Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to order a steak while short of money?

90 replies

Dogingarden · 07/05/2026 13:47

First of all this isn't a begging post and I don't want money from anyone.

I'm currently housebound while recovering from a major illness. Just starting to get my appetite back and I have a major craving for a steak. I genuinely can't stop thinking about it. I very rarely eat red meat in general and currently I'm not well enough to cook one by myself so I was planning on ordering one in for my dinner. Only issue is I have a very limited budget and it would leave me a bit short until I get paid next Friday.

Wibu?

OP posts:
ohyesido · 07/05/2026 17:28

If you want it and there is nothing preventing you from having it, then go ahead

alexandrasm · 07/05/2026 17:26

Don’t be so stupid. Of course you would be.

EmeraldShamrock000 · 07/05/2026 17:26

I say treat yourself but I’m terrible with money and often leave myself broke.

Hotpants123 · 07/05/2026 17:26

Have the steak, sounds like you can't do anything, so have what you enjoy.
You only have a week to wait until you get paid.

Happyjoe · 07/05/2026 17:25

nearlylovemyusername · 07/05/2026 14:49

Order a steak OP.
You crave it for a reason, your body is likely to need this food for recovery, unless that the last food you can afford till pay day, go for it.

Yes, this is what I was thinking, and even as a vegetarian I think perhaps the OP's body is trying to tell her something, even if it ends up just being comfort food!

Get well @Dogingarden hope on the road to recovery and you've help otherwise.

Dancingsquirrels · 07/05/2026 17:24

A burger might satisfy your craving. Would be cheaper

But really, it's up to you, right? You don't need our permission / validation

Hope you feel better soon

DuchessofStaffordshire · 07/05/2026 17:21

When I crave steak it usually means I need protein in general, iron and possibly vitamin B12 and Zinc. I try to eat red meat (steak, liver etc) once a week and take supplementary iron, b12 and zinc etc. I strength train so my requirements are quite high. Do you have eggs in the house that you could scramble or make an omelette with? If so, eat those and see if the craving goes away. They also contain all the above macro and micro nutrients.

Jellybunny98 · 07/05/2026 17:18

It depends what you’d be short for & who that impacts.

If it would mean you can’t eat, heat your home, pay a bill etc then no I wouldn’t spend it on a steak. If you have kids who would suffer for being short I also wouldn’t.

BloodandGlitter · 07/05/2026 17:14

Dogingarden · 07/05/2026 17:01

I'm already taking iron because I am very anemic due to my surgery and treatment.

Just go for it and enjoy it. Being poor doesn't mean you should give up all luxuries and it sounds like you could do with the nutrition if you haven't been eating.

Isittimeformynapyet · 07/05/2026 17:10

Can you take out a loan, OP?

(I'm joking)

Isittimeformynapyet · 07/05/2026 17:05

Newmeagain · 07/05/2026 13:58

Are you sure you can’t cook it? Unless you are bed bound all you need to do is pop in a frying pan with a small amount of olive oil and sit in a chair next to it so you can keep an eye on it. Have it with a baguette and some salad leaves.

Not olive oil, BUTTER!

Original poster
Dogingarden · 07/05/2026 17:01

I'm already taking iron because I am very anemic due to my surgery and treatment.

OP posts:
youalright · 07/05/2026 16:41

Get it and enjoy. You have nothing to feel guilty about.

Zanatdy · 07/05/2026 16:33

Maybe you’re low in iron?

Bjorkdidit · 07/05/2026 16:20

If they're bringing it from a pub five minutes walk away, hopefully that's little difference from them carrying it to the far end of a really big beer garden.

I don't even like steak that much and would never order it in a pub but I can see the attraction of a steak, chips, tomatoes, mushrooms and a nice sauce right now. Hope you get your steak OP and it sets you on the way to recovery.

PurpleThistle7 · 07/05/2026 15:34

The only time in my life I craved a steak was after having my daughter when I was dangerously low on iron. So second (third?) looking into that when you can.

Malasana · 07/05/2026 15:00

Who is currently cooking your food for you or are you able to do your own but only certain food?
I’d not risk ordering a steak for delivery because I don’t think it will travel well, even just from down the road and if you’ve spent a lot you’ll be disappointed.

nearlylovemyusername · 07/05/2026 14:49

Order a steak OP.
You crave it for a reason, your body is likely to need this food for recovery, unless that the last food you can afford till pay day, go for it.

Original poster
Dogingarden · 07/05/2026 14:43

climbintheback · 07/05/2026 14:30

Our local butcher had 2 sirloins for £12 get a neighbour or friend to cook one only take them 5 mins!

I'm really pleased that's the case for you.

Unfortunately my situation is very different and I don't have neighbours who would cook for me.

OP posts:
UniquePinkSwan · 07/05/2026 14:31

Do it. I eat steak everyday. Very very nutritious.

Namechangefordaughterevasion · 07/05/2026 14:30

I wouldn't. I've ordered steak delivery before (from a restaurant I love) and even a short journey in takeaway packaging ruined the texture. It's one thing to go short for an absolute treat but for something that will probably be a disappointment would be terrible.

Could you compromise and order a good quality burger for now and look forward to the steak another time?

climbintheback · 07/05/2026 14:30

Our local butcher had 2 sirloins for £12 get a neighbour or friend to cook one only take them 5 mins!

Ponderingwindow · 07/05/2026 14:26

I’ve been doing this fairly frequently lately. I’ve also been getting iron infusions because my anemia is so bad. There are times when I am just too dizzy to cook safely. It’s not leaving me short though.

it does really help, much better than supplements. If it won’t impact your budget too much, I would go for it.

catipuss · 07/05/2026 14:26

Do it, five minutes resting on the way will be fine, hopefully it comes with all the trimmings!

Benmac · 07/05/2026 14:23

Do it. You will feel good having a treat. Have beans on toast next week to save cash.
Hope you get much better soon.