For something different, do you like California Rolls?
Because they are amazingly easy to make, provide a nice change from sandwiches and pastas and the like, and don't cost much.
You can make two rolls (so enough for two days of lunch) for like...$4? Only non-ingredient supplies you need are a rice cooker, a good sharp knife, and the rolling mat. Maybe $20-$25 total one-time (well, the mats need replaced occasionally but they're the cheapest part) investment.
Some of the ingredients cost a bit up front as well...rice is much cheaper in a bigger bag, for instance.
But on a per-lunch basis all you'll be buying is a fresh avocado and a fresh cucumber and maybe some crab (I use the cheap fake crab, which you can stock up on and freeze for cheap).
And it's seriously easy to make. Then, if you want to get adventurous (and you have access to suchi-grade seafood), you'll have everything you need to make other kinds of rolls or sushi as well for dinners every now and again.
There is a grocery store right near where I work, so I went down there for lunch. I picked up a frozen flatbread melt (a frozen melt? lol) for about $2.50 and went to the deli and got a single serving of pasta salad for $1.71. It was a pretty good lunch for under $5.
When I get the time today, I will probably hit a nearby walmart for some tupperware and begin cooking extra portions with my dinner for the next day. I've gotten a ton of great ideas here, and I plan to try/implement as many as I can so keep 'em comin'
When I consider lunch foods, I like things that are easily portable, that I don't necessarily have to reheat, and I like high protein foods. My personal favorite is probably either a hard boiled egg, or egg salad. I also like meatballs, for similar reasons. Obligatory link to an Alton Brown recipe.
Really, I would try to get off the habit of coffee if you can. It's not very good for you, it's addicting, and it's rather expensive when you can't drink homebrewed for whatever reason. I'm only 20 so I suppose I'm too young to judge you for it, but I don't drink coffee and I handle my classes fine. Sometimes people will use coffee as a means to avoid getting adequate sleep. This is probably reaching, but is there some reason you don't want to go to sleep at night?
I sleep "ok" at night, but thats because I have a 6 year old and an 8 month old. I have 2 medium sized cups during the day and none at night. I am planning at some point in the near future to switch to tea, but I have to adjust myself (caffeine affecting the body differently). I'm also sluggish because I don't exercise at all and I smoke. All of these things are on my list of things to cure myself of, in fact I'm planning to stop smoking through hypnosis next month (I'm still a little worried about its effectiveness but thats another thread).
Sometimes I amaze even myself, though this was a pretty easy call. Often I wonder if I'd have been better off as a psychiatrist. But I digress.
It does sound like the coffee-drinking is a symptom of the real problem here. For one thing, the smoking is a triple whammy... it's costing you both time and money, and it's unhealthy for you and your children. I would not go for hypnotherapy personally; from what I understand, it's prone to relapse. I've heard the gum is pretty good... maybe try that? Long term, not smoking will save you a whole lot of money... not as much as those Starbucks coffees perhaps, unless you're a really bad smoker. It's going to be hard to get yourself to exercise with two kids. If you work at an office, try going for a walk during lunch.
If you're just trying to stop drinking Starbucks coffee and not change your life, you could try a behavioral modification. Have something like a "Swear Jar" but for purchased coffee. I know it sounds stupid, but saying positive things to yourself when you're making and drinking your own coffee can help too, as your brain will begin to associate positive emotions with homemade coffee. That's how I started drinking cranberry juice, and I drink a glass every morning.
There is a grocery store right near where I work, so I went down there for lunch. I picked up a frozen flatbread melt (a frozen melt? lol) for about $2.50 and went to the deli and got a single serving of pasta salad for $1.71. It was a pretty good lunch for under $5.
When I get the time today, I will probably hit a nearby walmart for some tupperware and begin cooking extra portions with my dinner for the next day. I've gotten a ton of great ideas here, and I plan to try/implement as many as I can so keep 'em comin'
I am pretty bad for eating out for lunch constantly, however, like you I've got a supermarket near my office, and grabbing a few things from there for lunch is much cheaper than going to a restaurant. Luckily I work at home occasionally, so I save cash on lunch those days.
I also like the option of making a slightly larger batch of whatever you're making for dinner so you've got left overs to take. Its pretty good efficiency wise.
Also, two cups of coffee a day isn't a big deal for your health.
How unhealthy is it to eat a sandwich for lunch every day? Keep in mind that I would be using whole wheat bread, low fat turkey and low fat mayo. I usually throw in some avocado and tomatoes.
