Ever feel like you’re spending way too much on takeout but just can’t seem to stop? You’re not alone! Learning how to stop eating out isn’t just about saving money—it’s about building better habits, eating healthier, and finally taking control of your spending.
I used to grab takeout almost daily, thinking I was too busy to cook. But once I saw how much I was spending, I knew I had to make a change. If you’re ready to cut back on restaurant spending without feeling deprived, here’s exactly how to do it!
1. Track Your Spending (It’ll Shock You!)
Ever checked your bank statement and wondered, Where did all my money go? Yeah, same. The first step to stopping your eating-out habit is to see the damage in black and white.
✅ Look at the past month’s expenses and total up your dining-out costs. (You might be shocked.)
✅ Use apps like Mint, YNAB, or Rocket Money to track food spending automatically.
✅ Set a monthly “restaurant budget” and challenge yourself to stay within it.
When I did this, I realized I was spending over $300 a month on fast food alone! That was enough motivation to start making changes.
2. How to Stop Eating Out: Make Cooking Stupid-Easy
The trick to how to stop eating out is making it so easy that takeout doesn’t even seem worth it. If cooking feels like a chore, you won’t stick to it. The trick? Make it so easy that takeout doesn’t even seem worth it.
🔥 Try 10-minute meals: Scrambled eggs with avocado toast, pasta with pesto, or a loaded salad with pre-cooked chicken.
🔥 Batch cook once, eat all week: Make a big pot of chili or stir-fry and portion it out.
🔥 Use meal kits or pre-cut veggies: It’s still cheaper than takeout and saves time.
I used to think cooking meant spending hours in the kitchen. Now, I meal prep once a week, and I’m set!
3. Replace the Habit: How to Stop Eating Out by Enjoying Home-Cooked Meals
Stopping cold turkey doesn’t work—trust me, I tried. Instead of just not eating out, replace the routine with something just as satisfying:
🍽️ Make restaurant-style meals at home. Craving Chipotle? Try a homemade burrito bowl. Love pizza? Make a quick naan pizza in 15 minutes.
🎉 Turn meals into an event. Invite friends over, light a candle, or make it a fun DIY taco night.
🍱 Pack fun lunches. If you’re eating out at work, prep bento boxes or homemade wraps that actually taste good.
I used to grab Starbucks every morning, but swapping to homemade iced coffee saved me $100+ a month—and honestly, it tastes just as good. (Yes, this is true even if you followed Starbucks hacks and tips to save money)
By the way you can still treat yourself for a lunch or dinner outside and save that cooking and sihwashing time. Do check out how youcan save smartly at restaurants.
4. Give Yourself a “Cheat Fund”
Let’s be honest—never eating out again isn’t realistic. Instead of cutting it out completely, plan for it so it doesn’t wreck your budget.
💰 Set a monthly “fun food” budget (maybe $50-$75).
📅 Schedule your meals out intentionally. Instead of random takeout, pick one or two special times to go out.
🍔 Make it worth it. Skip fast food and go for meals you really enjoy.
Since doing this, I no longer feel guilty about eating out—because it’s planned and controlled.
5. Make Saving More Rewarding Than Spending
Here’s the fun part: every time you skip eating out, put that money somewhere useful.
💸 Move $10 to your savings account every time you cook at home.
✈️ Save it for a goal. Want a weekend trip? A new gadget? Watching your savings grow is way more satisfying than a drive-thru burger.
📊 Use apps that reward you for NOT eating out. Apps like Fetch or Upside can help you earn cashback on groceries instead.
I started transferring $5 every time I cooked into a “fun fund,” and in three months, I had enough for a weekend getaway. That’s when I realized—I wasn’t really giving up anything. I was gaining more.
Final Thoughts: You Got This!
Breaking the eating-out habit isn’t about deprivation—it’s about making better choices that work for you. Start small, swap out a few meals, and watch the savings add up.
Have you tried cutting back on eating out? What worked (or didn’t) for you? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your tips! 🚀
By following these tips on how to stop eating out, you’ll be on your way to saving money without feeling deprived.