Alternatives to eating out

We have the same issues, just getting decent takeout costs that much and it's rarely more than once week. The only cheaper option that we do sometimes is Papa Murphy's, not bad but not great either. (their gourmet veggie is good, but definitely not light!)

 

We also have been eating much less meat and lighter meals and have the issue of not wanting something that was made and frozen earlier. We eat leftovers for lunch all the time, but for some reason don't like "feed the freezer" type dishes.

 

One thing I do is keep a pack of salmon burgers in the freezer. They cook up real fast in a pan and are tasty with avocado and tomato, even just on sourdough or wheat bread. My kids like them and I'll just make some frozen fries and raw veggies with it. Veggie burgers are the same way.

 

 

 

We eat out about once a week as well, usually fast food though since Ds is with us. We will occasionally go to our favorite Mexican place, but that is about $30.

 

Have you thought about a romantic cooking night. I know we don't usually think of cooking as romantic, but the two of you in kitchen trying out some new recipes or making your favorite take out meal at home. Dh loves to be in the kitchen with me when I cook, before Ds we would sit in the kitchen with a glass of wine and cook dinner together. It just made making the meal better, and even a bit romantic. We throw out the frozen leftovers as well, so I have started cutting recipies in half if if is something we would have to freeze. Soup is the biggest culprit for us.
 

Fortunately, Dh doesn't mind eating leftovers.  When I know I won't have time to cook on a certain day, I'll plan a meal that makes enough for two nights.  If Dd doesn't want it, she'll have cereal. 

 

We probably get take out once every two weeks.  Like it was said in another thread (was it you, Stormy or maybe Cookie)--sometimes it just tastes better when someone else has made it.

Do you have a Costco membership?  They have some great ready-to-make meals there.  They're cheaper than eating out, but more expensive (although easier) than cooking.  Target has some meals like that too.

 

For us, making crab or lobster at home is a treat too.  Plus, it's really easy to make.

 

ETA:  These are the Target meals I'm talking about.  They're fresh (not frozen) so you could easily just pick them up on your way home.

 

 

I don't really understand. If you don't want to/can't afford to eat out, then you don't eat out. If you don't want processed meals and don't want to eat out, then you cook. If you don't want to cook every day, then you cook some meals ahead. It's just a 'deal with it' situation.

 

If you don't like reheated frozen meals or leftovers then try just cooking or preparing individual ingredients ahead of time to cut down on prep for meals. Some things freeze great, and some foods can be remade into new meals. Try experimenting, you may come up with meals you all actually like. And take out and eating out? I guarantee you not everything you get there is fresh, a ton of it is probably priorly made. It's not necessarily "not liking" some of it (some stuff definately is far worse after reheating or doesn't work well in make ahead mode) but it's being pickier, got to have a bit of an open mind, especially if trying something new. Also, if you call something 'leftovers', it just instantly sounds horrible and people don't want it haha

Edited by Karen1985 - 4/26/12 at 5:40pm

We ate out or got carry out a LOT before DH had his stent put in. Several times per week We almost never got fast food, but instead deli food (like Panera's or McAlisters Deli) or from restaurants like Bob Evans, etc. It's definitely been a lifestyle adjustment for us to get used to eating at home and me cooking!! DH doesn't cook at all. He'll help chop up veggies if I give him detailed instructions, but even then it takes him forever to do it. We just bit the bullet and did it, but then we HAD to, I'm not sure I would have if I hadn't had to. If you still want to eat out, then I think you're doing about all you can to control the cost....coupons, water, etc. You could maybe try splitting a meal with your DS if he's not a big eater. I frequently did that with my DD. But if you want to spend your disposable income that way I think it's fine. If you can afford it (& I think you can) then I don't see anything wrong with it. Most people have something they waste money on whether it be tons of clothes and shoes, starbucks, cigarettes, or whatever. As long as you've figured it into your budget and it's how you choose to spend your own "blow" money, then more power to you.

I'll have to let you know because, with this new house, we'll be in such a rural area, there will be very few opportunities to eat out. However, I agree with you that frozen isn't my first choice either.

 

Do have a "fend for yourself" night. Your son is old enough and your hubby is capable. They can eat planned leftovers or something quick and easy to prepare. When your son leaves home - even to college - he'll have to know how to fix something close to a meal so consider this training for his future.

 

Now that it is summer, you can do more "salad bar" type meals. You just put out the ingredients and everyone assembles their own meal. Salads are good because they're cold. Clean-up is easy. Just slap lids on all the storage containers and stick them back in the frig. You can do the same with "make your own nachos night" or "load your own baked potato". This helps with on busy nights when you're not exactly sure when you're all going to get a chance to eat.

 

Give yourself a break cleaning up - use disposable plates and utensils, cook in disposable pans or line with aluminum foil or use those microwave "steamers" for veggies.

 

Speaking of steamers, Tupperware used to sell a microwave "pot" that was three tiers and you cooked a different food at each level. You could buy a recipe booklet for menu ideas and each dinner served 4 (enough for a big hungry man, one woman and boy). I wonder if they still sell that. If not, consider a tiered bamboo steamer or look around for more one-pot options. I liked the Tupperware one because the whole thing fit in the dishwasher.

 

I agree with "take away" but we don't go to restaurants. We "take away" from the grocery store. Stores, especially ones with decent deli sections have tons of options.

I agree with Cookie about deli items from the grocery too. We used to do that a lot. I could get a rotisserie chicken and a few cold salads from the deli then you could just serve them in the evening whenever it fits into your schedule. Do you use a crockpot much? That could help too. Put stuff on in the morning, maybe even make a salad during the day, and then you've got instant dinner whenever it fits in. Good luck. Like I said....as someone who just had to give up the dine out/carry out lifestyle it IS hard to change.