No-Buy Month Spending Challenge Day 9: withdrawal
As the month-long no-spending challenge progresses, Sun reporter Brent Jones addresses his demons (in the form of restaurant menus). Don't miss the earlier posts in this series: No-Buy Month, the 28-day spending challenge, and Day 5: Rationale. --- lfk.
This weekend was a little rough.
The No-Buy includes entertainment (movies, sporting events, plays, etc), shopping as well as food, but I'm struggling most with the cuisine aspect. A scene from the 2004 documentary Super Size Me comes to mind.
For those unfamiliar with the movie, a guy decides to eat McDonald's for 30 straight days, and around Day 7, 8, he starts looking pretty pathetic. Well, I was having major dining out withdrawal, and I realized I've become so accustomed to eating other people's cooking. At one point, I think I began to rival the facial expressions of Morgan Spurlock, the main character in the movie.
Addictions can take many forms, and on some level, I think I've become hooked to the MSG, trans fats and all the other tasty treats found in takeout food. But thankfully ...
... I resisted my urges and instead ate leftover meat loaf for lunch Saturday, a roast cooked by my friend Saturday night, and I cooked some spaghetti Sunday.
I've got to address my craving though. One of my friends said she would take me out to dinner for my birthday -- which was last month. I'm going to cash that offer in by the end of this week. And I won't be spending a dime, so it's not cheating, right?
Anyone else addicted to eating out? Or is my theory nonsense? What's the longest you've gone (breakfast, lunch and dinner included) not eating out?
Brent, I think you should examine why you're eating out so frequently, especially since you *do* know how to cook. Is it the convenience? The social element? --- lfk.
(photo: Tracy Boulian/Roadside Attractions and Samuel Goldwyn Films)
Comments
A worthy challenge indeed. I'm pretty sure by the time all of this is over, you'll find that you will have dropped a few pounds and have healthier eating habits. And...the most important benefit is that you'll be more frugal with your cash without even realizing you're doing it. I think it only takes 30 days... let's hope 28 in your case, for a habit to set in. Good for you and good luck on the endeavor!
Thanks, Mia! -- lfk.
Posted by: Mia McNeil | February 9, 2009 2:51 PM
Brent, I'm really proud of you for taking this challenge.
It's good that you are going through withdrawal symptoms. It just shows what type of stuff you were paying restaurants to put in your body.
Visit a Whole Foods or Fresh Market and use one of their recipes. You won't think twice about restaurant food.
Posted by: The Frugalista Files | February 9, 2009 10:00 PM