The 8 Things I Did to Stop Spending Money on Fast Food
Hi, welcome to my world! Many people, including myself, have become quite addicted to eating out. Lol 😂 It is what it is. But then, have you sat down and calculated how much you spent on fast food? I believe that if you try it, you will want to reconsider your choices.
The small amount of food you purchase is subject to staff salaries, company interest, and numerous other charges.
This to me is an unnecessary way of spending your hard-earned money. Here are some things I did to stop spending money on fast food.
The 8 Things I Did to Stop Spending Money on Fast Food
1. Give Yourself a Balanced Approach
To be sincere, it’s challenging to completely abstain from fast food, and for many, it’s unattainable. That’s why balance is the key to long-term success. Instead of going all the way, find a happy medium that works for you.
Let yourself have a treat every now and then, but do it on purpose. Organize your meals in advance rather than impulsively grabbing fast food. You might let yourself have one meal a week, but only if you really want it, not simply because it’s easy.
You could also improve your options. Make a burger at home using better ingredients if you desire one. IIf you want fries, consider baking them rather than frying them. Finding healthier alternatives can help you satisfy your cravings without spending money or feeling guilty about it.
Then again, remember to be kind to yourself. If you occasionally eat fast food, don’t be too hard on yourself. Just focus on eating healthy again the next day. It takes time to change habits, and making progress is always preferable to striving for perfection. The key point is to be aware of how much you eat and spend, while also ensuring that you do not harm yourself.
Not eating fast food as much isn’t just about saving money; it’s also about making healthier choices that will help you in the long run. You may stop the fast food habit for good by preparing ahead, making cooking easy, and keeping your incentive in mind.
Keep in mind that little modifications can make a big difference. You don’t have to be perfect, but every time you opt to eat at home instead of fast food, you are taking a step toward a healthier, wealthier life. You can do it!
See Also:Â The 9 Things I Did To Stop Frivolous Spending (It Works!)
2. Make Cooking at Home More Enjoyable
Most of you do not know how to cook, lol. 😂. Some cultures believe it is a gender-based job. I laugh again; you are going to spend!
If you hate cooking, it will be hard to dine at home. However, the good news is that cooking doesn’t have to be a hassle. You can actually start looking forward to cooking at home if you make a few little changes.
First, get in the mood. You may listen to music, light a candle, or even make yourself a fun drink like sparkling water with fruit. Making cooking an enjoyable routine instead of a stressful chore can make a big difference.
Look for dishes that make you smile! Of course, fast food will look more attractive if you keep making the same dull meals. Try new flavors, make simple one-pan dinners, or even make your favorite fast food meals at home. You can make a guilt-free, cheap burger and fries at home.
If you really don’t like cooking, make it as easy as you can. Use things like pre-chopped vegetables, store-bought sauces, and kitchen tools like an air fryer or Instant Pot to save time. The more likely you are to persist with it, the less time and effort it takes.
3. Use the Money You Save as Motivation
To be honest, do you see fast food? It isn’t inexpensive anymore. These quick meals quickly add up, and before you realize it, you’ve spent hundreds of dollars on food that is only consumed for a few minutes. Giving yourself a worthy cause to save money is a smart way to stop the behavior.
Keep track of how much money you spend on fast food right now. For one month, keep track of how much money you spend on coffee runs, takeout, and drive-thru stops. You will probably be startled when you see the total at the end of the month!
Now, think about how else you could use that money. You may use it to reach a savings goal, go on a fun trip, or buy something nice for yourself. Every time you don’t give in to the impulse to buy fast food, save that money. It will feel more like a prize than a sacrifice to forego fast food if you see your savings grow.
You can even turn it into a game. Make a goal for yourself, like not eating fast food for a month. At the conclusion, treat yourself to something you’ve been craving. It’s a lot easier to stay on track when you change your thinking from “giving up” fast food to “gaining” financial freedom.
3. Avoid Triggers That Lead to Fast Food Cravings
I understand that there are things we all do and situations that make us want fast food. Maybe it’s the smell of fries as you drive past your favorite burger joint, or maybe it’s the way you always get a coffee and croissant on your way to work in the morning. Finding these triggers is the first step to stopping the pattern.
Convenience is one of the primary reasons. You’re going to keep going back if fast food is the easiest choice. That’s why having food at home, planning ahead, and cooking meals ahead of time might help you resist the urge. It’s easier to say no to fast food when you have a better option ready to go.
Being with other people can also set off a trigger. If your friends or coworkers always want to go to fast food places, try suggesting something else, like a homemade picnic, a potluck, or just a new restaurant with healthier options. You don’t have to stop hanging out with people, but you can change the way you do it.
