Question:
Tofu, anyone?

I have never worked with tofu before, but would like to know from some of you that have: how can I slowly add it to my diet now in preparation for post? How did you start out? I've found recipes for lasagna, etc., but I want simpler ways to begin. Any ideas?    — Gail G. (posted on October 14, 2002)

October 14, 2002
Aloha!!! Tofu is a wonderful food item to work with. It is EASY TOO!!! You can buy tofu in the grocery store. Depending on what sort of dish you plan to put it in, you might want to stick with the firm tofu. It holds up a bit better (this is the type that you can cube). The nice thing about tofu is that it takes on the taste of whatever you are cooking. One of my favorites: Saute some onions and garlic in olive oil....toss in some fresh green beans.....add some cubed tofu......stir......MAN OH MAN! It is good!!! The tofu will take on the flavor of the green beans and garlic. It is really tastey! I also add it to my stir fry. Hope this helps. Hugs, Kathie (in Hawaii).....
   — KathieInHawaii

October 14, 2002
I was so looking forward to eating tofu after my surgery. Unfortunately, I've found that it just isn't an adequate protein source for me. It is definatley healthy and low-cal, but I can't eat a 4 oz serving, and that is the only way it seems to give you enough protein. As always, your mileage may vary. Good luck.
   — mandajuice

October 14, 2002
I use tofu is smoothies nearly every day... they really thicken the smoothie. It also makes great bbq (instead of beef). Check out http://www.tofu.com, or http://www.vegetariantimes.com.
   — kultgirl

October 15, 2002
Have you tried the baked tofu? Places like Fresh Fields sell it. You can buy such flavors as Italian, Teriyaki, Barbeque, etc. I eat that by itself or with a salad. I find it easier to eat prepared tofu than to add it into recipes, but that's just because I'm not a great cook. Oh, actually I have used plain tofu in a stir-fry with soy sauce. That turned out well. :)
   — PT LawMom

October 15, 2002
If you have a Whole Foods around you, go to the salad bar and get the marinated baked or grilled tofu cubes there. I'm almost 3 weeks post-op and that is my favorite food (after it goes through the blender, of course). Pre-op, I loved them on salads. A lot of times Whole Foods will already have tofu in various cold salads (Asian, Thai, Antipasto, etc.) in the deli. It's a good way to see how tofu can taste. When you cook it at home, you have to really kick up some flavor on it and work with the texture (actually really cook it) or it will taste like a flavorless giggly blob. But oh, the potential is there! The easiest thing to do with it at home usually is stir fry. Oh and there are smoothies, but I am a sugar chicken these days and get ALL the sweets I can stand from protein shakes! :( I love tofu and it is VERY easily digested. Good luck!
   — ediecat

October 15, 2002
Gail, here is a smoothie for you: 1/3 slice of soft tofu; 8 oz of diet 7 up; 1 orange or 8 oz of frozen peaches (depends on what fruit you can handle--sugar content,)1 tsp of almond extract; 1 packet of splenda/equal; crushed ice. Blend. It comes out to 12-16 oz & I sip it over an hour & refrigerate what I can't fininsh. It's a recipe I got from Diet Center many moons ago. My daughter even loves it!
   — Lee A.

October 15, 2002
i am not a terrific cook, but i do love tofu, so i started getting take-out hot and sour soup from any chinese restaraunt . i tried this in the full liquid stage and have continued to get it for great variety and taste.i even ask for "heavy on the tofu". yum yum
   — PATSY N.

October 20, 2002
Tofu is a grand thing! I am pre-op as well and am pretty much doing the same as you. I started really simple by adding some silken soft tofu with a container of sugar free yogurt and blending it with a fourth of a banana. Yum! I have put it in my scambled eggs...Yum. Soak a slice of the firm tofu in chicken or beef broth and grill it, it tastes pretty good. I marinated some with salad dressing and then threw it in my salad and that was good too! Try checking the internet for recipes that are fast and easy...there are tons! Hope this helps Marla
   — Marla J.