Pre-made/frozen entrees???

Another one for all of you out there, I feel I am not taking advantage of all the variety of foods I could be eating. Boredom is around the corner if I don't start eating "real" meals. But I am not a cook. I live alone too. I am still living on the basics: soup, plain chicken/beef/fish/veggie "meats", eggs, beans (chili), cheese - cottage or other, peanut butter. I miss flavors like I would get in a MEAL. If I can't "nuke" it...I'm outta luck. Just a fact of my lifestyle. If I do cook, even a recipe for 2 or 4, don't even get me started about the "leftovers"....so premade/frozen entrees that might last a meal or two????? As I shop, the low carb stores and even the grocery stores, I see some pre-made/frozen/shelf-stable type entrees that are high in protein, low in sugar and I wonder if they are good choices for WLS people. For instance there are Fantastic (brand name, not a recommendation!) Carb'tastic Ready Meals, shelf stable entrees, like vegetarian penne alfredo, veggie pesto, teriyaki, tofu lasanga and others. 20 to 25 grams of protein. Sugars vary. Each is 8 to 9 oz so I figure two meals. Also, Life Choice Meals, frozen, like baked chicken and veggies, beef tips...25-35 grams of protein. Sugars vary. Each is 12-13 oz so I figure 3 or so meals. I also looked into the Healthy Choice, Weigh****chers, Lean Cuisine, and their protein is not that great considering we are talking two or so meals. Plus some are sugar no-no's. I know any meals like this are higher in sodium than 'fresh' but if it's a matter of keeping me from getting bored....can I use them from time to time? Any suggestions....?????

From what I've seen/heard, people do use them. I would think it best if they were used in moderation (due to the sodium content). Best of luck. I understand the variety aspect. I'm there myself. Valerie

Thanks Val, I am glad to hear from you. I know variety is out there, I guess I am just not as creative as some. I get scared too that I am going to eat something "wrong" or "bad." (You know blow up the 40 pounds I've lost so far!) Plus the fact I am no Martha Stewart when it comes to cooking...plus the single life so I only need tiny "one meal" thing....I will definitely take your advice and use these products in moderation. TAKE CARE!

Ms. Kitty. Boy are you lucky. The store in Painter's Crossroads shopping center, WOW premature senior moment, cause I've forgotten the name, makes dinners to go. Location is the NE corner of 202 & Rt 1. They are low carb and sound absolutely delicious. I do like to cook so I never bought the diners. My only trouble is What to do with all the leftovers?? Not a good judge of quanity's yet. Still cook too much. The 2 sisters are super friendly and will help you make selections to suit your lifestyle & taste. For extra protein I'd sprinkle some unflavored unjury on food. I put it in soup, just don't boil it cause it gets lumpy. I have extra unjury if you wanna try it. ((HUGS)) Elissa

Is that Resolutions? Also Trader Joe's has pre made stuff for one or two servings, try there Kitty.

Dianne, My hall-walking, hopital buddy! I hope you are doing OK. I know you have had some problems lately but with your positive attitude, I am sure it can only get better! Thanks for the tip on Trader Joe's. I shop in that center a lot so I will definitely try them out. Like I said before, I am timid and not that adventurous. Gotta get outta my rut! Thanks for the jumpstart girlfriend! Kit

Knew my ANGEL would fly in with some help! You are the BEST! The Painters Crossing store, Resolutions/Solutions (something like that!), has LOTS of stuff. I can deal with leftovers if it's only for one or two times, not the "heaps o' food" I got the FEW times I actually cooked recipes. Plus I don't like to cook anyway. I have unflavored Unjury and used it in pudding. I tried it in Crystal Light but I won't get into how much I hated that -- AGAIN, whining about protein drinks!!!!!. I will have to try it in some other things, like soup too, as you suggested. I have samples of the Chocolate and Vanilla flavors. I want to try them like a hot beverage, decaf coffee mocha or something like that since I prefer hot beverages. I know I'll make this work with everyone's help!!!! PS> I have not tried the premade meals at Resolutions/Solutions yet. The day I went I was in a hurry and wasn't heading home right away. I'll have to make a special trip soon, you are right, they sounded and looked yummy!

Miss Kitty, PMRI offers a shopping class for post WLS patients. I took it even though I thought I would NEVER need anyone to show ME how to shop, seeing as I am such a "shopping queen". But low and behold we can always learn something. The class was great. The nutritionist spent 2 1/2 hours of QUALITY time with Vernette and myself and took us through the entire grocery store pointing out things in every aisle. I really learned alot, especially about some items that I would never have purchased before WLS. I highly recommend the class. For $25.00 you can't beat that much time with the nutritionist and able to ask any questions that you may have about what to eat. She was great. I know that it might be a little time before you can sign up for the class so let me give you some of the suggestions that she gave to us: Morning star foods in the frozen section ( chicken nugget but better) Boca Burgers (soy, taste like real hamburgers) Lean cusine meals (smallest) Frozen soy pods (can't remember the name but they taste great. They make a great snack and are high in protein. You boil them for a few minutes and them peel them and eat the insides. I never tried them befoe this and was quite surprised) Kashi cereal Vanilla almond cereal (Lean? it is right next to the Kashi) Gordon's broiled fish filets (alot of different flavors) Flax seed Irish steel cut oatmeal quick or long cooking All the flavorings for our wonderful SHAKES This is some of the things she talked about. Hope it helps. God bless, Mama

Mama. THANK YOU< THANK YOU! You have so many good ideas. I took that class months before I had surgery and I think I need a refresher course. I didn't really have any idea what I was getting into then! I could learn a lot more if I got another chance. I was at the store today and picked up some of the suggestions you made. Boca Burgers on sale at Superfresh 2 paks for 5 dollars. Got those and the chicken nuggets!!!!! See, I'll be eating "fine" in no time. Thanks for the valuable info. TAKE CARE, Kit