Psychology of "eating out"
lilrhody
Posts: 84 Member
I just posted this on my blog, but decided that it might be fun to get some perspectives here.
After being away for a week on business and a week of vacation, we finally got some groceries into the house - which means that I am back on track with my eating. It is amazing to me what a difference it makes having the right foods around rather than trying to order out and get the right foods.
But then that made me wonder, isn't that a big part of the problem. Why is it that one can be perfectly content eating a big old spinach salad at home, but ordering one from a restaurant feels like punishment? Why does it feel like a victory to have ordered a sandwich at a place like Subway and NOT get the bag of chips they push on you with the "combo," when if you'd made that same sandwich at home you'd never even have thought about chips.
What is the allure of "eating out" that makes it not only OK, but expected, that one will indulge? Is it rooted in our old way of thinking - when eating out was a treat and 99% of your meals were made and eating at home? If that is the case, what does it take to erase that old mindset? I've been eating more meals out than at home for years, so eating out no longer should seem like a treat to me. In fact, eating a home cooked meal really had become a treat for a while I was eating out so much - but that wasn't enough to erase that mindset that eating out meant indulging.
Thoughts??
After being away for a week on business and a week of vacation, we finally got some groceries into the house - which means that I am back on track with my eating. It is amazing to me what a difference it makes having the right foods around rather than trying to order out and get the right foods.
But then that made me wonder, isn't that a big part of the problem. Why is it that one can be perfectly content eating a big old spinach salad at home, but ordering one from a restaurant feels like punishment? Why does it feel like a victory to have ordered a sandwich at a place like Subway and NOT get the bag of chips they push on you with the "combo," when if you'd made that same sandwich at home you'd never even have thought about chips.
What is the allure of "eating out" that makes it not only OK, but expected, that one will indulge? Is it rooted in our old way of thinking - when eating out was a treat and 99% of your meals were made and eating at home? If that is the case, what does it take to erase that old mindset? I've been eating more meals out than at home for years, so eating out no longer should seem like a treat to me. In fact, eating a home cooked meal really had become a treat for a while I was eating out so much - but that wasn't enough to erase that mindset that eating out meant indulging.
Thoughts??
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Replies
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I just posted this on my blog, but decided that it might be fun to get some perspectives here.
After being away for a week on business and a week of vacation, we finally got some groceries into the house - which means that I am back on track with my eating. It is amazing to me what a difference it makes having the right foods around rather than trying to order out and get the right foods.
But then that made me wonder, isn't that a big part of the problem. Why is it that one can be perfectly content eating a big old spinach salad at home, but ordering one from a restaurant feels like punishment? Why does it feel like a victory to have ordered a sandwich at a place like Subway and NOT get the bag of chips they push on you with the "combo," when if you'd made that same sandwich at home you'd never even have thought about chips.
What is the allure of "eating out" that makes it not only OK, but expected, that one will indulge? Is it rooted in our old way of thinking - when eating out was a treat and 99% of your meals were made and eating at home? If that is the case, what does it take to erase that old mindset? I've been eating more meals out than at home for years, so eating out no longer should seem like a treat to me. In fact, eating a home cooked meal really had become a treat for a while I was eating out so much - but that wasn't enough to erase that mindset that eating out meant indulging.
Thoughts??
Who wants to order things they can make at home, ideally the food you order is something you don't often eat and of high quality. What fun is it to order plain boring food while out0 -
I totally thought this was going to go in a different direction.
For me, it has to do with costs. I will happily go out and have a salad that has salmon on it for $14. However, if it just an everyday salad and I'm at a steak place, there is no way I'm going to pay $10 for a salad. I'd rather have a steak for $14 (just random numbers don't get caught up on the prices, I'm making them up).
Also, going out to eat then only ordering a side salad for a few dollars feels silly.
On top of that, usually what I order would have taken hours to make at home (plus tons of dishes) so it is nice to be able to eat something complex and delicious and not have to do the dishes.
Interesting question.0 -
This is a really good thought. I struggled with it yesterday. I'm sure some of it is how they sale more food. They make more money if you get the bag of chips or if you order the appetizer and dessert.
Also, we have more choices. Having more choices makes it harder. It's like we see the menus with their glossy pictures of mouth watering food.
