Anyone else eat out everyday?
fastfoodietofitcutie
Posts: 523 Member
I need to make more of an effort to eat at home. I’m trying to stay within my calories/macros but know I’d be better off cooking. It’s a combination of me being lazy and living by myself so no need to cook for anyone else. I would probably also save money. Just wondering if anyone else also eats out all the time.
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Replies
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I'll refrain from giving advice/suggestions on how you can start moving towards cooking and just say that, yes, you can eat out and lose weight. Just watch your portions (which I'm sure you already do).2
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I rarely Ever go out to eat. In fact I avoid it as much as possible. If I do I order a garden salad or plain steamed vegetables. I do have a few vegan places I kinda like but I do not trust restaurants whatsoever. I know many chefs who do not like when customers ask for modifications. Plus they add too much oil and do whatever it takes to enhance flavor, creativity. its expensive and I want to know what I am eating. Fast food is obviously awful IMO3
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Nearly everything I eat comes out of a restaurant or my freezer and it's been that way for years--all through my weight loss and maintenance. I don't care to cook, so I don't.2
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Damn, just prices now of eating out should be a deterrent3
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We used to eat out a lot but have cut it way back since getting an air fryer. It's so easy to toss a chicken breast or two in there and cook up some veggies and/or potatoes on the stove. Clean up is way easier than using an oven as well.3
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tomcustombuilder wrote: »Damn, just prices now of eating out should be a deterrent
Not really. I get at least two and often three meals out of a restaurant entree. Sunday night I got a two meat meal, a green salad, and a couple of ribs from a local BBQ place. I’m finishing it tonight. All in it was about $45. Meat, vegetables, seasoning/recipe stuff, and some kind of starch at the store always seem to come out at $80 minimum for about the same number of meals. That’s even before I figure in the time spent cooking and cleaning that could be much more productively used.0 -
tomcustombuilder wrote: »Damn, just prices now of eating out should be a deterrent
Not really. I get at least two and often three meals out of a restaurant entree. Sunday night I got a two meat meal and a couple of ribs from a local BBQ place. I’m finishing it tonight. All in it was about $45. Meat, vegetables, seasoning/recipe stuff, and some kind of starch at the store always seem to come out at $80 minimum for about the same number of meals. That’s even before I figure in the time spent cooking and cleaning that could be much more productively used.
I totally get eating out, and I don't think anyone shouldn't eat out if they want to. However, I spend $45 on groceries for the entire week. And yes, that includes meat. And that includes when I lived in Alaska, where groceries are crazy expensive.3 -
sollyn23l2 wrote: »tomcustombuilder wrote: »Damn, just prices now of eating out should be a deterrent
Not really. I get at least two and often three meals out of a restaurant entree. Sunday night I got a two meat meal and a couple of ribs from a local BBQ place. I’m finishing it tonight. All in it was about $45. Meat, vegetables, seasoning/recipe stuff, and some kind of starch at the store always seem to come out at $80 minimum for about the same number of meals. That’s even before I figure in the time spent cooking and cleaning that could be much more productively used.
I totally get eating out, and I don't think anyone shouldn't eat out if they want to. However, I spend $45 on groceries for the entire week. And yes, that includes meat. And that includes when I lived in Alaska, where groceries are crazy expensive.
It would probably be about that if I shopped every week. As it is, I grocery shop about twice a month at the very most, so when I go, it’s an expensive ordeal for sure. I swear the best part of the pandemic was curbside pickup becoming a regular option! Also, I know that it would ultimately end up cheaper if I eventually got stocked up on “recipe things”, but as it is, I buy pretty much every ingredient that isn’t salt and pepper. Or garlic powder. Because stocking a pantry is pretty useless if you don’t cook relatively often.
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loltomcustombuilder wrote: »Damn, just prices now of eating out should be a deterrent
Not really. I get at least two and often three meals out of a restaurant entree. Sunday night I got a two meat meal, a green salad, and a couple of ribs from a local BBQ place. I’m finishing it tonight. All in it was about $45. Meat, vegetables, seasoning/recipe stuff, and some kind of starch at the store always seem to come out at $80 minimum for about the same number of meals. That’s even before I figure in the time spent cooking and cleaning that could be much more productively used.
