Motivation to Not Eat Out

Why do you want to eat out? Is is the social aspect? Don't like cooking? Are you really hungry at the end of the work day that you just want to eat and not have to cook?

I personally fall into all 3 of these categories. I despise cooking, and then the eventual clean-up. When I started my weight-loss endeavor, I signed up for a food service (Freshly) that sends me fresh prepared meals that I just need to pop in the microwave. This has really worked for me as there is no clean-up and it doesn't take any time to make so it's just as convenient as grabbing take-out or eating out. I have a few, quick/easy recipes that I use for the remaining days of the week.

I still eat out a couple times a week though because my husband and I enjoy the social aspect of eating out with friends. I will usually check the menu ahead of time to find something that fits within my calorie budget. Pre-planning what I eat really helps me stay on track!

Honestly? I just eat out usually. I don't cook and am not crazy about eating alone, so I'll take any excuse to eat somewhere other than over my own kitchen sink. I lost 60 pounds and have maintained most of that loss for 3 years now--all eating out 3-5 times a week. Like one of the other posters, I order meals from Freshly for my lunches and home meals. When I either get tired of those or get a better offer, I just go out. As long as I stick to my "restaurant rules", it's not a problem.

acpgee wrote: »

I love to cook but also love eating out. Eating out gives me ideas to expand my kitchen repertoire sometimes. Other times I love eating out at places where I just can't replicate the food at home in a domestic kitchen. Restaurants that cook over open fires, use wood burning smokers, or wok asian food at extremely high temperature.

I make room for restaurant meals on the weekend by doing an extra big cardio workout beforehand.

Agree with this.

For OP, I understand the impulse when one is tired, etc., and what has worked for me is having ingredients I can cook from at home, making enough for leftovers so there often is something available if it's extra late or I'm extra tired. And, most of all, just making myself do it, and be creative with what I have in the refrigerator. What I found way back when I first started cooking regularly is that the more I did it, the more I found it relaxing and tended to prefer my own cooking for daily meals. And if you aren't tied to recipes and are willing to work with what's on hand and experiment and also to just cook pretty simply much of the time, it feels easy and is fast. I usually think about what I am going to make earlier in the day so that I get excited about it and am craving it on the way home. I do plan ahead as to the protein I will use, so it's in the refrigerator and ready for me.

I sometimes read cookbooks or cooking websites for ideas, and that helps me be excited or inspired to cook too, although I rarely follow recipes because it's tedious IMO.

That said, unlike some others I'm not anti restaurants at all, and there are tons of excellent restaurants (from the somewhat higher end with great chefs, to many focused on local, in-season cuisine, to many specializing in a wide variety of cuisines) in my city, from which I get ideas or try things I haven't had before or eat a style or cuisine I'm not skilled with, etc. I really like trying new restaurants or going back to old favorites, but indeed it is expensive so it's more part of my social life, something we do once a week (occasionally twice) before a play or the symphony or the like. I tend to use the cals from my weekend long run or else just eat super light the rest of the day so as to fit it in.

Transfer the money you would have spent to a savings account, then at the end of the month buy something to treat yourself - new outfit, mani/pedi, new book, whatever floats your boat.

I've usually planned my dinner out ahead, and I'm looking forward to eating it when I get home.

I'm cheap, and restaurants are costly by the time you add on a decent tip. And with fast food, I find I often don't feel very well afterwards. What I will do if the mood hits is stop at the grocery store for a pre-made salad instead, bonus points if it's at the expiry date and 30% off. lol

Have you thought about why you eat out? If it's abiut the ritual of unwinding after work, maybe you can go to a cafe and grab a pressed juice or lemonade.

Also, the advice I've seen someone give: leave your credit card and money at home... It's GENIUS. I might start doing that as well hahaha

$$$$

With a wife and two kids, eating out gets really expensive, really quick. You're pretty much starting at around $30 right out the door.

I also enjoy cooking and I'm pretty good in the kitchen...I can usually make something better at home than I can get out, unless it's a fancier restaurant.

On the weekends when I’m most likely to order takeout, I like looking through cookbooks or Pinterest for something healthy and super flavorful (using things like seasonal produce) and prepare a meal as something special, and plate it nicely like a treat. It makes it feel more like an indulgence. Basically, I pretend I’m the Barefoot Contessa.

I don't like to eat out for several reasons. I think having delicious food at home helps, especially fast quick foods, like even frozen meals.

I was addicted to Amy's Green Curry bag...2 servings, 10 minutes. Also the Chinese frozen food from Trader Joe's, I think it's better than takeout, cheaper and a lot lower calorie!

Trader Joe's frozen lava cakes for dessert, OMG the stuff is to die for, perfect size servings.

I also add things to frozen foods. Like frozen Mexican food... Topped with chopped onions, tomatoes, olives, avocados, cilantro, lettuce or greens, sour cream, salsa, etc.

Quick delicious foods, I prefer over takeout or eating out!

I've eaten out TWICE since I started wlj last April. I found a passion for cooking a few years back. Plus it is healthier and much cheaper. I know I am probably not the norm, but in order for me to focus on my goals, I have basically hunkered down in my house until I lose this 100 lbs. I've lost 68 so far. I'm single, no kids so it's easier for me to focus.