Fat Wallet

Have you ever ordered food and thought to yourself that there was too much food on the plate? Anyone who has ever taken home a doggy bag or had leftovers from fast-food purchases understands how frugal it is to save uneaten food for a next meal, especially considering the high price paid. In the old days, though, several people shared the entire meal, thereby, spreading out the costs. This may be why people have become obese in this country. And it may also be why the food costs are high, because it costs more to make a small amount for a single person than it does for a group.

What would happen if people began group ordering their food when they go out? What if the restaurants began a ‘share item’ type of food purchasing where they encourage family-style meals be eaten at their restaurants? You order a single meal item and a whole bowl is placed in front of the group so that people on a diet can take a smaller portion to eat.

What I found out is that when I order out, I usually have leftovers because the calorie or carbohydrate count is too high for me to eat that meal for the day. If you diet or limit your carbs to twenty or so per day, eating out can be very frustrating. You must guestimate how much of the meal is enough, and usually, this number is wrong; thereby, wrecking your diet plan. Keeping track of calories, fat, or carbs is an ordeal when eating at regular restaurants because they do not have a chart for each item on their menu. You either end up eating too much or you carry out a doggy bag that eventually makes its way to the back of your refrigerator becoming the moldy or rotten mess you find later.

As an experiment, I began ordering one meal at a restaurant and dividing it between two or more people. What I found is that all that I really wanted to eat from each item was a couple of bites. This was an astonishing epiphany! I did not feel deprived, and it was super-easy to say no to more than tasting the various foods on the table. Going further, I calculated the calories, fat, and carbohydrate intake from the meal that I had eaten and was surprised to learn that I actually ate less than I used to eat in single meal servings of the same foods!

So, could over-servings of food be the reason so many people in America are over-weight and miserable? If you do not have to ‘finish your plate’ as many were taught, could this be the solution to losing weight, while at the same time fattening your wallet? Try this trick the next time you go out to eat, whether regular restaurant or fast food. Order one meal and share it, then see how full or satisfied you feel. I say, go ahead and order dessert, too! Share that as well. Eating a few bites from each item evens out the calories, fat, and carbs, but it also satisfies your cravings without busting your budget.

I think that it is okay to eat a few fries and a couple of bites of burger, then splurge a little on a few mouths-full of shake or hot fudge sundae. Add that up yourself. Did you go over your daily limit or even reach half your planned intake? Were you more satisfied and did you spend less for your meal? Also, how long were you satisfied after eating mini-meal portions? This is important, because what I also found is that I only ate once or twice per day instead of grazing all day or eating huge meals at one sitting. I felt indulged and happier than ever about my ability to lose or maintain my weight. Not only that, but my monthly budget for food was also cut in thirds. In thirds! This means that I have more money to spend on other things, which made my life more interesting and less stressful.

Overeating leads to obesity. It also costs more. The next time you go out to eat, take one or more people with you and agree to share one meal. Split the cost of the meal equally between the group and you may find that life suddenly has new meaning. You are no longer a slave to your taste buds, you eat the foods you really like, and your pocketbook expands providing endless possibilities. For those die-hard dieters, however, you can use this suggestion to possibly cut down on your total daily caloric intake. This is a simple way you may want to plan your weight management.

The sharing-a-meal lifestyle can be a family affair. For those households finding it crippling to buy food every month, this may be the solution your family needs to afford bills or even to go on a desperately needed vacation. For seniors living on your own, you may want to begin a carpool that meets every week, or daily, to eat out. You may find the companionship and conversation are just what you need to liven up your humdrum existence. Heck, I think that you could even split the cost of eating at the local Senior Citizen’s Center every day! With these savings, you could afford to buy more for the grandkids and possibly have some left over for pampering yourself. Let’s do some math. If you pay $3.00 per day for one lunch at the center, then split that amount between two people, that is $1.50 per day in your pocket. That is $45 per thirty-day month to help buy medicine or pay for lawncare.

Finally, I hope this information on how to manage your weight, satisfy your cravings, and lowering your budget helps people from all countries. Just because you have an overabundance of food available does not mean you must eat it all in one sitting. Eat smaller meals a few bites at a time and share with others whenever you can. This may be the beginning of a happier, healthier, and wealthier you.

©Copyright, Fat Wallet, February 26, 2017, April Graves-Minton, Love MoonEagle. All Rights Reserved.