I had to force myself yesterday when going out to eat to eat a large salad and only half of my sandwich. It took the will of Job to get through it. I felt like I had been in a cage fight but I won.
I really think that meals prepared from home is the only way to go. I know when you are traveling that isnt always impossible. I honestly dont know what to do. I guess you have to put blinders on and psych yourself out to win.0 -
I just posted this on my blog, but decided that it might be fun to get some perspectives here.
After being away for a week on business and a week of vacation, we finally got some groceries into the house - which means that I am back on track with my eating. It is amazing to me what a difference it makes having the right foods around rather than trying to order out and get the right foods.
But then that made me wonder, isn't that a big part of the problem. Why is it that one can be perfectly content eating a big old spinach salad at home, but ordering one from a restaurant feels like punishment? Why does it feel like a victory to have ordered a sandwich at a place like Subway and NOT get the bag of chips they push on you with the "combo," when if you'd made that same sandwich at home you'd never even have thought about chips.
What is the allure of "eating out" that makes it not only OK, but expected, that one will indulge? Is it rooted in our old way of thinking - when eating out was a treat and 99% of your meals were made and eating at home? If that is the case, what does it take to erase that old mindset? I've been eating more meals out than at home for years, so eating out no longer should seem like a treat to me. In fact, eating a home cooked meal really had become a treat for a while I was eating out so much - but that wasn't enough to erase that mindset that eating out meant indulging.
Thoughts??
Who wants to order things they can make at home, ideally the food you order is something you don't often eat and of high quality. What fun is it to order plain boring food while out
I hate to say he's right, but he is. I order things at restaurants that I can't/wouldn't take the time or effort to make at home. Going out to eat isn't something I do every day and IS a treat.0 -
Agreed. OK really I just want this to show up in my news feed kthnxI just posted this on my blog, but decided that it might be fun to get some perspectives here.
After being away for a week on business and a week of vacation, we finally got some groceries into the house - which means that I am back on track with my eating. It is amazing to me what a difference it makes having the right foods around rather than trying to order out and get the right foods.
But then that made me wonder, isn't that a big part of the problem. Why is it that one can be perfectly content eating a big old spinach salad at home, but ordering one from a restaurant feels like punishment? Why does it feel like a victory to have ordered a sandwich at a place like Subway and NOT get the bag of chips they push on you with the "combo," when if you'd made that same sandwich at home you'd never even have thought about chips.
What is the allure of "eating out" that makes it not only OK, but expected, that one will indulge? Is it rooted in our old way of thinking - when eating out was a treat and 99% of your meals were made and eating at home? If that is the case, what does it take to erase that old mindset? I've been eating more meals out than at home for years, so eating out no longer should seem like a treat to me. In fact, eating a home cooked meal really had become a treat for a while I was eating out so much - but that wasn't enough to erase that mindset that eating out meant indulging.
Thoughts??
Who wants to order things they can make at home, ideally the food you order is something you don't often eat and of high quality. What fun is it to order plain boring food while out
I hate to say he's right, but he is. I order things at restaurants that I can't/wouldn't take the time or effort to make at home. Going out to eat isn't something I do every day and IS a treat.0 -
Was expecting a different topic. Have a nice day.0
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Probably my favorite thing to do is eat out. Mostly because it is a time for good interaction and it usually is for the benefit of others. I could sit home by myself no problem but if i have an opportunity to eat out...i'm diving right on it.0
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BOOOO I came here for the sex0
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Yup. When I go out to eat, I *know* I'm going to order something that is probably ridiculously high in calories. And that's okay.I just posted this on my blog, but decided that it might be fun to get some perspectives here.
After being away for a week on business and a week of vacation, we finally got some groceries into the house - which means that I am back on track with my eating. It is amazing to me what a difference it makes having the right foods around rather than trying to order out and get the right foods.
But then that made me wonder, isn't that a big part of the problem. Why is it that one can be perfectly content eating a big old spinach salad at home, but ordering one from a restaurant feels like punishment? Why does it feel like a victory to have ordered a sandwich at a place like Subway and NOT get the bag of chips they push on you with the "combo," when if you'd made that same sandwich at home you'd never even have thought about chips.
