The average family seems to get carry-out food far more often than any time in the past, and the number one reason cited is convenience. It seems easier than cooking at home, since there is no planning and no shopping required. One Chicago family realized that they got take out meals just about every single day and Mary Ann Schultz suggested to her husband and son that they try going for 30 days without carry-out. They didn't have a problem affording all their meals, as both Schultz and her husband are well-employed, but she wanted her son to actually experience "family meals" as she did growing up.
The family took on the challenge and, after a rocky start, they learned to plan meals and write out shopping lists. They learned to stock the freezer and pantry so that they would have options at home. Quick-fix cookbooks were helpful for providing inspiration and do-able recipes for an inexperienced cook. You can take a look at her ongoing journal to see how the challenge went from day to day.
Overall, the family learned that cooking at home was just as tasty as restaurant food and they enjoyed it more. They saved over $200 and Mary Ann lost 7 pounds during the switch. They're probably not going to cut it out completely, but perhaps their challenge could lend a bit of inspiration to anyone else who uses the "carryout menu folder...as a crutch for meals."
Chocolate-stuffed bananas on the grill
Tyler Florence welcomes new daughter
Beware kids' menus!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-08-2006 @ 1:31PM
Rachel said...
We cook a temendous amount at my house, but we do at times get take out, generally Chinese food. Especially when we are very low on groceries (we don't eat any "convience" foods-not even pasta sauces or frozen anything so when we are low, it is hard just throw something together) or we are getting ready to go on a trip and don't want to buy perishables. Some times it is cheaper to buy some Chinese than to buy ingredients for a whole meal just for 2 people.
Reply
11-08-2006 @ 3:52PM
Lynne said...
This sounds like a good idea. I would try it, but the ironic thing is that because I work from home, we often go out to eat because that's my time to get out of the house! I have been trying to cook more meals at home, though.
Reply
11-08-2006 @ 5:35PM
Robyn said...
I can't believe some people eat out everyday! I start craving home-cooked food after awhile. And they didn't know how to plan meals, write shopping lists, and stock the freezer!? Wow...
I do appreciate having the option of ordering pizza a few times a month though.
And Lynne, I know what you mean. On weekends my husband and I are in studying all day and we can't wait to go to the coffee shop for a few hours (and share a giant cookie that probably has ridiculous amounts of bad fat in it).
Reply
11-08-2006 @ 6:50PM
chrispy said...
There are companies such as the one I reviewed on my latest blog entry that create menus for you and shopping lists that people who are too busy can grab and run and create simple fast recipes. This company also has a cheaper answer to those dinner franchise companies.
Reply
11-13-2006 @ 12:35AM
Anne said...
We eat at home quite a bit, mainly becuase it's so much cheaper for me or hubby to cook than to pay the exorberant prices they want here in the San Fran Bay Area for eating out. What helps is planning out the meals a week at a time (usually done Monday AM) and cooking in large batches and freezing an extra meal for the crazier days. Also have a habit of making a large roast one day and then morphing the leftovers into other meals (carne asada, sloppy joes, etc.) atleast once a week. It's not that hard...just takes some planning and forsight. I guess it's easy for me becuase we've always done it that way, from when both hubby and I were kids growing up in low-middle class families.
Reply