How to cook for 4 people when I am the only one that wants to be healthy.

2

Replies

  • deksgrl
    deksgrl Posts: 7,237 Member
    SezxyStef wrote: »
    I have two men in my life...son and husband.

    Husband is a power engineer who works 12hour shifts and works hard....son is a welder who is on his feet all day and works hard.

    I cook food. Meat/potatoes and veggies (usually green beans actually) for all of our meals and I still lose weight...why because I eat within my calories.

    Roast beef with gravy and mashed potatoes, sheppards pie, pasta, roasted chicken with all the fixins, bbq'd everything including burgers, hotdogs etc.

    These men are working hard and burning a lot of calories...I bet they are working 12-18 hour days and they need that fuel. Feed them. You can eat what they eat in a small portion. *unless you are one of those people who is eating 1200 or lower* if that's the case re-evaluate your definition of healthy.

    This^^

    You eat smaller portions. Add some additional veggies or salad for yourself if you must. But there is no reason to be cooking entirely separate meals. Get yourself a food scale if you don't already have one so you can make sure your portions are the right size for you.

  • HotAshMess
    HotAshMess Posts: 382 Member
    I lived with a meat and potatoes guy for years. He refused to eat vegetables other than corn, and potatoes. If I cooked something with a bag of frozen mixed veggies, he'd throw a fit because of the green beans.

    I started making a bowl of vegetables at dinner. It was enough so that if he wanted some he could have it otherwise I had both and skipped a serving of potatoes or bread. It's not hard to microwave a bag of steam pack veggies for yourself, then have a serving of the meat. I usually opted to skip the bread.

    I also learned to set aside the "extras" like cheese, sour cream, and gravy. He could add those himself. I also learned that, though I hate to admit it, sometimes using cheese as a neutralizer helped.... for example, if I had cheese to go with the veggies, then I could have plain veggies and he'd smother the veggies he would eat with cheese and be perfectly happy.

    I will totally admit to hiding vegetables in food. Sometimes, I made simple swaps. For example, you could try rutabagas AND potatoes in a pot roast, then you have a better alternative for you.

    I also recommend having a large salad, then small/moderate servings of meat and potatoes. You can even make the salad ahead of time and have it for the week ahead.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,988 Member
    Either they eat what you put on the table or they cook for themselves.
    Or go out and buy something else. Not unusual for men to do rather than argue. The standoff approach rarely works when it comes to food.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    9285851.png

  • hollyrayburn
    hollyrayburn Posts: 905 Member
    ninerbuff wrote: »
    Either they eat what you put on the table or they cook for themselves.
    Or go out and buy something else. Not unusual for men to do rather than argue. The standoff approach rarely works when it comes to food.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    9285851.png

    Then they're free to do so, IMHO. I work long hours, i'm active in my job. And I come home and cook. Generally, BF is satisfied with what I make, so I don't have that issue. But, were than an issue, i'd point him to the bread and sandwich meats.
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    ninerbuff wrote: »
    Either they eat what you put on the table or they cook for themselves.
    Or go out and buy something else. Not unusual for men to do rather than argue. The standoff approach rarely works when it comes to food.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    9285851.png

    Then they're free to do so, IMHO. I work long hours, i'm active in my job. And I come home and cook. Generally, BF is satisfied with what I make, so I don't have that issue. But, were than an issue, i'd point him to the bread and sandwich meats.

    Per her profile, she travels with her boyfriend. My guess is she's not out working long hours and her job is to take care of the family, meaning cook for her bf along with his dad and uncle. It's completely reasonable for them to expect her to make them food they like/want.
  • Susieq_1994
    Susieq_1994 Posts: 5,361 Member
    I haven't seen anyone suggest this, but it might help. I make a lot of meals in bulk, then freeze or refrigerate leftovers so that I can eat it several times over (not necessarily the same meal every day). When I don't have enough calories to eat the same meal as my husband (or if I'm eating by myself that day, or if I don't feel like cooking, whatever) I'll heat up one of those and eat that instead of whatever I made for him. It saves me from making two meals, and gives me more variety, since he doesn't like some of the foods that I like. :)
  • try2again
    try2again Posts: 3,562 Member
    Wow, people have you pretty much living on salad here! :)
    I agree with most though- you can mix and match portions of what they're having with some fresh fruits and veggies for yourself. I recently came across this handy tip: you can substitute some cauliflower florets for some of the potatoes in mashed potatoes to lighten them up and gain some nutrition. I swear you can't tell it's in there. I served it to 2 family members who I'm pretty sure have never eaten cauliflower in their lives (didn't tell them) and they didn't know the difference and ate multiple servings. I also use fat-free or low-fat evaporated milk when I make mashed potatoes to lighten them up but still give them a creamy consistency. (If you do the cauliflower thing though, go really light on the liquid- you don't need much.)
    Also, just plan ahead for your heavier dinners by choosing lighter/healthier foods during the day. It's all about balance :)
    I'm wondering... who did the cooking before you came along? Maybe they should still be doing some of it.
  • Queenmunchy
    Queenmunchy Posts: 3,380 Member
    I haven't seen anyone suggest this, but it might help. I make a lot of meals in bulk, then freeze or refrigerate leftovers so that I can eat it several times over (not necessarily the same meal every day). When I don't have enough calories to eat the same meal as my husband (or if I'm eating by myself that day, or if I don't feel like cooking, whatever) I'll heat up one of those and eat that instead of whatever I made for him. It saves me from making two meals, and gives me more variety, since he doesn't like some of the foods that I like. :)

