Question:
I need quick & easly food ideas for a single person so I can get back on track!

Hi..I am about 1yr and 8 months post-op RNY. I have been really getting off course for the past 5 months or so & have been gaining some weight back (15lbs.) This really scares me!! Before I was able to stay away from things I wasn't supose to have because I was so sick due to some problems with an ulcer. So I basically wasn't able to eat much of anything that didn't make me sick!! That is somewhat resolved now so I am now able to eat things I souldn't. I find myself eating out ALL THE TIME. I live by myself & work at a car dealership which is notouious for eating all of the time. I get stressed out at work so I go straight to the candy machine. I get up in the morning & just plain & simply don't feel like packing my lunch or for that matter a cheese burger sounds so much better than a brown bag lunch!! Then I get home & am too tired to cook for just myself for dinner. I know that sounds crazy but this is what happens. At least I'm being honest..LOL!!! My New Year's resolution is to eat better. What I need for you all is any quick, tasty and easy recepies for dinner for one. Also some good ideas that I can pack & take to lunch with me. Also some foods and tips I can take with me to keep me away from that darn candy machine at work when I am stressed!! Some foods that are good for me to snack on. Please help!! I hope everyone has a happy New Year! Thanks!    — Allison T. (posted on December 31, 2003)

December 31, 2003
I don't have any good recipes because I mostly rely on frozen foods. I buy lots of Lean Cuisine/Healthy Choice and vegetarian frozen foods - but not without checking the calorie count and protein first. I know how easy it is to turn to food when stressed. One thing I've done to try to satisfy my sweet tooth is to try to switch to hard candies (including candy canes at this time of year) instead of my preferred chocolate type of treats. Since hard candies last longer, I end up eating fewer calories with them than if I kept popping chocolates. I am sure some people would say it's not a good idea to eat any sweets, but personally I can't give up sugar totally. Hopefully others will have some good recipes for you. Good luck. I'm sure that since you realize there's a problem you'll be able to keep things under control. :)
   — K M.

December 31, 2003
Food shopping and living alone was never easy . . . now its even more of a challenge! I'd agree with the previous answer, I tend to buy stuff that I can just nuke. I find that my local Shop Rite has some good choices in their salad bar area. Stuff like pre made sandwiches, burritos, etc. I find this great for taking to work for my lunch. The already cooked chickens are handy and no fuss. I also tend to eat tons of Fish. Heck, while its pricey, a half pound of already cooked shrimp goes a long way. For breakfast I tend to carry Breakstone Cottage Doubles. Pre-packaged, high protein, and a little sweet kick to boot. I've always got sugar free ice pops on hand. And Soy Nuts are wonderful! High in protein and taste great. As an occassional treat I enjoy a dry cookie, like a biscotti.
   — lorien

December 31, 2003
One of my favorite things to take to work (please no preaching about my choices people, hopefully this won't bring in the food police) is a chicken patty with some chunky spaghetti sauce spooned on top, and a slice of mozzerella cheese. You nuke it and it's like poor man's chicken parmigana. It's good for me since I try (a little at least) to stay away from bread/pasta. I love it and it's easy, I have those little round gladware bowls and it fits perfectly. I also get that premade salad in a bag and top it with shredded cheese and quartered chicken nuggets (cooked and cooled). You could also make some good meaty/beany chili (or lots of other stuff--bake up some chicken breasts, or big batches of good stuff) on the weekend and put in the little bowls. I've seen people lay out all their sandwich fixings on waxed paper (just like you were putting it on bread, but on the paper instead) and put that in a bag (ahead of time, on the weekend). Then you can just plop it on bread and it won't be soggy. Just a couple ideas.
   — Kimberley E.

December 31, 2003
I keep walnuts handy in case I need to crunch something. I also try to cook ahead and then I have several meals ready to pack for work or to just nuke for dinner. I like to do this with stuffed cabbage or stuffed peppers (I use ground turkey instead of burger). One of my favorite meals that I have and doesn't need to be cooked is 1/4c cottage cheese, small sf yogurt and 2T Atkins cereal all mixed together. How about an omelet? Good luck with getting back on track - you can do it!!!
   — Yolanda J.

December 31, 2003
I am sure you know the usual stuff but nuts are a good one if you like them, Jerky, and protein bars are all good for the desk. Weight Watchers Smart Ones just came out with a new line of TV dinners that are geared to the protein eaters...it talks about how you have to eat carbs from good sources -- bottom line is that the meal had like 12 grams of carbs, but 28 grams of protein...meat and veggies, and it was yummy and the perfect size serving (now that I am post op -- LOL!) --- I also found in the spice isle at the store an orental chicken bake bag -- had it last night with turkey instead and it was so good, plus it was super easy... I am single as well and can well understand the dilema you are facing so I wish you the best of luck -- email me if you want to exchange some recepies.
   — Kim M.

January 1, 2004
on one of your days off you could cook food to freeze in single serving for the week. kinda like your own frozen dinner. i hate cooking. i like quick fixes.they even sell serving sized plastic throw away containers if you don't want to do dishes!!! you could also look on the recipe board on this site(memebers interests) and get some wls friendly recipes(maybe for a desert or something) and take that into work and share it with your co-workers .that way you will know you are still on track if you eat it.have you read the pouch rules for dummies? a couple people posted it here on this site. i just read it and it has helped alot and has even me alot of info on how to stay full.
   — franbvan

January 1, 2004
I'm not sure how you feel about cheese and jerky....But this is what I do...I made my own "trail mix" I buy about 6 different types of hard block cheese and some jerky/dried sausage (I order my jerky from AAMeats.com and its dog gone GREAT and very reasonably price- their turkey jerky is to die for) anyways, I cube up the cheese and cut up the meats..I put em' in little baggies, and when I'm heading out, I always bring one with me. As far as sweets go...I've always had a small sweet tooth (I used to always have a big of lindt truffles in my desk ewwwwwwwlala) anyways, there are some great SF Candies you can get in the store..I also make a MEANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN fudge with splenda.....If anyones interested...email me and I'll send you the recipie- Cheers Kim -166 lbs
   — WABBIT F.

January 5, 2004
I bring to work... Louis Rich chicken pieces...(they are already cooked and cut up) and cheese cubes, peanuts, Lean Pockets, fajitas, fruit. The hardest part is just having it on hand and packing it. But after you do it for a while you won't want to leave home without it.
   — Rhonda S.