day 5 which is like amazing for me.

Tempted though because I downloaded the MCD app and it has free drink, free fry, and free sandwhich coupons...

I don't even like MCD.

I'll save it for when I'm desperate.

EDIT:  Caved, wasn't worth it.

[Matt_D]

8 days ago, for my birthday.

Will be eating out again week after next (traveling), but otherwise probably not again this month?

Typically we get Chipotle takeout a couple times a month (though we're trying to cut that habit by having more ultra-quick meal options). Otherwise, it's a pain in the butt to feed everyone at a restaurant when you have:
- 1 person with allergies to eggs, seafood, and various nuts
- 1 person allergic to wheat
- 1 person who's currently avoiding dairy

Also, we've discovered that there are only a handful of restaurants now where we feel like it's actually worth the cost, given that we make pretty darn good food at home, and the kids are young enough that eating out with them is not always precisely a relaxing experience.

I've made this (or something simmilar) quite a few times... It's one of my favorites and comes in at 25% or lower than the price of Cipotle. Also, no eggs, seafood, nuts, wheat... And no dairy if you don't use sour cream or cheese
http://whatsgabycooking.com/diy-chipotle-burrito-bowl/

NOTE* I don't do all that fancy stuff with the rice it's not worth the work/cost ... just make any old rice the normal way

Oh yeah, we can do any number of things to emulate Chipotle recipes and it's great. We don't eat there because we can't make similar food; we eat there because it's 6:30pm, the kids are cranky, we're not home yet, and there's nothing we can make in the 30 minutes we have before the kids turn into completely unreasonable and overtired monsters. So basically: we get it when we've failed to plan or when our planning gets thrown off.

[Bob W]

I love this concept

Perhaps now that summer travel is over I should give it a whirl.   I will exempt company paid business meals,  meals paid by others,  mandated meals out and drive throughs for my son if I refrain.   I will not exempt convenience store grabs however.  I will also not exempt beer, wine or cocktails served in bars or restaurants.  I will not exempt home delivered food such as pizza although that is an extremely rare deal.

I think I will start carrying a "supply" box in my car of on the go edibles and water.   I'll have to give that some thought?  Apples, jerky (expensive, perhaps homemade?)  Vienna Sausages,  peanut butter, raisins, sunflower seeds,  peanuts,  etc...

So as far as I can recall it has been 5 days for me.  So I'll start with that.   Thanks for the motivation!

Anyone else have some good ideas for food I can keep in the car that isn't too junky?  I think if I could get into homemade jerky making that would be a good thing. 

[stephQ]

Anyone else have some good ideas for food I can keep in the car that isn't too junky?  I think if I could get into homemade jerky making that would be a good thing.

Homemade jerky is pretty simple if you have a dehydrator, there are a ton of recipes online & on youtube. I was gifted a dehydrator last xmas so been testing out a few recipes. I over dried my first batch and it was like beef chips (no bueno). So just be careful of that. You can also make jerky in the oven using a low temperature if you don't have a dehydrator, or how Alton Brown used a box fan+air filters. I like to keep a few baggies of snacks in the car such as almonds or mixed nuts and dried fruits. I've tried drying pineapple in a dehydrator a couple times which has also been pretty tasty.

[Bob W]

Anyone else have some good ideas for food I can keep in the car that isn't too junky?  I think if I could get into homemade jerky making that would be a good thing.

Homemade jerky is pretty simple if you have a dehydrator, there are a ton of recipes online & on youtube. I was gifted a dehydrator last xmas so been testing out a few recipes. I over dried my first batch and it was like beef chips (no bueno). So just be careful of that. You can also make jerky in the oven using a low temperature if you don't have a dehydrator, or how Alton Brown used a box fan+air filters. I like to keep a few baggies of snacks in the car such as almonds or mixed nuts and dried fruits. I've tried drying pineapple in a dehydrator a couple times which has also been pretty tasty.

Box fan?  Hmmm?  Sounds doable.   What about just drying in the fridge?   My fridge seems to dry out anything.