Is it OK to Eat Out when you are a Minimalist?

One of the great things living in the Pacific Northwest is the many varieties of foods that are professionally created and served at our local restaurants. We take great pride in attracting some of the best chef’s to the area where we all have the opportunity to taste and appreciate the fine delicacies in which they artfully created. For many people they feel that this type of dining is slightly out of their budget.

One of the statistics that was reported recently was the fact that the average citizen in our area spends a whopping 10% of there budget on eating out. I find this totally amazing as one who has always enjoyed preparing food at home. Don’t get me wrong, I like to go out to eat just as much as anyone else here, but only do it on a special occasion or when my budget has the room for it. For my wife and I we may go out to eat once, or at times the most twice each month. Because we are frugal with our dollars we can usually make the decision to go somewhere local where specialty items are the main items on a menu. Yes, it does cost a little more than going to a fast food restaurant, but I have to say that there simply is no comparison. And the truth is that the cost is usually just slightly higher than eating mass produced foods.

So yes, for those of us who are minimalist or living a simpler way of life there is certainly room to celebrate life with splurging on the fine art of dining.

I dare you to take the 30 day challenge and write down every dollars you spend on eating out. This off course includes breakfast, lunch and dinner and Oh Yea, don’t forget about those Latte’s. When you add up your total amount for the month ask yourself if there is a more affordable way to replace this spending by preparing foods at home. Once you do I am sure you will find yourself in a place where enjoying a fine meal at a local restaurant will become an affordable option. I am sure that both your wallet and your health will thank you.