I have a friend that used that new drug to stop smoking. He didn't go insane although did experience weird vivid dreams. Also if you want to quit smoking you may want to quit Starbucks first. Nicotine is an appetite suppressant, which is why a lot of people gain weight after quitting, they eat more and also after a few weeks of not smoking you will notice food actually tastes better. As for making learning about cofee and how to make it at home Alton brown had a whole episode of good eats on the subject, pretty much explaining everything. I'm sure its on the tubes somewhere
I have a friend that used that new drug to stop smoking. He didn't go insane although did experience weird vivid dreams. Also if you want to quit smoking you may want to quit Starbucks first. Nicotine is an appetite suppressant, which is why a lot of people gain weight after quitting, they eat more and also after a few weeks of not smoking you will notice food actually tastes better. As for making learning about cofee and how to make it at home Alton brown had a whole episode of good eats on the subject, pretty much explaining everything. I'm sure its on the tubes somewhere
I took Chantix to try and quit, and it worked, but when my wife and I lost our first baby the stress got to me and I started back again. The only side effects that I experienced was that my internal clock was reversed. I would be ready to pass out all through the day like it was late night/early morning and when nighttime rolled around I was awake as ever. I guess I could call the doctor and have him write me another prescription.
There is also Welbutrin (sp?) which is an antidepressant by nature, I'm a little leery of that one though, I really don't want to mess with the chemicals in my brain too much especially my serotonin levels if that is how it works.
As for the weight gain, I actually lost weight. I had so much more energy when I didn't smoke that I did more physically demanding things, plus since I could breathe so much better I spent more time outdoors. My appetite didn't really change much either. When I first started smoking at 19 I dropped 60 ibs in about 4 months.
Writing this response has actually inspired me to do something about my smoking today. I think I'm going to call the doctor. I'll keep you all posted. Who knew a thread about lunch could inspire me to take actual proactive measures to quit smoking, hopefully find a valentines day present for my wife and help me find a cheaper solution to my expensive coffee habit. This thread rocks and so does everyone who has posted thus far.
Edit: I forgot to add something else about the chantix: for some odd reason when I began my chantix treatment I had no desire to drink coffee whatsoever. I would make a single small mug sized cup and it would sit on my desk all day.
You're in more danger of your taste buds dying of boredom than any health risk.
Edit: Do any companies make sandwich-shaped tupperware? I'd be inclined to start bringing sandwiches to class if they could survive a backpack.
Shit, I know they do because I've seen them...but I don't know who or where. I'd just check the tupperware aisle of Wal-Mart, I'll bet it's there.
I definitely have at least one Gladware flat square tupperware thing (maybe 7"-8" per side) that fits sandwich bread very nicely. Sandwiches on kaiser/sub rolls, you might want to just wrap in foil or something.
I have a friend that used that new drug to stop smoking. He didn't go insane although did experience weird vivid dreams. Also if you want to quit smoking you may want to quit Starbucks first. Nicotine is an appetite suppressant, which is why a lot of people gain weight after quitting, they eat more and also after a few weeks of not smoking you will notice food actually tastes better. As for making learning about cofee and how to make it at home Alton brown had a whole episode of good eats on the subject, pretty much explaining everything. I'm sure its on the tubes somewhere
I took Chantix to try and quit, and it worked, but when my wife and I lost our first baby the stress got to me and I started back again. The only side effects that I experienced was that my internal clock was reversed. I would be ready to pass out all through the day like it was late night/early morning and when nighttime rolled around I was awake as ever. I guess I could call the doctor and have him write me another prescription.
There is also Welbutrin (sp?) which is an antidepressant by nature, I'm a little leery of that one though, I really don't want to mess with the chemicals in my brain too much especially my serotonin levels if that is how it works.
As for the weight gain, I actually lost weight. I had so much more energy when I didn't smoke that I did more physically demanding things, plus since I could breathe so much better I spent more time outdoors. My appetite didn't really change much either. When I first started smoking at 19 I dropped 60 ibs in about 4 months.
Writing this response has actually inspired me to do something about my smoking today. I think I'm going to call the doctor. I'll keep you all posted. Who knew a thread about lunch could inspire me to take actual proactive measures to quit smoking, hopefully find a valentines day present for my wife and help me find a cheaper solution to my expensive coffee habit. This thread rocks and so does everyone who has posted thus far.
Edit: I forgot to add something else about the chantix: for some odd reason when I began my chantix treatment I had no desire to drink coffee whatsoever. I would make a single small mug sized cup and it would sit on my desk all day.
I promised to keep you all posted on quitting smoking progress. I went ahead and called my Doctor last Friday and had give me another prescription for Chantix. It of course was not covered under my insurance and wound up costing me $150, I figured if it worked it would pay for itself in a month. I started taking it on Saturday and I'm supposed to keep smoking until this Saturday. So I'm still smoking, but I'm noticing a steady decline in my cravings, so if this keeps up I may be free from the shackles of nicotine (finally).
