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When dining out and eating fast food if you sit down and take a look at what you are shelling out for the ultimate convenience it may make you say hold the lettuce permanently. Dining out is so tempting to todays modern family on the go and even the person who is single and doesn't have the need to cook all that often.

It is hot, ready. No cooking, no cleaning, no washing dishes, and you can order individual items to satisfy every ones needs. A lot of people would just fork over the cash for those things alone not counting the food. Even those inexpensive fast food dollar menus can tug at your wallet once you add it all up. Here are some simple tips to help you save some money while dining out.

Beverages are almost always 1/4 of your entire bill that is just too much. Most people want pop or tea with their meal and it isn't cheap. Most people will just waste those big bulky to go cups anyway. The first option to save money on drinks is to order water. Water will benefit you all through your meal not just money wise. Water will allow you to have a cleaner palate for optimal taste, it will make you feel fuller quicker so you not as hungry, and water is just all around the perfect beverage for perfect health.

If you insist on pop or something other than water then let your small kids have some of your drink instead of buying them their own. Always try to find a place where you have free refills, and always get light ice. I like to order water with a lemon slice squeeze the lemon juice in my water and add a few packets of sugar at the table.

Most restaurant's appetizers are fairly large and you can easily get filled up on the appetizer alone. Order one appetizer and one entree or meal and split it between you and your partner it will get you full. It takes your body at least fifteen minutes to recognize food and begin to feel full. Take your time eating and make sure you are drinking that water your health and wallet will both be appreciative. Check for certain hours of the day when the restaurant will have specials.

Most will have lunch and dinner specials as well as half priced drinks, and discounts for kids that are under a certain age. At our local Golden Corral Tuesdays is where the kid's 12 and under eat for only $1.99 including drink, and on Monday's at our Ghatti's Pizza kids eat FREE with an adult buffet purchase.

Just like you do when needing to save money at the grocery store check the val. packs, newspapers, and magazine's for the coupons. Most coupons for dining out offer buy one get one free deals and buy one get one-half off deals. Also check to see if your favorite restaurant has a frequent Diners club. My favorite pizza place gives us one point for every dollar we spend and when we reach $100.00 we get $15.00 worth of food for free.

If you are just wanting the dining experience itself grab something quick to eat at the house before you go like a bowl of soup or sandwich and then go to the restaurant order your favorite drink and appetizer and enjoy the atmosphere ane each others company!

Learn more about this author, Eric Buckingham.
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