I have been ordering raw groceries, and cooking my meals for the last two weeks (versus delis and restaurants).
This is what normal people do. This is what WE must do to have the disciplines necessary for retirement because "we're too busy to cook" gives way to "we have all the time in the world"...and I don't want to spend that time and money sitting in restaurants--which as I get farther away from, is something I really don't even like.
It was just a bad habit.
@SECRET_ASIAN_MAN
Also, Cabbage is a great vegetable that keeps for a long time, unlike some other veggies.
@janallmac TY for that info!
I have been needy on vegetable sides.
@SECRET_ASIAN_MAN
It's annoying that lettuce doesn't last very long. I like salads, but pre-chopping my lettuce makes it go all brown, and it doesn't last a whole week (which is how long I meal plan for). Spring mix is better for this.
Butternut squash is a PITA to chop, but it is also tasty, and lasts a whole week, and gives you a lot of squash.
I do really like sauteed cabbage. Boiled is OK too, but sauteed cabbage, with a little onions, salt and pepper is really tasty.
Happy cooking!
@SECRET_ASIAN_MAN
I hardly ever eat out any more. Since starting to eat clean last year, I almost always eat at home. So much better for us in every way.
@CinnamonGirlE Our home cooked meals even taste better.
OK, sushi is the exception/problem.
@SECRET_ASIAN_MAN
I agree. Most all things are better. But we can't be expected to do it all. Out for sushi. It's settled. 😉
@SECRET_ASIAN_MAN Ya know, you might like the Bad Manners cookbooks.
They're vegan, but I like them because they're not like Born Agains and holier than thou about it. I've tried quite a few of the recipes and they've been good, overall, and I've found some new absolute favorites. The main "philosophy," I guess you'd call it, is cooking your own food is cheaper and better for you, and even if you're working all day, you have time (usually), when you consider wait times for delivery, etc.
@GeezerWench I will consider it. The "too busy" thing is bullshit.
Truthfully though come July-Aug-Sept,, the kitchen is the last place anyone in Phoenix wants to be.
@SECRET_ASIAN_MAN I get it! Bad Manners takes that into consideration! 😄
Cool dishes for hot weather!
@SECRET_ASIAN_MAN They used to be Thug Kitchen. Michelle Davis and Matt Holloway.
They also promote buying local and using foods that are in season because it costs less. Using leftovers to create new. The books are quite informative and educational, as well. The humor helps, too! Lots of "language."
I am not vegan, but I really like their books. I've mentioned to others that meat can be added to many of the recipes if you want, and/or many of the dishes could be sides to your main meat.
@SECRET_ASIAN_MAN Their first book is Eat Like You Give a Fuck. I just bought me their latest for Christmas, Hungry as Hell.
Of course, you can buy them all on Amazon, but if you buy them through bookshop.org, you can designate a local bookstore and they'll get some of the proceeds.
@GeezerWench thanks for the info. There are ... alternatives to Amazon? 🤔
😂
@SECRET_ASIAN_MAN
It is a bad habit, and an expensive one!
It's taken me a while to learn to do it well without hating it, but I too meal plan and cook most nights.
Here's a cooking blog that has really easy, tasty, inexpensive and usually but not always healthy recipes: https://www.juliapacheco.com/
Planning + Keeping it Simple have been the key factors for me, personally.
Best of luck!!! 💜