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tomcustombuilder wrote: »
loltomcustombuilder wrote: »Damn, just prices now of eating out should be a deterrent
Not really. I get at least two and often three meals out of a restaurant entree. Sunday night I got a two meat meal, a green salad, and a couple of ribs from a local BBQ place. I’m finishing it tonight. All in it was about $45. Meat, vegetables, seasoning/recipe stuff, and some kind of starch at the store always seem to come out at $80 minimum for about the same number of meals. That’s even before I figure in the time spent cooking and cleaning that could be much more productively used.
I will say, a lot of why I can make this work is that I’m not by any stretch a volume eater. Small portions make even calorically dense food reasonable.1 -
sollyn23l2 wrote: »tomcustombuilder wrote: »Damn, just prices now of eating out should be a deterrent
Not really. I get at least two and often three meals out of a restaurant entree. Sunday night I got a two meat meal and a couple of ribs from a local BBQ place. I’m finishing it tonight. All in it was about $45. Meat, vegetables, seasoning/recipe stuff, and some kind of starch at the store always seem to come out at $80 minimum for about the same number of meals. That’s even before I figure in the time spent cooking and cleaning that could be much more productively used.
I totally get eating out, and I don't think anyone shouldn't eat out if they want to. However, I spend $45 on groceries for the entire week. And yes, that includes meat. And that includes when I lived in Alaska, where groceries are crazy expensive.
It would probably be about that if I shopped every week. As it is, I grocery shop about twice a month at the very most, so when I go, it’s an expensive ordeal for sure. I swear the best part of the pandemic was curbside pickup becoming a regular option! Also, I know that it would ultimately end up cheaper if I eventually got stocked up on “recipe things”, but as it is, I buy pretty much every ingredient that isn’t salt and pepper. Or garlic powder. Because stocking a pantry is pretty useless if you don’t cook relatively often.
Fair enough, different things work for different people. There's really no right or wrong when it comes to what works for you.2 -
sollyn23l2 wrote: »sollyn23l2 wrote: »tomcustombuilder wrote: »Damn, just prices now of eating out should be a deterrent
Not really. I get at least two and often three meals out of a restaurant entree. Sunday night I got a two meat meal and a couple of ribs from a local BBQ place. I’m finishing it tonight. All in it was about $45. Meat, vegetables, seasoning/recipe stuff, and some kind of starch at the store always seem to come out at $80 minimum for about the same number of meals. That’s even before I figure in the time spent cooking and cleaning that could be much more productively used.
I totally get eating out, and I don't think anyone shouldn't eat out if they want to. However, I spend $45 on groceries for the entire week. And yes, that includes meat. And that includes when I lived in Alaska, where groceries are crazy expensive.
It would probably be about that if I shopped every week. As it is, I grocery shop about twice a month at the very most, so when I go, it’s an expensive ordeal for sure. I swear the best part of the pandemic was curbside pickup becoming a regular option! Also, I know that it would ultimately end up cheaper if I eventually got stocked up on “recipe things”, but as it is, I buy pretty much every ingredient that isn’t salt and pepper. Or garlic powder. Because stocking a pantry is pretty useless if you don’t cook relatively often.
Fair enough, different things work for different people. There's really no right or wrong when it comes to what works for you.
And different things work at different times. I quite enjoy cooking for friends. I packed lunches and cooked dinner for my family from the time I was in 5th grade, so it’s definitely not a lack of skill. But now that there isn’t anybody I HAVE to cook for most days, I’m glad I’ve found a system that works for me.3 -
Might benefit you to just buy frozen dinners. Controlled calories, microwavable and it's usually WAY CHEAPER than going out to eat everyday for each meal.fastfoodietofitcutie wrote: »I need to make more of an effort to eat at home. I’m trying to stay within my calories/macros but know I’d be better off cooking. It’s a combination of me being lazy and living by myself so no need to cook for anyone else. I would probably also save money. Just wondering if anyone else also eats out all the time.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 35+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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A pork chop on George Foreman grill and broccoli in the microwave takes less time than changing out of work clothes. Easy to cook for one and almost no dishes.