What is the allure of "eating out" that makes it not only OK, but expected, that one will indulge? Is it rooted in our old way of thinking - when eating out was a treat and 99% of your meals were made and eating at home? If that is the case, what does it take to erase that old mindset? I've been eating more meals out than at home for years, so eating out no longer should seem like a treat to me. In fact, eating a home cooked meal really had become a treat for a while I was eating out so much - but that wasn't enough to erase that mindset that eating out meant indulging.
Thoughts??
Who wants to order things they can make at home, ideally the food you order is something you don't often eat and of high quality. What fun is it to order plain boring food while out
I hate to say he's right, but he is. I order things at restaurants that I can't/wouldn't take the time or effort to make at home. Going out to eat isn't something I do every day and IS a treat.
That's what treats are for.0 -
Probably my favorite thing to do is eat out.
MINE!0 -
Agreed. OK really I just want this to show up in my news feed kthnxI just posted this on my blog, but decided that it might be fun to get some perspectives here.
After being away for a week on business and a week of vacation, we finally got some groceries into the house - which means that I am back on track with my eating. It is amazing to me what a difference it makes having the right foods around rather than trying to order out and get the right foods.
But then that made me wonder, isn't that a big part of the problem. Why is it that one can be perfectly content eating a big old spinach salad at home, but ordering one from a restaurant feels like punishment? Why does it feel like a victory to have ordered a sandwich at a place like Subway and NOT get the bag of chips they push on you with the "combo," when if you'd made that same sandwich at home you'd never even have thought about chips.
What is the allure of "eating out" that makes it not only OK, but expected, that one will indulge? Is it rooted in our old way of thinking - when eating out was a treat and 99% of your meals were made and eating at home? If that is the case, what does it take to erase that old mindset? I've been eating more meals out than at home for years, so eating out no longer should seem like a treat to me. In fact, eating a home cooked meal really had become a treat for a while I was eating out so much - but that wasn't enough to erase that mindset that eating out meant indulging.
Thoughts??
Who wants to order things they can make at home, ideally the food you order is something you don't often eat and of high quality. What fun is it to order plain boring food while out
I hate to say he's right, but he is. I order things at restaurants that I can't/wouldn't take the time or effort to make at home. Going out to eat isn't something I do every day and IS a treat.
+10 -
Yup. When I go out to eat, I *know* I'm going to order something that is probably ridiculously high in calories. And that's okay.I just posted this on my blog, but decided that it might be fun to get some perspectives here.
After being away for a week on business and a week of vacation, we finally got some groceries into the house - which means that I am back on track with my eating. It is amazing to me what a difference it makes having the right foods around rather than trying to order out and get the right foods.
But then that made me wonder, isn't that a big part of the problem. Why is it that one can be perfectly content eating a big old spinach salad at home, but ordering one from a restaurant feels like punishment? Why does it feel like a victory to have ordered a sandwich at a place like Subway and NOT get the bag of chips they push on you with the "combo," when if you'd made that same sandwich at home you'd never even have thought about chips.
What is the allure of "eating out" that makes it not only OK, but expected, that one will indulge? Is it rooted in our old way of thinking - when eating out was a treat and 99% of your meals were made and eating at home? If that is the case, what does it take to erase that old mindset? I've been eating more meals out than at home for years, so eating out no longer should seem like a treat to me. In fact, eating a home cooked meal really had become a treat for a while I was eating out so much - but that wasn't enough to erase that mindset that eating out meant indulging.
Thoughts??
Who wants to order things they can make at home, ideally the food you order is something you don't often eat and of high quality. What fun is it to order plain boring food while out
I hate to say he's right, but he is. I order things at restaurants that I can't/wouldn't take the time or effort to make at home. Going out to eat isn't something I do every day and IS a treat.
That's what treats are for.
QFT0 -
Yup. All of this.
Yup. When I go out to eat, I *know* I'm going to order something that is probably ridiculously high in calories. And that's okay.I just posted this on my blog, but decided that it might be fun to get some perspectives here.
After being away for a week on business and a week of vacation, we finally got some groceries into the house - which means that I am back on track with my eating. It is amazing to me what a difference it makes having the right foods around rather than trying to order out and get the right foods.
