I have a confession to make: I love food delivery apps. What could be easier than finishing a grueling commute after a long day of work (or, more accurately these days, shutting off your laptop after a long day of working and heading to the couch), grabbing your phone, picking out your favorite dish from your favorite restaurant, and then having it dropped off at your door thirty minutes later? You don’t even have to change out of your PJs!

Unfortunately, my wallet and my stomach do not thank me for this bad habit. Because of the sheer convenience, I often end up ordering food so much more often than I would normally actually go to a restaurant. I’ll end up paying $20 for an $8 entree while the perfectly good groceries in my fridge lay neglected and rotting in my fridge. The habit has only gotten worse since COVID-19 has forced us all into our homes and the use of convenient straight-to-your-door apps has skyrocketed.

So I’ve decided that I need to put a stop to this. The occasional Chipotle burrito bowl is one thing, but I just cannot justify not even touching the vegetables in my fridge and buying them just to let them wilt (sorry, little guys).

• Actually Cooking. I know, this is a shocker. But actually having good options for eating already available in your home make it that much easier to avoid whipping out the Postmates app. I like to have an arsenal of quick, easy meals that you can whip up in a shorter time than it would take you to get something delivered to your house (and not have to pay exorbitant fees).
  
  Along with some standard healthy dishes, you should also have some things that are a little more decadent to really satisfy that urge for having something hearty and delicious. This way, even if you make something more self-indulgent, you still have full control of your ingredients and know more about your dish than something coming from a restaurant. This Spicy Miso Pasta from Cravings by Chrissy Teigen has been my go-to lately. I always have the ingredients on hand, and it is quick, cheesy, and delicious.
  
  Meal-prepping is also your friend. I find that the best way this works for me is to schedule a time to dedicate to cooking early in the week so that I have a couple of easy meals available to allow for maximum laziness in the next couple of days. Win-win.

• Embrace Your Love of Convenience. Like I mentioned earlier, one of the most beautiful things about food delivery couriers is that you don’t have to get yourself together in order to get a hot and delicious meal. Let your lazy bones relax and do the same thing but with your grocery shopping! I have really been leaning into the Instacart app these past couple of months as trips to the grocery store have become frustrating and stressful events. With Instacart and other personal-shopper apps, you can do all your grocery shopping straight from the couch and stock up on all the things you need to feed you for the week. If your favorite grocery store isn’t included in any apps, check their website! With the shelter-at-home orders, many have begun to offer delivery services of their own. Just make sure you tip your shoppers well – you don’t have to worry about keeping six feet apart from other distracted and rushing patrons, but they do.

• Keep Healthy Snacks on Hand!! I think that this is one of the most crucial things that you can do to help keep you off of food delivery apps, and also one of the things I overlook the most. If you have healthy things to munch on at home, you’re much less likely to give in to momentary lapses. Also, snacks are one of the things that make this world go around.
  
  While you’re cruising around on your Instacart app, throw in some pita chips and hummus (or preferably, ingredients for your own!), dried apples, or fruit and Tajin for a spicy, salty kick. I keep a jar of pickled banana peppers on hand at all times – whatever floats your boat and keeps you from getting the munchies.

• Frozen Meals (??) Yes. I know frozen meals get a bad rap, and for good reason, but some brands have come a long way since the sodium-laden behemoths of the past. If you just can’t stomach the thought of turning on your stove or chopping veggies, the occasional frozen meal might be your saving grace.
  
  A word of caution though: be picky about the frozen meals that you are selecting and look at the nutrition labels! My personal favorite brand for frozen meals is Amy’s, and if you have a Trader Joe’s in your area, their selection is mostly great.

Hopefully this helps you get off of your food courier app and into your own kitchen! I know I won’t be deleting my beloved Postmates any time soon, but I will not be spending any more consecutive days without stepping foot into my own kitchen.