Saturday, November 8, 2008

Emotional Eating Wreaking Havoc With My Frugal Living

As you may recall, I spent $91.50 on sushi a couple of days ago. After that debacle, I vowed to maintain an austere lifestyle for the rest of the month to atone. But I've been eating out a lot these days. (It's a lot of fast food but I still consider that very un-frugal.)

The economy and the uncertainty of my job is causing me to be a bit blue and lethargic. In times of stress, I like to stuff my face with greasy food, chocolate, ice cream and beer. I guess this is my other emotional blankie. (And at least I haven't gone shopping to make myself feel better, right?)

My friend suggested that I stop watching the news and CNBC. But her suggestion isn't a true panacea since I'll be trading in insecurity and stress for ignorance and apathy. No thanks.

I'm pretty sure that everyone is nervous about the economy and their financial well being. How are you all dealing with this? I'm looking for a frugal alternative to stuffing my pie-hole to deal with my stress, so your suggestions are highly welcomed.

8 comments:

Sallie's Niece said...

I hear ya, it's a very stressful time. I've been trying to focus on other things - movies help.

jpkittie said...

I am also an emotional eater --- I made an apple pie just yesterday & have already eaten half of it... dh has only had 2 pieces! yikes!

maybe we should set out carrots to grab instead?

frugal zeitgeist said...

Exercise. For me, it's a total magic bullet.

Anonymous said...

Yeah, I'm having some serious economy-related appetite control issues as well. Last year I "replaced" that habit with lots and lots of walking, but today the weather sucked...so down went 1/4 box of Honey Bunches of Oats. Yeesh.

Sharon S said...

Hi there-my vice is the thrift shopping, i set myself a weekly budget, but still went over a bit yesterday!! Still, I'm trying to start cooking a bit more (hubby generally cooks the dinners) as something to do and as motivation for not eating out. I made a lovely potato and chickpea curry yesterday, which I worked out was only around £2 to make. If we had bought an Indian takeaway, it would have been around £15-£20! Could you maybe source some yummy recipes and make stuff, which could last a few days?

Shtinkykat said...

sallie: I haven't been to the movies for a while. Maybe I'll catch a comedy like Zack and Miri or Role Models. Or maybe even a kid's flick like Madagascar 2. :-D

jpkittie: Mmmmm... pie... Heh heh. I always buy myself carrots but I never seem to eat them! (Shame on me!)

frugal-z and MMK: I'm athletically challenged but walking sounds like a great idea. I might start this morning.

sharon: Mmmmm, the curry sounds good. Cooking is not my best talent but practice makes perfect, right? I just need to snap out of this lethargic funk I'm in right now. :-P

Anonymous said...

I admit it. I was stressed with anxiety and made macaroni and cheese. It's my comfort food. I make it with cheese and butter. Yum. I ate a portion and then put the rest in tupperware so I wouldn't be tempted to it all. I went to the video store and rented a movie to take my mind off the stress. I think everyone does this. Don't let it get to you!

Kofi Bofah said...

I am trying to cook up a storm on the weekends.

I look to prepare food for the week, and take that into the office. Doing so, cuts back on food costs that really add up over time.