Another thing though, they wern't kidding when they said the medicine will give you vivid dreams. I've had nightmares every night that I have taken it thus far. I hope this doesn't last for 6 weeks...
One was kind of funny when looking back on it. I had a dream that I was going about my normal day and reached down to get my wallet and when I picked my hands back up they were covered in blood. Then the rest of nightmare went pretty much like an episode of house where nobody could figure it out. So for the entire dream my anus was bleeding for the hell of it. The funny thing is that it reminded me of this:
I quit cold turkey a bit before Christmas and I'm much happier for it. Only down side is that food tastes amazing and I have more appetite. I still have cravings due to stress at work and psychological addiction. The 30-45 min commute each way to and from work is a bitch. I really need to start walking or something again and see if/how quitting has affected my ability to physically exert myself.
I suppose I don't have much advice to add, but if it's of any help, my recent quitting has been very positive. Keep it up.
I'm just stuck up and don't order anything outside of Starbucks. I worked there as a Barista for a while, and to me, all other coffee is piss-water... much like all American beers (all being very general term). I live above my means :P
Though most people seem disguisted that I drink black coffee... no sugar or cream. I see nothing wrong with it... Hell, I change it up now and then and drink straight espresso, which has a much more powerful taste...
... And yeah, I couldn't make myself order anything flavoured. Mocha is a rare exception, as it's more of a base than a flavor. Breve Latte's aren't bad, either (Espresso and steamed cream/half&half). Won't do Mocha at Starbucks though because it's just power base and hot water... cost effective, but tastes horrible.
... This could easilly turn into a workplace secrets thread if I keep going, so I'll stop here.
....... I hate when Barista's lie to me and tell me the coffee is fresh.
........... Oh, and "cappucino" is a lie. Gas stations and McDonalds "cappucinos" are powder water. A real Cappucino is half fucking foam, you prissy high-school bastards (not you... just... complaining out loud)
Starbucks is not stuck-up or high-class, it is weak and overpriced. They have brainwashed you.
The way I save money and still manage to enjoy eating out on occasion is by ordering something small rather than a whole meal and just making up the difference with random snacks I bring from home. Eat a taco or two at your favorite Mex. place rather than the full burrito plate with beans and rice, and continue snacking when you're back at work with whatever you brought.
As for coffee, start enjoying french press made with quality roasted beans at home, it is much better for you than sugar-loaded iced coffees and lattes from Dunkin' Donuts. You will start to enjoy it more without dairy or sugar in it once you get your french press technique down. I don't know how accessible quality beans are where you live, but I'm sure you can find at least one decent source nearby.
Posts
Espresso pods create highly potent/concentrated small "shots" of espresso, typically mixed with milk (or drink straight if in Italy)
Ground coffee beans create full pots or cups of coffee, which is a bit weaker.
Also, Mild coffee has more caffiene than bolder coffee, as the roasting process takes out more of the caffiene.
Because they are amazingly easy to make, provide a nice change from sandwiches and pastas and the like, and don't cost much.
You can make two rolls (so enough for two days of lunch) for like...$4? Only non-ingredient supplies you need are a rice cooker, a good sharp knife, and the rolling mat. Maybe $20-$25 total one-time (well, the mats need replaced occasionally but they're the cheapest part) investment.
Some of the ingredients cost a bit up front as well...rice is much cheaper in a bigger bag, for instance.
But on a per-lunch basis all you'll be buying is a fresh avocado and a fresh cucumber and maybe some crab (I use the cheap fake crab, which you can stock up on and freeze for cheap).
And it's seriously easy to make. Then, if you want to get adventurous (and you have access to suchi-grade seafood), you'll have everything you need to make other kinds of rolls or sushi as well for dinners every now and again.
When I get the time today, I will probably hit a nearby walmart for some tupperware and begin cooking extra portions with my dinner for the next day. I've gotten a ton of great ideas here, and I plan to try/implement as many as I can so keep 'em comin'
Sometimes I amaze even myself, though this was a pretty easy call. Often I wonder if I'd have been better off as a psychiatrist. But I digress.
It does sound like the coffee-drinking is a symptom of the real problem here. For one thing, the smoking is a triple whammy... it's costing you both time and money, and it's unhealthy for you and your children. I would not go for hypnotherapy personally; from what I understand, it's prone to relapse. I've heard the gum is pretty good... maybe try that? Long term, not smoking will save you a whole lot of money... not as much as those Starbucks coffees perhaps, unless you're a really bad smoker. It's going to be hard to get yourself to exercise with two kids. If you work at an office, try going for a walk during lunch.