A bag of salad with precooked bacon, lunchmeat ham, and/or hard cooked egg. Less than 5 minutes.
2 meals at home. 1 easy step towards changing habits.
Years ago I ate out most of the time. Single--no desire to cook for one.
Then I switched to most meals at home for both health and financial reasons.
Corona came with a switch to lots of fast food.
Now trying to eat at home more--health reasons again.
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tomcustombuilder wrote: »Damn, just prices now of eating out should be a deterrent
Not really. I get at least two and often three meals out of a restaurant entree. Sunday night I got a two meat meal, a green salad, and a couple of ribs from a local BBQ place. I’m finishing it tonight. All in it was about $45. Meat, vegetables, seasoning/recipe stuff, and some kind of starch at the store always seem to come out at $80 minimum for about the same number of meals. That’s even before I figure in the time spent cooking and cleaning that could be much more productively used.
$45 is not expensive? My main meals usually cost about 1.60 Euro or less. But yeah, I know prices differ by country.1 -
tomcustombuilder wrote: »Damn, just prices now of eating out should be a deterrent
Not really. I get at least two and often three meals out of a restaurant entree. Sunday night I got a two meat meal, a green salad, and a couple of ribs from a local BBQ place. I’m finishing it tonight. All in it was about $45. Meat, vegetables, seasoning/recipe stuff, and some kind of starch at the store always seem to come out at $80 minimum for about the same number of meals. That’s even before I figure in the time spent cooking and cleaning that could be much more productively used.
$45 is not expensive? My main meals usually cost about 1.60 Euro or less. But yeah, I know prices differ by country.
Honestly, I have no idea. It’s definitely less than I’d spend on a trip to the store, but I couldn’t tell you what specific things there cost. I made a wedge salad a couple of weeks ago and the head of lettuce alone was about
$1.50.0 -
I go through phases. I LOVE to cook but I also LOVE eating cheffy food. I live within walking distance of a tempting outdoor restaurant scene, so we do walk there a LOT, especially in the summer. I try to keep a balance though… if I’m going out, I eat salad or an egg scramble with lots of veggies for lunch and try to get more steps. I know that when it gets cold I’ll be back to cooking every night.0
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tomcustombuilder wrote: »Damn, just prices now of eating out should be a deterrent
Not really. I get at least two and often three meals out of a restaurant entree. Sunday night I got a two meat meal and a couple of ribs from a local BBQ place. I’m finishing it tonight. All in it was about $45. Meat, vegetables, seasoning/recipe stuff, and some kind of starch at the store always seem to come out at $80 minimum for about the same number of meals. That’s even before I figure in the time spent cooking and cleaning that could be much more productively used.sollyn23l2 wrote: »I totally get eating out, and I don't think anyone shouldn't eat out if they want to. However, I spend $45 on groceries for the entire week. And yes, that includes meat. And that includes when I lived in Alaska, where groceries are crazy expensive.
Yes, when I lived by myself in Florida I spent $50 a week for groceries, which made me breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner. The dairy was organic and the meat more humanely raised. I spent a few hours on Sunday making snacks, lunches and dinners for most of the week. I'd also spend $10 on take out on Friday and get lunch and dinner out of it.
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Corina1143 wrote: »A pork chop on George Foreman grill and broccoli in the microwave takes less time than changing out of work clothes. Easy to cook for one and almost no dishes.
A bag of salad with precooked bacon, lunchmeat ham, and/or hard cooked egg. Less than 5 minutes.
2 meals at home. 1 easy step towards changing habits.
Years ago I ate out most of the time. Single--no desire to cook for one.
Then I switched to most meals at home for both health and financial reasons.
Corona came with a switch to lots of fast food.
Now trying to eat at home more--health reasons again.
