Money saved on fast food and paying for rewards

 I have thought a lot lately about how much money I have been saving on going out to eat.  Not just fast food, just going out to eat in general.  The DH and I would go out 5-6 times a week and we must be saving at least $500 a month.  I have been thinking about just starting a jar and everytime I think I would have gone out to eat (particularly fast food) I think I might throw a few dollars in a jar.  This in turn can pay for a nice weekend away with the DH and also a nice family weekend away somewhere.  Just thoght I would throw the idea out there to see if anyone has a better version of it.  

It may be different because my husband and I did surgery at the same time, and we're only 3 weeks out, but, I don't see where we have saved a ton of money because of the supplements and protein we are having to buy!  It may be worse for us because we're having to buy everything twice.  BUT I do know we have saved some not going out to eat.  We too were going out to eat 5 or 6 times per week.  I have noticed that I don't want to go out to eat either!  I think because I'm scared of how others cook their food and I am scared to eat it!  If I can get sick from something where I know exactly where it came from, exactly how it was prepared (eggs for example) you never know what fastfood puts in theirs!

Sorry for the ramble!  I do think the jar is a great idea!  I may think about that, we are mainly working to pay off debt with our extra right now!  :)  I think I'd like to save up for a getaway for hubs and I though, we haven't been on vacation in forever!  

 We still like to go out to eat, but for whatever reason it is much much easier now not to do it.  Even for him- and he is not sleeved, but working hard on his weight.  I think that at this point part is because I have a list of quick protein items that is just easier to do then taking the time to go out to eat.  We split meals when we go so that also cuts down on cost.  

I agree the supplements are pricey.  When I first bought them it was a lot, but they have lasted quite a while now as far as the vitamins and such.  I was spending too much on shake options, but now that I have it down to just premier shakes i go through about 10 a week.  Not too bad.  Overall, we are still saving money for sure.  

The good news is that I save a ton of money on eating out and groceries.  The bad news is that now spend a ton of money on clothes and upscale makeup (my favorite reward -- if I can just lose 4 more pounds and hit the century mark, I'm buying the Urban Decay Naked eye kit).

Now, instead of hitting the candy and bakery sections of Costco, I grab clothes out of the clothing section because I can actually wear regular size clothes that I could never fit into before.  Combined with my constant need for every-shrinking pant sizes, it's a financial wash. 

I've already started my clothing and high heel fund :) The supplements/vitamins were intially a lot for a 90 days supply but a hundred bucks a month is NOTHING compared to my Starbucks bill, let alone fast food, eating out, cigarettes and alcohol. Literally I'll be saving at least $600-800 a month and that doesn't include my hubby eating better and no smoking.
We're planning a first trip to Europe in Sept for my birthday and to celebrate this wonderful choice I finally had the courage to make so all of the $ we're saving not smoking/drinking (probably $800 a month between the two of us is going towards that!) We travel all over the Caribbean but I never felt like I could go to Europe with all of the walking and hills involved. I can't wait to be in Paris in 7 months!

what a great idea! I went out for the first time to eat yesterday. Got some refried beans from taco bell (1/4 cup) for a QUARTER. I'm a friggin' CHEAP DATE!!!!!!!!!!!!

...and I was perfectly satisfied having just those beans. Yay for saving money!