The Meal Planning Hack That Helped Me Kick My Takeout Habit
Let’s face it, many of us feel overwhelmed by the daily grind of life, especially when it comes to preparing dinner after a long day. As a food editor, I adore cooking, yet that doesn’t stop me from reaching for my phone and ordering takeout instead. Does this sound familiar? You’re not alone!
The Temptation of Takeout
Takeout is undeniably convenient. It offers a delicious array of choices with zero cleanup required—no pots, no pans, just pure indulgence. During particularly hectic times, my husband and I found ourselves ordering takeout four nights a week. However, we soon experienced a stark wake-up call when reviewing our budget—our takeout habit was costing us a small fortune.
The Shift to Home-Cooked Meals
Determined to take control, I made it my mission to sharpen my cooking skills once again. The first few weeks were promising; a mix of enthusiasm and the desire to save money fueled our journey back to homemade meals. However, that spark didn’t last, and once life got busy again, I found myself reverting to the temptation of takeout.
Finding the Right Balance
I realized quickly that I wasn’t able to cook every single night without feeling exhausted. This led me on a quest for a new approach to meal planning—one that could revolutionize my nightly routine without draining my energy.
Rediscovering the Slow Cooker
Then one day, while rummaging through my basement, I unearthed an old friend: my slow cooker. Previously, this appliance had only made appearances for cozy dishes, like pulled pork. But now, I recognized its potential to help me tackle my cooking fatigue. Just imagine—what if dinner could cook itself while I’m at work? Count me in!
The Meal Planning Hack
What if I designated one day in the week to throw ingredients into the slow cooker? This would allow for a homemade meal ready when I got home. Plus, I could stash extras in the freezer for future dinners, gradually building a stockpile of meals with minimal effort.
Establishing a Weekly Routine
To kick off this new ritual, I pinpointed my most frequent takeout night—Tuesday was the culprit. Here’s how I structured my plan:
Rule #1: Simple Recipes
I lean toward all-in-one meals, salads, and sandwiches that require minimal prep. My slow cooker day is about ease, so I avoid recipes that involve heavy lifting at the end. On busy nights, I also utilize my rice cooker for sides or my toaster oven to heat up rolls.
Rule #2: Low and Slow
I prioritize the Low setting on the slow cooker, allowing it to work its magic while I’m at work. This means selecting moisture-loving proteins like beef chuck or pork (I avoid quick-cooking options, such as pasta).
Rule #3: Experiment
I use this opportunity to try different slow cooker recipes, jotting down ideas and inspirations from various sources, including the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen.
Rule #4: Plan Ahead
Pre-planning the meals a few days in advance means I eliminate the dreaded 3 p.m. “What’s for dinner?” thought. Often, I prep components the night before, ensuring I can just drop everything in the cooker and press start.
Rule #5: Seasonally Adapt
While slow cooking might evoke thoughts of winter, it can be just as effective in summer. Cooking in the slow cooker means I can whip up delicious meals without heating up the kitchen.
Rule #6: Freeze It
Slow cooker recipes usually yield large servings—perfect for keeping leftovers! I freeze extras so I have quick meals at the ready, whether it’s coconut cauliflower curry or carnitas for tacos.
Rule #7: Connect with Others
I started sharing my slow cooker journey with friends and colleagues, sparking vibrant conversations (and recipe exchanges). This community support keeps me accountable and committed to my goals.
The Verdict: A Sustainable Change
Now, six months into my slow cooker Tuesdays, I can confidently say that this method has helped me kick my takeout habit. A glance at my bank statements reveals a decrease in food spending—and the savings are adding up!
Though not every recipe has turned out perfectly, I relish the anticipation that builds throughout my Tuesday as I rush home to a warm, delicious meal waiting for me. What could be better than that?
Embrace this simple meal planning hack and discover the joy of home-cooked meals while spending less and enjoying more. Ready to start your own journey? Let’s get cooking!
