The hardest part 5 weeks out...

Is all the planning ahead it takes to prepare food/pack food during the week!!


Im not much of a morning person these days, but I have to pack my lunch and snacks for work. I did this to some extent pre-op, but it was much easier to grab a frozen meal.  The upside is - it's my only option, but it takes away the stress of wondering what I'm going to eat, etc.

What kind of food/meals are easy to freeze that I can grab for lunches? I'd rather not cook every day if I don't have to, and I won't be buying anymore frozen meals, so what are my options once I get to solids in a couple weeks? Any ideas?

I buy rotisserie chickens and skin and bone them. Then I weigh out 3 oz and freeze in snack sized baggies. I often make a salad of chicken and tomatoes with salad dressing. It's easy and quick.

Thanks for the idea!

I make a big bowl of 3 bean salad whi*****ludes kidney beans, string beans, and chick peas. I add some low fat mozerella cheese, and mix with fresh garlic (Jar of garlic already minced, they have jars that are in water instead of oil) and i use fat free italian dressing. this big bowl lasts a good week to dish out about a 1/2 cup a day for lunches.. when i first started, it didnt seem too appetizing to me..but now i love it.. I also eat leftovers from dinners the night before. I like to do 93% ground beef and i buy a big pack, and break it down into freezer bags for the week.  at night i will take a pre measured baggie and cook it on the stove, then i add nonfat cottage cheese, a tablespoon of sauce, and mix it into a dish, then i melt some mozerella on top... it's like having lasagna without the carbs...it takes about 10 minutes....SO GOOD!!! and usually, i can't fini**** so i bring the rest to work the next day.  I also eat yogurts, sugar free puddings, and when i feel like snacking, i eat a protein bar the atkins ones are 150 calories, 14 grams carbs(but you minus the fiber which makes it 6grams carbs), 1sugar and 10 protein.  always bring a protein shake with you too... cheese sticks are good as well... I am a perfect example of running out the door and not wanting to pack my lunch..lol I am usually throwing my bag together 5 minutes before my bus comes..lol

 Yes, I'm also a fan of the pre-planning as it takes away temptations and makes sure we get enough nutrition. Good for you to be getting ready.
I love buying bags of mixed salad (then I usually throw in some extras like crunchy jicama, almond slivers or what have you. To that it's easy to add servings of chicken, lean meat, salmon (tinned without salt or I roast one on Sunday and use segments as leftovers for several days), tinned sardines, etc. It doesn't always make for exciting meals, but it does make for portion and quality control.
Also sometimes a big pot of stew, soup or chili works well (though not sure how long it is before beans can be back in one's diet)
I use that pre-planning now as I get ready for surgery and I'm sure some weeks after surgery I'll be back to it and probably delighted to never again have to face a protein shake three times a day...lol.
I think there are also some frozen entrees from Weigh****chers and such that would be suitable. I tend to stay away from packaged food as the salt levels are usually through the roof.
Lynn

I have been boiling eggs and buying the indivual cups of hummus at Costco, the babybell light or the other light ones in the round box (35 cal) each, or ones they have at Trader Joes.  That's always good for breakfast or even lunch or some times for a dinner when I'm eating later than usual.

I made chili and froze it in little 1/2c containers.

Bought some tuna packages with flavors (new thing I found), which weren't too bad for calories and fat. 

preparing the night before is the key for me.... I never used to do that so always ate fast food.

All the responses you've gotten so far are spot on.
 

It is a drag!  I started cooking large portions on the weekend and freezing meal sized portions in zip lock bags.  I do different ways of preparing chicken for example each week, but make 8-10 portions, then I have several different meals in the freezer.  I put the small bags into a gallon size zip lock bag.  Each night before work I prepare all of the food I can eat at work and put it in my lunch bag.  Then I take dinner for tomorrow out of the freezer and put it into the fridge.  a lot of work but it really helped on the pre-op diet.  I try to do the putting the lunch bag together while I am heating dinner or filling the sink to watch dishes, because you still need to make time to exerciseand relax a little and get to bed at a decent hour.  That can be stressfull for me.  I'm not a morning person, so I would never get it done before work!

All of the above are great ideas.

Let me also suggest you make a little "lunch/snack" box for your desk or locker. Beef jerky, cheese crisps, tuna, etc that can sit a drawer for awhile. Take it to work just in case you leave the house without lunch/snacks or that office party happens and you need something in place of the pizza/ice cream/birthday cakes, etc.

Just a thought.

I can imagine that Alison I"m sure going on a vacation and trips is hard too. Your doing great :)  I have the same doctor as you. I see him on August 15th for my consult. So excited. How long after you seen him was your surgery scheduled?
Tammy

Check out  www.theworldaccordingtoeggface.com she has losts of "bite" recipes and things to make ahead and freeze for easy packing.
good luck,
H