If you're just trying to stop drinking Starbucks coffee and not change your life, you could try a behavioral modification. Have something like a "Swear Jar" but for purchased coffee. I know it sounds stupid, but saying positive things to yourself when you're making and drinking your own coffee can help too, as your brain will begin to associate positive emotions with homemade coffee. That's how I started drinking cranberry juice, and I drink a glass every morning.
I am pretty bad for eating out for lunch constantly, however, like you I've got a supermarket near my office, and grabbing a few things from there for lunch is much cheaper than going to a restaurant. Luckily I work at home occasionally, so I save cash on lunch those days.
I also like the option of making a slightly larger batch of whatever you're making for dinner so you've got left overs to take. Its pretty good efficiency wise.
Also, two cups of coffee a day isn't a big deal for your health.
How unhealthy is it to eat a sandwich for lunch every day? Keep in mind that I would be using whole wheat bread, low fat turkey and low fat mayo. I usually throw in some avocado and tomatoes.
Edit: Do any companies make sandwich-shaped tupperware? I'd be inclined to start bringing sandwiches to class if they could survive a backpack.
Shit, I know they do because I've seen them...but I don't know who or where. I'd just check the tupperware aisle of Wal-Mart, I'll bet it's there.
I took Chantix to try and quit, and it worked, but when my wife and I lost our first baby the stress got to me and I started back again. The only side effects that I experienced was that my internal clock was reversed. I would be ready to pass out all through the day like it was late night/early morning and when nighttime rolled around I was awake as ever. I guess I could call the doctor and have him write me another prescription.
There is also Welbutrin (sp?) which is an antidepressant by nature, I'm a little leery of that one though, I really don't want to mess with the chemicals in my brain too much especially my serotonin levels if that is how it works.
As for the weight gain, I actually lost weight. I had so much more energy when I didn't smoke that I did more physically demanding things, plus since I could breathe so much better I spent more time outdoors. My appetite didn't really change much either. When I first started smoking at 19 I dropped 60 ibs in about 4 months.
Writing this response has actually inspired me to do something about my smoking today. I think I'm going to call the doctor. I'll keep you all posted. Who knew a thread about lunch could inspire me to take actual proactive measures to quit smoking, hopefully find a valentines day present for my wife and help me find a cheaper solution to my expensive coffee habit. This thread rocks and so does everyone who has posted thus far.
Edit: I forgot to add something else about the chantix: for some odd reason when I began my chantix treatment I had no desire to drink coffee whatsoever. I would make a single small mug sized cup and it would sit on my desk all day.
I definitely have at least one Gladware flat square tupperware thing (maybe 7"-8" per side) that fits sandwich bread very nicely. Sandwiches on kaiser/sub rolls, you might want to just wrap in foil or something.
You are welcome!
Might I also suggest the following:
Consumerist.com - I posted a link to an article but it shows great deals and has links to other really good articles.
Lifehacker.com - Tech blog but it also has other general stuff.
I promised to keep you all posted on quitting smoking progress. I went ahead and called my Doctor last Friday and had give me another prescription for Chantix. It of course was not covered under my insurance and wound up costing me $150, I figured if it worked it would pay for itself in a month. I started taking it on Saturday and I'm supposed to keep smoking until this Saturday. So I'm still smoking, but I'm noticing a steady decline in my cravings, so if this keeps up I may be free from the shackles of nicotine (finally).
Another thing though, they wern't kidding when they said the medicine will give you vivid dreams. I've had nightmares every night that I have taken it thus far. I hope this doesn't last for 6 weeks...
One was kind of funny when looking back on it. I had a dream that I was going about my normal day and reached down to get my wallet and when I picked my hands back up they were covered in blood. Then the rest of nightmare went pretty much like an episode of house where nobody could figure it out. So for the entire dream my anus was bleeding for the hell of it. The funny thing is that it reminded me of this:
Rejected
I suppose I don't have much advice to add, but if it's of any help, my recent quitting has been very positive.
The way I save money and still manage to enjoy eating out on occasion is by ordering something small rather than a whole meal and just making up the difference with random snacks I bring from home. Eat a taco or two at your favorite Mex. place rather than the full burrito plate with beans and rice, and continue snacking when you're back at work with whatever you brought.
As for coffee, start enjoying french press made with quality roasted beans at home, it is much better for you than sugar-loaded iced coffees and lattes from Dunkin' Donuts. You will start to enjoy it more without dairy or sugar in it once you get your french press technique down. I don't know how accessible quality beans are where you live, but I'm sure you can find at least one decent source nearby.