So far I’ve saved $377.93 this month by not eating out or ordering in food. I expect this total to go down a bit because I haven’t needed to go grocery shopping since June 5, but presently I’m very satisfied with the results of this experiment. Based on the savings alone I think I’m going to continue not ordering in once the experiment finishes. I think I’ll still go to a restaurant (in person) every now and then. However, I’m going to be really selective about where I go.
I often think, “How many times have I eaten a meal such as a McDonald’s Big Mac? What new experience does that really bring me?”
The answer is : none
I enjoy the rush of eating something that’s been scientifically designed to maximize its stimulation of your dopamine receptors as much as the next person, but what’s the point? Is it really because it’s just that good? Could I not make something better myself or patron a more local establishment? Is the time I’m saving actually justifying the cost?
I feel like what gets me is the convenience. I like to convince myself that I’m too busy to go to the grocery store or cook a meal. I feel like if I could save the time on those activities I could invest it into something more productive.
What I’ve learned this week though is that a moment doesn’t need to feel like work to be productive.
There have been lots of moments, particularly in the last week, where I really wanted to cave on this challenge. Each time I had one of these moments I’d have to face it and figure out what I was going to eat. Then what was surprising is that these moments could be so unique and educational.
For instance, this week I was beginning to get bored with what I was eating. While cleaning out our fridge I discovered some ground beef in the freezer and realized I had all the ingredients necessary to make a nice spaghetti. My girlfriend is a whizz in the kitchen and typically handles the majority of our home cooking. As a result, I’ve become less and less acquainted with cooking over the last 7 or so years, which I mainly bring up to emphasize that I don’t cook spaghetti often.
I had forgotten how much fun the whole process is. Dicing up the vegetables and sauteeing them, boiling the noodles, seasoning the sauce. I saw a video recently that explained the basic elements of cooking. With that in mind I was having a really good time picking out spices and seeing how different choices I made affected the flavour. I kept it pretty straight forward with salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and chili flakes. I learned that our spice drawer is a mess and we need to find a better way to organize it.
During the process, and afterwards, my girlfriend would come in and give me tips on my process or we’d deliberate on what the best method was. This was nice because she had a lot of insights and we don’t usually discuss this topic. I’m looking forward to seeing how her suggestions will change the dish next time.
My favourite part was when I finished and finally got to eat some spaghetti with her. I don’t know what it is, but there’s something nice about spending a bunch of time making delicious food and then seeing someone eat it. I really love her cooking, so it felt good to watch her eat something I made for a change and I was extra happy when she said she enjoyed it.
Now if I had caved and ordered that Big Mac then that story wouldn’t exist. I guarantee you I wouldn’t have a good story about ordering the Big Mac either. I’d have 21 less dollars in my bank account and none of the leftover spaghetti I’ll be enjoying for the next 2 - 3 days.
On top of all of that, my spaghetti story is just one example of the sorts of experiences I’ve been having since I decided to stop ordering food to my house for a month. It’s making me realize that sacrificing convenience for substance will enrich your life.
Written by CSP and originally published in the June 16, 2024 edition of the Heavy Herb Weekly Newsletter
1 comment
This is legendary brother