No Eating Out January: Will You Join My Family in This Challenge? by Ann Marie Patitucci

Money
6 years ago

No Eating Out January: Will You Join My Family in This Challenge?

Leading up to the new year, I started to notice a trend on social media, especially in various moms’ groups: in addition to the typical resolutions to lose weight, many women were resolving to take charge of their finances in various interesting and inspiring ways. I even started noticing new Facebook groups dedicated to their efforts. For instance, many women have committed to a "No Spend January." I had never heard of such a thing, but once I starting googling, I found all sorts of articles and resources! 

While I admire this type of challenge, especially after the over-spending of the holidays, I didn’t know if I could take on such a lofty goal right away. Instead, I resolved to try a "No Eating Out January," and got my husband on board. Given two kids, two full-time jobs, a commute, two sports schedules and everything else that accompanies a busy life, we know it won’t be easy. However, we believe it will be worth it, as we’ll not only save money but we’ll also improve our eating habits. 

And who knows; if we can accomplish this, maybe we’ll attempt a "No Spend February!" Won’t you join us?

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Paula Chamberlain
Most of our extra spending is from eating out, so I think this will have a big impact!
Erin Smith
No spend Jan has been a blessing to us already and I am so excited to keep it going!
Ann Marie Patitucci
I am too. Already thinking about February, Erin!
Mike Prochaska
I’m a sucker for kids eat for free places
Elisa Schmitz
Oh, this is such a great idea, Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead ! Only thing is, I don't know if I can do it. Especially with all the travel coming up. But I'm going to see how far I get. Thanks for the great idea!
Ann Marie Patitucci
I bet travel would make this very difficult, Elisa All Schmitz 30Seconds ! We don’t have any traveling this month, so we have no excuses. We do have lots of games, though, so we’re going to have to plan ahead!
Meredith Schneider
Oh Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead does this include no date nights?! Crazy busy family of 6 here, don't have time to eat out as a family during the week so I cook every night and have a leftover night. For kids sports I pack healthy snacks for mom taxi runs in between the 3 schools our 4 kids are at. Hubby and I have a date night at least 2x a month.. typically eat out as a family for some holidays and birthdays. But can't give up date nights, we cherish that time together and keeps us grounded not only as husband and wife but best friends and lovers :) 17 yrs and counting, we keep dating. xoxo (that just gave me an idea for a tip) I will support and be a cheerleader for those taking this on. GO GO GO!
Ann Marie Patitucci
Good for you for your consistent date nights, Meredith Schneider! Yes, in our case it would include any eating out. We’re going to try really hard to stick to it!
Margaret Steck
Great idea! Our big go-to on Friday nights is pizza night (take out). So, tonight, I'm making homemade pizza as a part of our eat-at-home January challenge!
Morgan Hawthorne
We are just desperately trying to think of everything before we put it into our mouth and decide if it's worth the calories/fat. This actually keeps us from eating out at all which has been good for us. Considering that I am a bartender in a bar with at least semi healthy food I eat a salad, salmon, or grilled chicken there almost every night that I work...that would mean that I'm eating out multiple times a week. To me though, as long as I'm making good food choices and only cheating once (or maybe twice) a week I'm doing ok!
Ann Marie Patitucci
That's great, Morgan Hawthorne ! I think being thoughtful and intentional is key!

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