The food “pinch points” that trip us up

26 May

Content.

You’ve finished work late, you’re too tired to cook, and there’s nothing prepped in the fridge. It’s giving takeaway/UberEats night.

But the worst part? Not only are you paying a hefty premium on the UberEats bill… you don’t even end up enjoying it that much.

The worst.

It’s scenarios like this where I like to offer some gentle reframing. This isn’t about takeaway being “bad” or needing to cook every single night. It’s more about identifying your pinch points so you can feel more in control and make choices that align with your goals, values and lifestyle.

Some ways I navigate pinch points in my own week that might land with you:

I plan ahead for nights I know I will get home late. Usually that means leftovers from the night before or a quick meal I can throw together easily (eg steak + butter beans + salad).
My WFH days are still pretty long, but I know I can take advantage of a slow-cooked meal in the oven - like my fave Lamb Shanks Massaman Curry.
I loosely map out meals during my weekly shop and set reminders for things like defrosting meat the night before.
I intentionally account for eating out. I don’t try to hold myself to the unrealistic standard of cooking seven nights a week.

I actually love using the Apple Reminders grocery list. I share it with Jordan and can ask Siri to add things while I’m going about my week. It even automatically categorises everything for you - so good.

Recipe Recommendation. Cheesy Chicken Orzo

I’ve been a WWKC fan for a while and this recipe ticks all the boxes. Minimal clean-up, delicious, and a one-pot oven wonder - hallelujah.

I added diced capsicum in with the chicken to boost the veg content a little and it worked so well. Jordan has already requested this one on repeat.

Product Recommendation. Mayver’s Everything Spread.

I’m all for “bang for your buck” foods and this one delivers. It’s like peanut butter with extra goodness packed in. There are 10 different nuts and seeds in the one jar (!!), which means more variety for your gut bacteria - and we love that.

Mayver’s Everything Spread has been on high rotation in our house lately. Another great option is Fix & Fogg Everything Butter.

Quote.

“What you notice, grows”

- James Clear