Separate Food?

Comment by Keem on September 19, 2012 at 11:52am

Actually, we all have our own small cabinet. 

I had my own stuff I didn't want the other 2 to eat, but, generally, they were decent about that because my "staples" are fairly known.  If there's something I definitely don't want my husband to eat, I put a sign on it.

It was my daughter and husband who usually butted heads.  She would often have goodies--stuff she would get at holidays (xmas, easter, hween etc) and not be able to eat the candy at once-or if I got a box of donuts or made a cake, for example-he would eat all of it before she got much and all heck would break loose or he would eat some of her candy she would get upset.  So we started a thing where if I get something like ice cream bars or donuts (for example) half would be for each--and usually kept in separate/marked containers.  If he has something he doesn't want to share-something special-he keeps it in his area.  If my daughter has something, she keeps it in her cabinet (and he's not allowed in there) and I went ahead and got a cabinet for myself, too. They're just the little skinny cabinets-not a whole huge one.  It helped so much with them fighting about food all the time.  Also, I have a place that I can put things I don't want consumed and don't have to put signs any longer. 

Marking stuff really does help. Some people just don't get the concept of having special foods that you eat--they think food is food and everything is fair game. (which reallllly annoys me!)  That takes all of that out of the equation and life is more peaceful. Separating things isn't selfish--it's simplification and practicality!

 

PS--ever try freezing those pudding cups? Tastes like ice cream!! :)

Comment by Cindy on September 19, 2012 at 8:58pm

Don't worry about your friend's birthday. True friends do not get bothered by these things and you've had a lot going on lately.

I wish I could help you on the food storage thing but it's just me and my husband. I don't really keep any sweets because between the two of us they'll be gone in no time. Occasionally, I'll buy some dark chocolate and put it in an inconspicuous place so it's not visible all the time.

Comment by Lynette S on September 20, 2012 at 12:08am

I forget friend's birthday's all the time, thank g-d for Facebook, it's just about cured me of that problem!
I have a separate drawer for husband and child. They both like "snacks" and I don't like to look at them, makes me too stressed and tempted. I keep some of my stuff in a "out of the way" place, especially my luna bars or Trader Joe's Fiber Fruitful's, because they will eat them and not fess up, so I put them in an entirely different place, where they would never look (i.e. with the canned tomatoes, pasta, etc) or stumble across them. I have hidden things before, but then I have forgotten and it's gotten bad, so I don't do that anymore!

Comment by Jill Mace on September 20, 2012 at 3:54am

Just tell your friend you are sorry- you just forgot.  That is the truth and it happens to all of us.  I think she will be understanding.  I have my own space in the house for my stuff.  Just something that I have to do to make it easier for everyone.  My problem is staying out of Danny and Molly's "stuff"!!!!

Comment by Dee on September 21, 2012 at 5:50pm

It sounds like separating food is an effective strategy! So far it's just me and the bf, and we tend to eat different kinds of food. The only item that is a potential head-butt is the popcorn, which we both like and eat often. I just make it a routine to check and see where we are before I hit the store, so I never have that sad-face moment. 

and... ooooh I am so about to freeze some pudding cups! That has been my go-to acceptable treat and now I can put a twist on it- thanks Keem! 

Comment