IN A materialistic "go big or go home" world people are expected to spend big or they will find it difficult to be among the in-crowd.

Eating out can be one of life's little pleasures and is a sure sign that "you have arrived".

One of the problems many are faced with, however, when eating out in restaurants, is the cost of meals. On the days you do choose to eat out, however, you need not empty your wallet in exchange for a good meal.

You can make smart choices while dining out.

Peter Muzondo, a restaurant chef, says a home-cooked meal is almost always going to be less expensive than dining out. Home-prepared food is almost always healthier, he says.

"Most restaurant meals are loaded with fat, sugar, and calories. Fast food all too often means unhealthy eats, for example, pizza, deep-fried food, burgers and so on. So, if you're trying to spend less, you could do some serious damage to your health if you're not careful. "Most restaurants want to make something irresistibly tasty before considering how healthy it is," Muzondo says.

He offers the following tips that can help keep dining costs down:

Avoid tipping

There are times when it's okay to avoid tipping. Skip the long wait and the service tip by taking out a meal from the restaurant and enjoying it at home.

Share your food

This does not only save you money but doing things this way helps you eat less which helps with weight maintenance.

Don't buy drinks

If you are out to have a good time and eager to enjoy a drink or two, then go to a bar. Restaurant booze is much more expensive. Also, stick to water instead of fizzy drinks or tea.

Splurge on lunch

If eating out for you is more about the experience of a particular restaurant or the cuisine, consider going to that fancy restaurant for lunch.

There's often lunch specials available, featuring meals made from the same ingredients but at a lower price than the dinner offerings.

Order the children's meals

The meals for children are generally cheaper and most of the time are the perfect size for adults.

Bring back the leftovers

Bring back a doggy bag and make the most of your leftovers.

Don't go hungry

Don't skip a meal before you go to a restaurant. When you're hungry, you're likely to order more than you can eat.

Go to a shisanyama

Shisanyamas and no-frills restaurants usually offer better food for lower prices.

Eat out on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, the slowest days of the week for restaurants.

You'll be much more likely to find special deals and offers.

Kids eat free

If you have younger children, look for restaurants that offer "kids night" discounts, but you'll usually be required to buy at least one adult meal.

Fast Food

The cheapest option for eating out is fast food. But it is also typically the least healthy.