I don't even do that much work when I "cook". I buy meat already cooked. Grilled chicken already diced and a bag of vegetables from the freezer. Throw it all in a bowl and zap for 3 minutes. Or frozen chicken or pre-cooked shrimp on top of a bag of salad. I honestly think cooking for one isn't worth any more time or effort than that the vast majority of the time. Especially since I usually have about an hour and a half between getting home and needing to be in bed. Two hours if the stars align. By the time I walk the dog and make his dinner, make breakfast and snacks for the next day, take care of a chore or two, and take a shower--food is the lowest priority.1 -
fastfoodietofitcutie wrote: »I need to make more of an effort to eat at home. I’m trying to stay within my calories/macros but know I’d be better off cooking. It’s a combination of me being lazy and living by myself so no need to cook for anyone else. I would probably also save money. Just wondering if anyone else also eats out all the time.
I have a friend who gets takeout all the time because she fails to plan. I do plan, and so when we eat out/get takeout, it is planned, not because it is dinner time and there is "nothing to eat." (In my house, there are always eggs, cheese, and bread, so there would always be an egg meal available. After watching "The Bear" season finale, I've been making omelets. I had to shop for that omelet, but not regular ones.)
My boyfriend prefers to eat breakfast and lunch out, so he does. But if he wanted to save money or drop a few pounds, he'd start making these meals.
The meals I make for myself are more filling for less calories than what I'd get out.
Like developing any habit, it takes practice and time, and if you want to start eating at home more, you can master it
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tomcustombuilder wrote: »Damn, just prices now of eating out should be a deterrent
Not really. I get at least two and often three meals out of a restaurant entree. Sunday night I got a two meat meal, a green salad, and a couple of ribs from a local BBQ place. I’m finishing it tonight. All in it was about $45. Meat, vegetables, seasoning/recipe stuff, and some kind of starch at the store always seem to come out at $80 minimum for about the same number of meals. That’s even before I figure in the time spent cooking and cleaning that could be much more productively used.
$45 is not expensive? My main meals usually cost about 1.60 Euro or less. But yeah, I know prices differ by country.
I can't speak to BBQ, but one of the take out foods I get a lot is chicken pad Thai. This costs $12.40 and I get three meals out of it. (I do sauté some cabbage and bulk it up a bit to make it more filling for me.) I'm in Massachusetts, USA.0 -
kshama2001 wrote: »tomcustombuilder wrote: »Damn, just prices now of eating out should be a deterrent
Not really. I get at least two and often three meals out of a restaurant entree. Sunday night I got a two meat meal, a green salad, and a couple of ribs from a local BBQ place. I’m finishing it tonight. All in it was about $45. Meat, vegetables, seasoning/recipe stuff, and some kind of starch at the store always seem to come out at $80 minimum for about the same number of meals. That’s even before I figure in the time spent cooking and cleaning that could be much more productively used.
$45 is not expensive? My main meals usually cost about 1.60 Euro or less. But yeah, I know prices differ by country.
I can't speak to BBQ, but one of the take out foods I get a lot is chicken pad Thai. This costs $12.40 and I get three meals out of it. (I do sauté some cabbage and bulk it up a bit to make it more filling for me.) I'm in Massachusetts, USA.
BBQ is definitely a treat. But I'd been wanting it for a long time, so I just did it
. It's more typical to spend $20-$25 bucks at the Asian place around the corner to get an entree and a large soup that is easily 3 meals. The food is a little pricier than most strip mall Asian places, but they use really fresh vegetables and better cuts of meat than most of those places. 0 -
[/quote] BBQ is definitely a treat. But I'd been wanting it for a long time, so I just did it . It's more typical to spend $20-$25 bucks at the Asian place around the corner to get an entree and a large soup that is easily 3 meals. The food is a little pricier than most strip mall Asian places, but they use really fresh vegetables and better cuts of meat than most of those places.[/quote]
The problem is it’s nearly impossible to get an accurate calorie/nutrition count for something like that.
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BBQ is definitely a treat. But I'd been wanting it for a long time, so I just did itfastfoodietofitcutie wrote: » . It's more typical to spend $20-$25 bucks at the Asian place around the corner to get an entree and a large soup that is easily 3 meals. The food is a little pricier than most strip mall Asian places, but they use really fresh vegetables and better cuts of meat than most of those places.[/quote]
The problem is it’s nearly impossible to get an accurate calorie/nutrition count for something like that.