And let’s speak about cravings! Fast food is made to make you want more. You want it more the more you consume it. The good news is that the less you have it, the less you’ll want it. To slowly retrain your taste receptors, try drinking more water, eating more complete foods, and making your favorite fast food meals at home.
4. Plan Your Meals Around Your Busy Schedule
You know the reason people eat out? People eat fast food a lot since they don’t have time to cook. It can be hard to resist grabbing something quick when you’re busy all day. That’s why it’s so crucial to plan your meals around your schedule.
Please take a moment to review your week in advance. Plan meals that don’t take much time or effort if you know some days are going to be busy. This may mean dishes that you can start in the morning and prepare all at once, like sheet pan dinners, or leftovers from a bigger meal you made earlier in the week.
Batch cooking is also a fantastic way to save time. If you’re already cooking, you can double or quadruple the recipe and freeze some of it for later. That way, when you’re too exhausted to cook, you can just heat whatever you made instead of getting takeout.
Don’t forget about dishes that are really easy to make. You don’t have to make every dinner fancy. A sandwich with fruit on the side, a quick veggie stir-fry, or even breakfast for dinner can be just as satisfying as a meal from a restaurant. The idea is to make it as easy as possible to eat at home.
5. Find Healthier Grab-and-Go Alternatives
As the case may be, you need something quick sometimes. Find healthier options that still work with your busy life instead of relying on fast food.
Grocery stores often provide ready-made meals like sushi, rotisserie chicken, or fresh salads that are just as quick as fast food but far better for you. They might not be as cheap as cooking at home, but they are usually cheaper than a full fast food dinner.
Another fantastic choice is smoothies! If you want to stop for coffee or a quick breakfast, try making a smoothie at home instead. You can make a dinner that’s just as easy but far better for you by blending frozen fruit, protein powder, and almond milk together.
Some places are even better than quick food. Find places that serve nutritious, cheap cuisine, such as Mediterranean food, poke bowls, or sandwich shops. They are still quick and easy, but the ingredients and amounts are usually better.
6. Stock Your Kitchen with Quick & Easy Foods
Yes, there are days when we don’t want to cook. The key is to have quick, low-effort meals on hand so you don’t feel like going out for fast food instead.
People say negative things about frozen meals, yet there are many nutritious ones out there. You can make a meal in minutes if you keep frozen vegetables, pre-cooked grains, and lean proteins in your freezer. Having a few frozen meals that are decent quality on hand for emergencies can also save your life.
Also, make sure your cupboard is stocked with quick staples like canned beans, spaghetti, instant rice, and easy sauces. You can create a supper in less time than it takes to go through the drive-thru with just a few things.
Snacks are important too! If you typically eat fast food because you’re hungry, keep protein bars, nuts, or fruit on hand. If you have nutritious, substantial snacks on hand, you won’t make decisions on the spot because you’re hungry.
7. Set a Clear Budget for Eating Out
This point is very important!
The major reason people spend too much on fast food is that they don’t set clear limits on how much they may spend. If you don’t have a budget for eating out, it’s easy to spend a few dollars here and there. But when you look at your bank statement, you’ll see just how much you’ve spent.
Make a plan for how much you can spend on eating out each month. It may be $100 for the whole month or just enough for one luxurious lunch each week. Setting a limit will help you keep track of how much you spend and make it less likely that you’ll buy fast food on a whim.
Taking cash out of your dining-out budget is one way to stay accountable. You’re done for the month when the cash runs out. It’s very simple to spend too much money when you swipe a card, but when you give someone cash, you know how much you’re spending.
8. Find Out Why You Rely on Fast Food
Most importantly, you need to know what a habit is before you can change it. Why do you go through the drive-thru so often? Are you too exhausted to cook? Do you want the ease? Or maybe fast food is just something you do every day. If you take a moment to think about what makes you spend money, you’ll be able to make better choices in the future.
For a lot of folks, fast food is a way to deal with their feelings. It’s a treat after a long day, a way to relax when you’re worried, or a chance to hang out with friends. But using food as a way to deal with stress can make you spend too much money and eat badly. The first step to getting free is to know what these emotional triggers are.
Another reason is just not being ready. If you don’t have meals at home, you’re more likely to stop for something quick. This is why it’s so crucial to plan ahead: you don’t want to be starved with no other choice.
Instead of always going to fast food, look for other ways to deal with stress and convenience. That could involve making meals ahead of time, having healthy snacks on hand, or even taking a different route home to avoid temptation.
