Breaking a habit - Eating out.
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Breaking a habit - Eating out.
| 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

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
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
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