wish I could get some control

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-30-1999
wish I could get some control
9
Fri, 04-21-2006 - 6:28pm

I've been down the last couple of days that I can't seem to get more control of myself.I love to eat out. It's one of my favorite things! and my waist is starting to show it :(
I know I need to be snow flaking that money or saving it. I guess part of all this is being somewhat depressed and worried. DH started his dream small business recently and while it is going okay and has great potential it worries me still. I know he's in it for the long haul. Anyway... any ideas how to give myself more will power??? LOL

michelle

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-25-2003
Fri, 04-21-2006 - 6:33pm

I don't know. I have no will power either.

Sometimes what helps to get myself back on track, because I like to cook, is to go to the grocery store, pick up some fresh, in season fruit and the ingredients for a fun or comforting meal - meatloaf with mashed potatoes and veggies, something that tastes even better homemade than it does at a restaurant, and go home and cook it with the radio on. The next day we have fresh fruit and yoghurt for breakfast and leftovers for dinner, and I gradually transition myself back into eating at home.

Keep trying! it takes time to form good habits, and it takes time to break bad habits.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-12-2004
Sat, 04-22-2006 - 12:02am
Hi, T--Well, I have NO willpower lately. Spent a fortune (again) on food, DH's medicine, etc. One thing I think someone mentioned here is to tape a visual image onto what you are saving for. For example, on the spare change bottle (empty water bottle), I taped a picture of a small garden (no weeds!) since I want to get the yard in shape. THat keeps me motivated to drop any and all spare change in there, and not scattered in the laundry room, pants pocket, etc. I seem to go in spurts----wont spend for awhile, then boom, something comes up. Just have to keep the eye on the prize----getting that cc down each month, and cooking at home (for me). Rootin' for ya! WHiz.
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-06-2005
Sat, 04-22-2006 - 9:37am

Michelle, hugs!

 

Image hosting by TinyPic

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-22-1999
Sat, 04-22-2006 - 11:41am

I am trying to develop better habits that will help me get back into control of my spending and back into control of other behaviors that cost me money. No, it isn't easy, that is for sure. I have to tell myself NO a lot now, and when it is esp. tough to hear it, I do try to appease myself by explaining to myself why NO is a good answer. I try to remind myself what my GOAL is and that if I want to get there, I know what it will take to get there. Some sacrifice is part of this debt journey we are on. For me, it sometimes helps to push me creatively.

NO is one thing at a time. NO is a way to put you on a different path. NO is a way to make you think differently and explore other options. NO is a way to find something else to do with your time. NO is to say YES to the FUTURE YOU WANT TO HAVE.

The present is so powerful compared to the future, but what you do NOW determines where you will be LATER with your GOAL.

Feeling philosphical, Littlesbigs

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-30-1999
Sat, 04-22-2006 - 11:55am

thanks for the help everyone.
so far today i've eaten breakfast and lunch at home :)
no promises about dinner!
i know i've got to keep plugging and make baby steps each day.

michelle

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-23-2005
Sat, 04-22-2006 - 12:00pm

Hi Michelle -

lvhunnie2005

Avatar for cl_beckymk
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Sat, 04-22-2006 - 5:00pm

I don't really have any inspiring words for you, just to let you know we are here for you.


I know it's hard to be in the limbo stage just waiting for the big break (i.e. with the business).

Becky mom to


Carolyn (6th), Aaron (3rd), Kyle (Kindie), Luke (2)


CL to

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-09-2002
Sat, 04-22-2006 - 5:30pm
I definately agree with all the great posts! I love going out to eat too, although doing it less oftern makes it a really nice treat. I find that going to coffee shops also works for me as well as finding a nice place where you get your food yourself at the counter helps me. I love this Mexican place close to where I live. I bring a good book, get a simple burrito (less money without the added sour cream!), a cup of water instead of a bottle and $4 later I am happy and full and more movitvated to eat at home that night. And if its a night out, my boyfriend and I have stared eating a small dinner at home earlier in the night and going out for maybe an appetizer and a few nice drinks at the bar instead. Still cheaper than a movie with goodies so I consider it a great date and a success in the finace department. Little steps are the way to go for me. I fall off the wagon sometimes but all and all, doing pretty good. For me balance is also the key - doing what I love in cheaper ways.
Avatar for endomagazine
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2004
Tue, 05-02-2006 - 11:34pm

Hello,


Our weakness is fast food. My DH and I both work for the same company, so we commute home together. Often, the fast food signs, or the chinese buffet we really enjoy, will seem to beckon on that long 45 minute drive, calling out that "This is faster! No cooking involved! No dishes to clean up afterward!" (I hate doing dishes.)


In an attempt to get back in the habit of cooking regularly, I'm creating a list of our absolute favorite foods that I've cooked before. If I can "tempt" DH with something yummy, he will often forget about suggesting fast food. In some ways, I think he feels guilty about "making me cook" after a long day at work. But it's not really a chore for me. I enjoy it, but simply haven't made a habit out of cooking every single night. I too am slowly weaning us off the restaurants that are "easy" but not economical.


When my DH was laid off for 5 months, he was much more receptive to eating "in" because he wasn't driving past all of the temptations every day. He was also more conscious of how much we were spending on fast food. I just need to find a way to continue to motivate both of us away from those tempting offers. =)


Sincerely,
Lindsey Schocke

Geeks on Tap: Mission Accomplished