Diet Tip: Take Your Own Takeout Container

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Diet Tip: Take Your Own Takeout Container

February 6, 2008

Everyone loves a nice meal out. Food just seems to taste better when someone else prepares it.

While it is fine to indulge occasionally, the humongous portion sizes at many restaurants can lead to serious overeating. Here's an idea to try. Bring a reusable plastic container with you when you go out. Just stash it in your fashionably large purse. Bringing you own container is not only good for the planet, but you can easily shrink your meal to a reasonable size before you take your first bite. Wrap up half your meal and then dig in. Then you can feel free to enjoy what's left on your plate and know that you'll feel satisfied but not stuffed. What's another plus? You'll have lunch already made for the next day.

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26 Comments

emalove 5 years 15 weeks

I would never do this, sorry! I'd feel like a weirdo pulling one of these out of my purse. But then again, I don't have issues with overeating.

chicchick 5 years 15 weeks

Hmmm, depends on where you're at. Although, I did smuggle in a bottle of fat-free dressing for my salad at a pizza buffet the other day :)

7kimba7 5 years 15 weeks

This is a good idea, but I don't think I have any bags large enough to carry a tupperware container.

ElissaM 5 years 15 weeks

This idea depends on where you are eating out. I'm not pulling out my gladware in a fancy place. I say let them package it for you unless you're at Applebees...

POPSUGAR Fitness 5 years 15 weeks

spacebear - I totally agree!

POPSUGAR Fitness 5 years 15 weeks

spacebear - I totally agree!

geekygirl 5 years 15 weeks

eek, watch out for the bacteria build up - a few hours at room temp isn't going to do that food much good.

JessNess 5 years 15 weeks

This is a great idea. It would be weird at first but who cares. If anyone stares at you just tell them you are saving the planet.

spacebear 5 years 15 weeks

i was thinking about doing this yesterday. wasn't sure what the staff would think, but i thought i could just say i was trying to save the world one to-go box at a time. i think it would be great if this became commonplace and people didnt worry so much about what i would seem like. lets all do it!

jennifer76 5 years 15 weeks

What a fab idea! I'd feel weird doing it in a nice, upscale restaurant, but in a chain restaurant...? Seriously. If waiters sing happy birthday to neighboring tables, I can bust out a tupperware. Luckily, though, I just share half (usually more than half) of whatever I'm eating with my son. Easy peasy.

jennifer76 5 years 15 weeks

What a fab idea! I'd feel weird doing it in a nice, upscale restaurant, but in a chain restaurant...? Seriously. If waiters sing happy birthday to neighboring tables, I can bust out a tupperware.Luckily, though, I just share half (usually more than half) of whatever I'm eating with my son. Easy peasy.

JovianSkies 5 years 15 weeks

This is a nice tip, but I don't know... If someone whipped out a home-brought container when I was out with them at a restaurant, it might create a "Seinfeld" moment, lol.

JovianSkies 5 years 15 weeks

This is a nice tip, but I don't know... If someone whipped out a home-brought container when I was out with them at a restaurant, it might create a "Seinfeld" moment, lol.

superfoxml 5 years 15 weeks

What a great idea! Thanks!

superfoxml 5 years 15 weeks

What a great idea! Thanks!

Soniabonya 5 years 15 weeks

I always seem to take food home in a doggie bag anyways. I tend to just cute the entire meal in 1/2 and focus on one part and leave the reast to take home. Not unless I'm ravished or really drunk. lol. then that food stands no chance.

Spectra 5 years 15 weeks

When I eat out at a restaurant, I usually either order a side salad and a cup of soup or an appetizer. It's cheaper and I don't have to deal with the huge portions. I also like going to Applebee's so I can get one of the Weight Watchers entrees. The portions are smaller and the food generally tastes a lot lighter and fresher.

Allytta 5 years 15 weeks

i have never thought that food tastes better when someone else prepares it. i love my food and avoid eating someone elses at all costs. except for my mom's and grandma's of course :) they're excelent and i've learned everything from them. i even try not to eat university food while in there, i always prepare something the evening before. no junk food for me.

Allytta 5 years 15 weeks

i have never thought that food tastes better when someone else prepares it. i love my food and avoid eating someone elses at all costs. except for my mom's and grandma's of course :) they're excelent and i've learned everything from them.i even try not to eat university food while in there, i always prepare something the evening before. no junk food for me.

hottpink 5 years 15 weeks

It's a great idea, I would be too embarrassed to whip out my little Tupperware. Has anyone seen anyone do this? I might try it at some chain restaurants but definitely not a classy dinner say...on Valentines Day! LoL Thank for the tip Fit!

aimeeb 5 years 15 weeks

Ash I have to agree I would feel weird whipping out a plastic container in the middle of the restaurant.

psychobabble 5 years 15 weeks

good idea, but I agree with ashcwebb, not too classy. But at a chain restaurant, why not? I may have to try this, I can't get myself to only eat half the plate!