31 Day Challenge: No Eating Out at Restaurants

Starting on January 4, 2010, I am joining Prior Fat Girl's 31 Day Challenge to eat at home for 31 days. Prior Fat Girl, Jen is her real name, is one of my favorite MN bloggers. She lost a ton of weight and always has great tips and advice. Plus, she's super fun. So, when she posted this challenge, I immediately said I would do it too! This is what it means:

• No eating out at restaurants unless it's a special occasion (previously scheduled) 
• No buying breakfast, lunches, or snacks at work (MY BIGGEST CHALLENGE)

I checked my calendar and the only day I have something scheduled that would include eating at a restaurant is on January 19th, when I go to the Minnesota Bloggers Volunteer Meet Up. (are YOU goin? Want to?) Other than that, we are going to be homebodies and honestly, I am ready for it. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my restaurants. We go out to eat maybe once a week. It's really not eating at restaurants that is the issue for me. It's the buying of breakfast and lunch and snacks at WORK. Lord in Heaven do I spend too much money doing that. I've discussed this numerous times!

So, this will be the hardest part of the challenge for me because:

• I need to PLAN my lunches and PACK my lunches ahead of time
• I need to make and eat my breakfast AT HOME
• I need to resist the urge to chuck my lunch in the trash and buy one of the yummy meals in our cafeteria. (seriously, they make a mean grilled cheese/tomato soup combo. YUM)

I am hoping I achieve the following:

• Save some money buy not spending money at the work cafeterias
• Find a breakfast that I like and can make each morning and that is satisfying. (I am buying the Magic Bullet so I can make smoothies!)
• Track Track Track. This will help me track my Weight Watchers points and get me back on track. (crossing my fingers!)
  
• Learn to cook some fun meals for the family. Hoping to find a good pizza recipe since that's one of my favorite meals. I have a few I like so I'll tweak those. I also plan on using our Crock Pot a lot. I love Crock Pot pot roast and need to find a low fat version. Any ideas? :)
  

So, here's hoping January is kind and that I pass this challenge with flying colors! I'll keep you posted... Are you interested in joining the challenge? Let me know!