    I do this, and there are plenty of meals that any of us can choose from. All three of us could eat different meals everyday because I have so many options available for us.
  • Lounmoun
    Lounmoun Posts: 8,423 Member
    Do you live with your boyfriend, his dad and uncle? Are you dependant on the food they provide? How many meals a day or week are you eating together with them?

    In my house everyone gets their own breakfast unless it is a holiday.
    Everyone does their own thing for lunch. Dh takes a packed lunch to work.
    We share the evening meal. I eat most of what my family does. Sometimes I have a large salad or other vegetables with the main thing while dh and dd enjoy different side dishes. Meat, potatoes and green beans is not unhealthy. It isn't exciting if those are the only foods cooked the same way every day but not unhealthy. You just have to eat the portion sizes appropriate for you. You don't have to eat the same food either. You could make large batches of food for yourself once a week and put it in the freezer in individual portions to pull out when you don't want to eat the same food.
  • LivingtheLeanDream
    LivingtheLeanDream Posts: 13,342 Member
    edited May 2015
    If you are the cook in your house then tough cookie for them, they have to eat what you make :smiley:
    keep presenting them with new foods/veg etc, they'll be eating everything before you know it :smile:
  • mynameisoliverqueen
    mynameisoliverqueen Posts: 63 Member
    If my wife tried this with me, she would be out on her ear, regardless of how much I love her!! LOL

    If you love your husband and he is out working as hard as he is, then doesn't he deserve to have what he wants to replenish his body? You don't say if you are at work as well though? If not, then give them what they want and have a smaller amount of what they do and (as my wife does) cooks a few vegetables that she wants separately. Carrots & broccoli can be cooked in the same pan of water so it is ONE extra pan that is no hassle at all to have on a hob. You get the additional bits you want, and the men are kept happy. Problem solved & common sense prevails!!!!
  • ccam99
    ccam99 Posts: 119 Member
    I'm still working on this but asked my trainer this same question about a a month ago. She said food prep is a big help. She preps food on Sunday's (chicken, rice, vegetables, etc.) that way no matter what the menu she will always have her food. Say everyone has chicken one night as the main meat, you can eat your quinoa and vegetables that you already prepped earlier in the week while they eat the potatoes. If you have burgers make yours out of leaner meats. Breaded chicken parmesan? Pan cook or grill yours instead. I also keep frozen mixed vegetables (california blend is delicious) in the freezer for me to microwave.
  • NewMeSM75
    NewMeSM75 Posts: 971 Member
    ninerbuff wrote: »
    Pu_239 wrote: »
    This is how i'd deal with it. I'd make the food i want and i'd say "this is what i made for dinner." If someone says, "i don't want that" i'd use the same line my grandma used to tell me, "well don't eat."
    That works with kids. Adults have money and will go out and buy something else to eat and more than likely have animosity created between each other at dinner time.
    The OP is trying to lose weight, not the others. No reason to insist putting them on the same "health kick" as the others.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    9285851.png

    Agreed!
  • mccindy72
    mccindy72 Posts: 7,001 Member
    Either they eat what you put on the table or they cook for themselves.

    Wow, you must be so caring and loving. These men have serious caloric needs based on the work that they do. If she's going to take on the responsibility of cooking for everyone, she needs to make sure they meet those caloric needs. There are ways to cook meat and potatoes without them being considered what some would label 'unhealthy'. They can have larger portions and she can have smaller portions. I can't eat a lot of foods, so I make different meals for myself and my husband. Or, as many have suggested, she can make salad for herself to go along with the meal. There are workarounds for every situation, if a person is willing to take the time.
  • NewMeSM75
    NewMeSM75 Posts: 971 Member
    edited May 2015
    ninerbuff wrote: »
    Either they eat what you put on the table or they cook for themselves.
    Or go out and buy something else. Not unusual for men to do rather than argue. The standoff approach rarely works when it comes to food.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    9285851.png

    Then they're free to do so, IMHO. I work long hours, i'm active in my job. And I come home and cook. Generally, BF is satisfied with what I make, so I don't have that issue. But, were than an issue, i'd point him to the bread and sandwich meats.

    Oh nevermind...
  • hollyrayburn
    hollyrayburn Posts: 905 Member
    Scenario.

