We've tried -- as a family -- to eliminate fast food a number of times. We've given it up for Lent countless times, we've banned it from the house except for once a week countless times, we've said we can only afford to do it once a month countless times.
No matter how we tried or what we tried it always seemed to make its way back into our lives. Typically it would be because some evening activity ran late and we'd need to find something to eat for dinner rather quickly to keep the kids on a bedtime/bathtime schedule.
When I was growing up we rarely ate out. I mean we had pizza here and there, but for the most part we had dinner at home. Of course, it helped that my dad was the family cook and was generally home by 4 p.m. Even when my brothers and I were in sports and had practice after school until 5:30 p.m. we could always count on dinner being ready for us (even if we had to re-heat it!) when we got home.
I've said a number of times here that I don't like to cook. Baking, yes. And it can be challenging to come up with a varied menu, particularly when you have a couple of picky eaters. And then add in the whole not-liking-to-cook thing.
Anyway, I've realized over the last few months that fast food is really not part of our lives anymore. A lot of it has to do with a new budget we have (filled out our tax forms incorrectly last year so we're making up for it now, which means *much* smaller paychecks). But I think the majority of it has to do with The Mr.'s gastric bypass surgery.
He doesn't want to eat it, he doesn't want to smell it or be near it, and I don't want to have it around because I know it drives him nuts on so many levels. But more than that, I've found that even I don't have the appetite for it anymore. For example, during the week if I find myself needing to buy lunch out I really don't go to the drive through anymore unless it's for a salad.
It feels good to not be trapped by it anymore. I've had to be creative on some occasions and really force myself to think ahead and remember to defrost chicken in the mornings, but so far it's working. And I like it.
Way to go! It is hard when our lives are so hectic and having someone else cook, and all you have to do is throw it away, is very tempting. I've heard doctors say that a good amount of times to visit the fast food window is ...NEVER. So, good job. Thanks for the inspiration.
Congratulations, Michelle! As one who's had to give up fast food altogether because of food allergies, I know how tough it is!
One thing that has helped me is to cook extra of things that will store for several days or up to a week: meat patties, chicken breasts (bone-in turns out moister and stores better), ham slices, etc.; rice, potatoes, noodles, and of course vegetables. Even though there are only 2 of us I routinely cook large bags of frozen vegetables at a time. Besides just heating and eating, all of these things can be turned into casseroles or soups very easily.
I also stock up on salad blends, shredded cheese, and cheese cubes for quick meals and snacks.
This lets me be creative without having to remember to defrost something every day!
It's so much nicer to eat real food fixed the way you like it!
Just took a test for kidneys i'll have to say not good not good at all
Look at this in a different light...think about the years you may be adding instead of worrying about not having fast food. I decided to celebrate 4 times a year by choosing which holidays that I would like to enjoy. Of course, my birthday is one day! Discipline is the answer because I would like to live as long as possible.
Michelle, I'm really inspired by this story, sometimes it is so hard to battle the fastfood monster, afterall it's just so convenient, but your story makes me want to rethink everytime I crave something from the drive thru. Thank you.