[/quote]
It’s a trade off for sure. I was always fine with using an existing restaurant entry and estimating from there. I also eat pretty small portions, so even the worst guess calorically wasn’t too awful. But if you want a higher level of exactness, then home cooking is probably the way you need to go. There are a lot of ways to make it easier and quicker. Most of what I make at home probably takes less time than scrolling Door Dash trying to decide what sounds good. It just takes a lot more planning and shopping.0 -
@fastfoodietofitcutie hi!
I eat out a minimum of 3 times per week.. I order lunch to my office most days.
I incorporate whatever I order into my logging & calories limits.
For me - it’s convenient, I too spend a lot of money on dining out. I justify by considering that I’m saving time, clean up and I order items like poached salmon, steamed veggies, etc.
I find simpler fare easier to log as well. I frequent the same restaurants so asking re the ingredients, etc helps me log.
Its downtown Manhattan.. so yikes on how much money I am spending on groceries and restaurants. I enjoy though, so I guess it’s my vice. My office co workers are also big foodies always eating out so.. we tend to eat together or go out after work.. so.. I have to order lower calorie fare or it will add up.
Maybe choose a few days to eat home and some dedicated days to eat out?
For calorie considerations - if you work in an office, they make lil portable food scales.
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kshama2001 wrote: »The meals I make for myself are more filling for less calories than what I'd get out.
Like developing any habit, it takes practice and time, and if you want to start eating at home more, you can master it
I'd bet the meals you make yourself usually taste better too. Being able to tailor a dish to my/our preferences is part of the reason we don't eat out all that often. Even the left overs from home cooked dishes taste better the next day than food brought back from a restaurant in a clamshell or styrofoam box (hello landfill). When we eat out it is more for the social aspect and change of setting. The desire for something different to eat plays a part too.
The only way eating out saves any meaningful time or is more convenient is if you eat next door or pick up something from a fast food joint. To prepare whole food based meals at home there needs to be a compelling reason(s): cost, control of contents, taste, desire to experiment, knowledge of macros for logging, healthier option and so on. Keep to simple recipes to start with. Use cookware and appliances that are easy to clean. Make use of grocery deliveries if that works out best for you.
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kshama2001 wrote: »The meals I make for myself are more filling for less calories than what I'd get out.
Like developing any habit, it takes practice and time, and if you want to start eating at home more, you can master it
I'd bet the meals you make yourself usually taste better too. Being able to tailor a dish to my/our preferences is part of the reason we don't eat out all that often. Even the left overs from home cooked dishes taste better the next day than food brought back from a restaurant in a clamshell or styrofoam box (hello landfill). When we eat out it is more for the social aspect and change of setting. The desire for something different to eat plays a part too.
The only way eating out saves any meaningful time or is more convenient is if you eat next door or pick up something from a fast food joint. To prepare whole food based meals at home there needs to be a compelling reason(s): cost, control of contents, taste, desire to experiment, knowledge of macros for logging, healthier option and so on. Keep to simple recipes to start with. Use cookware and appliances that are easy to clean. Make use of grocery deliveries if that works out best for you.
I do like my cooking
I tend to just buy meals that I can't make, or don't want to make. I went through a whole home made pizza phase, and can certainly make a more than acceptable pizza, but don't want to take the time to make this (although using store pizza dough would speed things up,) so once or twice a month we pick one up.
And speaking of change of setting, a few times a summer we eat on the waterfront.1 -
i eat out about once a month. what if you made larger meals but separated them into portions (tupperware) — then you can just eat the same thing for a few days before moving on to something else?0
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I just love cooking too much, and I love finding recipes in my too many cookbooks that I can adjust to 30 minute weeknight cooking.
I generally don't eat out unless I'm on vacation, but I do order sushi every now and then. yeah, it's expensive here but lovely carbs! lovely fish! lovely avocado! 0 -
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