But then that made me wonder, isn't that a big part of the problem. Why is it that one can be perfectly content eating a big old spinach salad at home, but ordering one from a restaurant feels like punishment? Why does it feel like a victory to have ordered a sandwich at a place like Subway and NOT get the bag of chips they push on you with the "combo," when if you'd made that same sandwich at home you'd never even have thought about chips.
What is the allure of "eating out" that makes it not only OK, but expected, that one will indulge? Is it rooted in our old way of thinking - when eating out was a treat and 99% of your meals were made and eating at home? If that is the case, what does it take to erase that old mindset? I've been eating more meals out than at home for years, so eating out no longer should seem like a treat to me. In fact, eating a home cooked meal really had become a treat for a while I was eating out so much - but that wasn't enough to erase that mindset that eating out meant indulging.
Thoughts??
Who wants to order things they can make at home, ideally the food you order is something you don't often eat and of high quality. What fun is it to order plain boring food while out
I hate to say he's right, but he is. I order things at restaurants that I can't/wouldn't take the time or effort to make at home. Going out to eat isn't something I do every day and IS a treat.
That's what treats are for.
QFT0 -
If I bite my tongue any harder I'm gonna have to log it.0
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Probably my favorite thing to do is eat out. Mostly because it is a time for good interaction and it usually is for the benefit of others. I could sit home by myself no problem but if i have an opportunity to eat out...i'm diving right on it.
Awesome.0 -
Give in to itIf I bite my tongue any harder I'm gonna have to log it.0 -
If I bite my tongue any harder I'm gonna have to log it.
well then let me bite it for you....that way you don't have to log it and then I'm eating out too!0 -
how the F am I not going to say something I dont regret? *BANGS HEAD AGAINST DESK.
MUST STAY STRONG.0 -
I just go for something I can really dive into. I usually go all animal and messy as well. Condiments, trimmings, the works. Anything worth doing, is worth doing right.0
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For me, eating out is a rare event and a treat...usually means my wife and I are on a date. My wife and I eat out maybe once or twice per month...namely because I enjoy cooking and eating out is frankly not all that fun with a toddler and infant in tow.
I don't necessarily consider it an indulgence if I'm eating something besides a salad or something. In fact, I very rarely have salad...I eat all kinds of stuff and I don't consider them indulgences. The fit in my calorie goals and my macros and I' m good to go.
When I eat out, my food choices are most directly linked to the type of restaurant I'm eating at. If I'm out for Japanese, I'm going to have sushi...if I'm at a steak house, I'm having steak and the traditional sides. I don't really see that as an indulgence...I eat steak and potatoes at home all of the time as well. If I'm at a pizza joint, I'm having a pizza...Italian and I'm having pasta. I just don't see why one would choose to go to a steak house or something and just get a salad...that's just bizarre to me...go to a salad bar if you want a salad.
Really, I think it comes down to ones definition of indulgence...is indulgence a certain food...macro or micro nutrient? For me, it's not. For me, an indulgence would be overeating my calories...and personally, nothing wrong with that as long as it's not routine. "Naturally" skinny people indulge...they just don't make a habit of it.
I suppose if I was made to eat out frequently I would have to consider things differently...but as rare as I eat out, I eat whatever I want and don't worry about it.0 -
What is the allure of "eating out" that makes it not only OK, but expected, that one will indulge?
I'm not sure why but I prefer to eat out.0 -
It depends on what type of eating out I am doing. Am I out and about running errands and stuff, then I probably grab something quick and easy and cheap. But if eating out is my entertainment for the night well I am going to eat several courses and fill myself.
I was watching what I ate a few years ago and the family and I went to Bertucci's for Pizza. Their pizza is to die for. But since I was watching what I ate I had a salad with Chicken breast. The salad was horrible. The chicken was a small overcooked portion. I sat there hating my meal watching my family enjoy theirs and I love pizza. I swore then that if I go to a speciality restaurant like a steakhouse, then I would have the speciality in this case pizza.0 -
My thoughts EXACTLY. If it's something I am MORE than capable of making at home, i'd much rather do it myself. I know what goes in it, i get to add what i want, and i make sure it tastes the way i want.
The only reason i would eat out is if it's something special or something im completely incapable of making myself.I just posted this on my blog, but decided that it might be fun to get some perspectives here.
