Breaking a habit - Eating out.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Breaking a habit - Eating out.
7
Wed, 01-12-2005 - 10:27am

I eat out way to much....I want to stop picking up something that is quick and learn to prepare my meals (at dinner, I am usually too tired to cook when I get home) or be satisfied with my lunch. How were you able to break the cycle of eating out?

Pat

Avatar for cl_phocid
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 01-12-2005 - 10:37am

Hi Pat - great question!


For me, I started the breaking of the cycle when I started using a Crock Pot (generically referred to as a Slow Cooker).

All my best,
Danni

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-22-2003
Wed, 01-12-2005 - 10:41am
Before I even read Danni's post I was going to say the same thing - Crockpot!
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Wed, 01-12-2005 - 11:56am
Thanks Danny. I just looked on the crock pot message board....they have some really great things. Thanks again. Pat
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-21-2004
Wed, 01-12-2005 - 12:59pm
I broke my cycle by only allowing myself one night a paycheck (comes out to twice a month) to eat out. Honestly, once I started cooking, it became very relaxing and fun, esp finding new dishes to prepare. Now, I really can't stand McDonalds or any of those other burger places, can only handle fast food once in a great while, and don't even crave it but once in a blue moon. When I did start to break myself of eating out (plus I was also trying to lose weight) I only ate at Subway. It was hard at first but I don't miss it at all anymore. I'd rather cook than go eat a bunch of junk. I am however trying to get over my chinese food weakness. lol Why does it have to be so good!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-25-2003
Wed, 01-12-2005 - 2:08pm

In 2004 we really got into the habit of eating out - it was just more convenient and nicer.

So far this year we have not gone out to eat. This has been hard for me to do, mostly because I walk by places and think hmmm... that looks good.

What we did was mostly accidental - my friends and I got together and baked some nice snacks, and my future mother in law sent over so much food that we are still eating it. What I would suggest you do is pick a day that you are free, and prepare several meals in advance. That way, it is easy for you to say...oh, I'll just come home, pull this out of the freezer and heat it up. I cut up veggies in advance, too.

Maybe have a day of the week that you do eat out, so that if you feel the desire to eat somewhere, you can tell yourself that you'll go there on _____day.

Our favourite things that are fast are:

chili
tacos
chicken wraps
tuna melts
grilled cheese sandwiches
crepes

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2003
Wed, 01-12-2005 - 2:11pm

I like to pick one day a week and go crazy cooking. I will cook the most complicated stuff on this day, and then make enough to have some leftovers. Everyone in my family loves the beef stew with dumplings I prepare. I will make a chocolate pie here and there, and bread on occasion. If i want something that will last a couple days, i will cook a turkey breast. I can usually use it for three different meals, prepring different sides to go with it each day. Huge batches of mashed potatoes are made at the beginning of the week, too. Mondays and Fridays seem to be my cooking days, while Thursdays are my "there's nothing in this house to eat" days. Also, I have found that my grocery store sells awesome rotisserie chicken already prepared for cheaper than I can make it for , so on really hectic nights I don't feel bad about picking one up. I then will still make my own rolls and veggies. Comes out much cheaper (and definitely better tasting) than fast food. My weakness is pizza.

I am no good with a crock pot. I can't believe it, but it is true. Definitely the best way to get out of the fast food trap is to have food in the fridge that you actually like to eat. This may mean your grocery bill increases a bit, but you will save money in the long run. Heather

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-19-2004
Wed, 01-12-2005 - 4:58pm
I didn't have a choice but to break the habit. When I was married we ended up with all our credit cards maxed out, and there was no money left for eating out. I got back into the habit after my marriage ended and I started dating. My bf now teases me about not being able to cook, and the truth is I want to learn. So I've been printing off a couple recipe's each week from the internet and I just try to make it and see what happens. My plan is to have a notebook and keep all the recipes that I like in it. I've ended up buying a lot of spices doing this, so that is an initial investment that I want to utilize. I think of it like a craft project and I make it fun by involving my 4 year old.

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