After being away for a week on business and a week of vacation, we finally got some groceries into the house - which means that I am back on track with my eating. It is amazing to me what a difference it makes having the right foods around rather than trying to order out and get the right foods.
But then that made me wonder, isn't that a big part of the problem. Why is it that one can be perfectly content eating a big old spinach salad at home, but ordering one from a restaurant feels like punishment? Why does it feel like a victory to have ordered a sandwich at a place like Subway and NOT get the bag of chips they push on you with the "combo," when if you'd made that same sandwich at home you'd never even have thought about chips.
What is the allure of "eating out" that makes it not only OK, but expected, that one will indulge? Is it rooted in our old way of thinking - when eating out was a treat and 99% of your meals were made and eating at home? If that is the case, what does it take to erase that old mindset? I've been eating more meals out than at home for years, so eating out no longer should seem like a treat to me. In fact, eating a home cooked meal really had become a treat for a while I was eating out so much - but that wasn't enough to erase that mindset that eating out meant indulging.
Thoughts??
Who wants to order things they can make at home, ideally the food you order is something you don't often eat and of high quality. What fun is it to order plain boring food while out0 -
can we be naughty yet>0
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I know what you mean, I also see "eating out" as kind of a treat and it is difficult to skip the cheddar bread at Red Lobster or the falvored tea at a restaurant and even the baked lays at subway. The problem becomes when you have to eat out due to necessity, either job dictated or like you said on a vacation, then you are at the mercy of the hotel you stay at and the area around you and that becomes a problem. So it does become harder to stick to your diet because we all consider eating out as a treat. So when I am working away from my home (which I did for over 100 days last year) I try to eat smarter at the breakfast buffets, then I plan out my meals at the restaurants I eat at and I try my best not to fall into the meal traps. Taco Bell has an excellent salad, but then they ruin it with the side of chips, same goes for subway, wendy's etc. Another mitigation method is to work out extra while on the road to account for the extra calories while eating out.
I think the other psychological issue of eating out is the economic aspect. When we order a chicken ceasar salad that we could have easily made at home, we feel kind of bad for paying for it, especially if we are eating out at a really nice restaurant. We also feel guilty when ordering water, or even worse paying for bottled water. In the end we just need to get over it and do what is best our bodies.0 -
Probably my favorite thing to do is eat out. Mostly because it is a time for good interaction and it usually is for the benefit of others. I could sit home by myself no problem but if i have an opportunity to eat out...i'm diving right on it.
I see what you did there.0 -
Great topic! Like you said, it's pretty easy for me to cook healthy meals at home. I avoid buying things like frozen pizza because if it's there, that's the only thing I'll want to eat. So when I go out to eat, it's harder to avoid the "bad" things because they are right there. Also, if I'm going to spend money to eat out, I want it to be something I'm really going to love...not that I don't love a reallllly good salad, but restaurants have meals I would never make at home, and to eat those kinds of meals would be a treat. Plus, eating at home, my fiance and I are eating the same thing. If I go out to eat, and my friends or all my coworkers are ordering pizza, I'll feel less satisfied with my salad because I'm seeing them eat those foods I loooooove but feel like I should avoid. To combat these things, I try to go to restaurants that have a variety of healthy meal options. Cheesecake Factory is my favorite. Everyone I know likes that place- it has something for everyone- and their "Skinnylicious" menu has all sorts of stuff- HUGE salads, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, meat/chicken/fish, tacos, enchiladas, etc. so I CAN have something that doesn't look or taste like "diet food" but it's still under 600 cals.0
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For me, eating out is a rare event and a treat...usually means my wife and I are on a date. My wife and I eat out maybe once or twice per month...
This is why marriage sucks....sex life goes straight out of the window!!0 -
The problem I have been having for about the last year, is that I am a better cook than d@mn near every restaurant in town. (Especially when my garden is cranking out vegetables.) Why spend $100+ on a nice meal out, when for half that, I can get fresh everything and make it myself, not have to worry about driving home after drinking a bottle of wine, and do it all in my jammies if I so choose? Eating out have become an occassional necessity as opposed to a regular treat.
That being said, if I am going to eat out, I agree with the first response: I want what I cannot make at home. (At which point I will usually dissect it so I can replicate & improve it.)0
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