    If the one that was attempting a more nutrious lifestyle worked many hours a day, and the eats more calorie person(I won't say unhealthy-food eating, since I look at no food as unhealthy) was preparing the meals, and they always made butter-laden potatoes, fried chicken, cheesecakes, rolls, macaroni, etc, should the person that needs less calories eat what they have prepared for them, or should meal-maker be required to buy/prepare other foods, because they don't like that? Not trying to ruffle feathers, I am just curious. I feel that a person who requires/wants a higher calorie meal plan would not be as accomodating. Not sure, though.
    mccindy72 wrote: »
    Either they eat what you put on the table or they cook for themselves.

    Wow, you must be so caring and loving. These men have serious caloric needs based on the work that they do. If she's going to take on the responsibility of cooking for everyone, she needs to make sure they meet those caloric needs. There are ways to cook meat and potatoes without them being considered what some would label 'unhealthy'. They can have larger portions and she can have smaller portions. I can't eat a lot of foods, so I make different meals for myself and my husband. Or, as many have suggested, she can make salad for herself to go along with the meal. There are workarounds for every situation, if a person is willing to take the time.


    I am. four years together, including in the same dwelling. :) LIke I said, I generally don't have that issue. When I make his burger, I don't put lettuce and tomato on it like I do mine, since he does not like those veggies. His stuff has some extra cheese on it, because he's a little rat, lol. If I have a salad planned, he will make a sandwich or order pizza.

    If OP does not work, then no, I don't see an issue with perhaps preparing her stuff in a way that gives her less calories. But if all someone wants is meats/taters, they best be helping with the grocery bill....and the dishwashing!
  • mccindy72
    mccindy72 Posts: 7,001 Member
    Scenario.

    If the one that was attempting a more nutrious lifestyle worked many hours a day, and the eats more calorie person(I won't say unhealthy-food eating, since I look at no food as unhealthy) was preparing the meals, and they always made butter-laden potatoes, fried chicken, cheesecakes, rolls, macaroni, etc, should the person that needs less calories eat what they have prepared for them, or should meal-maker be required to buy/prepare other foods, because they don't like that? Not trying to ruffle feathers, I am just curious. I feel that a person who requires/wants a higher calorie meal plan would not be as accomodating. Not sure, though.
    mccindy72 wrote: »
    Either they eat what you put on the table or they cook for themselves.

    Wow, you must be so caring and loving. These men have serious caloric needs based on the work that they do. If she's going to take on the responsibility of cooking for everyone, she needs to make sure they meet those caloric needs. There are ways to cook meat and potatoes without them being considered what some would label 'unhealthy'. They can have larger portions and she can have smaller portions. I can't eat a lot of foods, so I make different meals for myself and my husband. Or, as many have suggested, she can make salad for herself to go along with the meal. There are workarounds for every situation, if a person is willing to take the time.


    I am. four years together, including in the same dwelling. :) LIke I said, I generally don't have that issue. When I make his burger, I don't put lettuce and tomato on it like I do mine, since he does not like those veggies. His stuff has some extra cheese on it, because he's a little rat, lol. If I have a salad planned, he will make a sandwich or order pizza.

    If OP does not work, then no, I don't see an issue with perhaps preparing her stuff in a way that gives her less calories. But if all someone wants is meats/taters, they best be helping with the grocery bill....and the dishwashing!

    I do see your point, however, OP did make the point that she is the cook for all these people. We could, of course, take it a step further, and ask if she works, who shops, etc. That would provide the bigger picture. Assuming does get us nowhere.
  • ccam99
    ccam99 Posts: 119 Member
    Steph38878 wrote: »
    My husband, too, works hard. I basically will fry whatever meat then bake or grill mine. I roast, grill or steam veggies or for my side or eat smaller portions of the other.

    I know what justifies healthy is a big debate. I have high cholesterol so I try to limit fried foods. As far as eat it, or go hungry. Well, in my opinion (just mine), my husband works hard to provide for our family so I try to make him an enjoyable meal. Just because I'm cutting back on calories and eating different doesn't mean he has to also.

    This. I have the same opinion and I work full-time outside the house the same as my husband and have two older teen boys at home. Luckily though I can get away with not alot of frying since for years I always baked things and now that it's warm weather I grill alot. Glad to see I'm not the only one without the "if you don't shop/cook you eat what I serve mentality".

  • hollyrayburn
    hollyrayburn Posts: 905 Member
    mccindy72 wrote: »
    Scenario.

    If the one that was attempting a more nutrious lifestyle worked many hours a day, and the eats more calorie person(I won't say unhealthy-food eating, since I look at no food as unhealthy) was preparing the meals, and they always made butter-laden potatoes, fried chicken, cheesecakes, rolls, macaroni, etc, should the person that needs less calories eat what they have prepared for them, or should meal-maker be required to buy/prepare other foods, because they don't like that? Not trying to ruffle feathers, I am just curious. I feel that a person who requires/wants a higher calorie meal plan would not be as accomodating. Not sure, though.
    mccindy72 wrote: »
    Either they eat what you put on the table or they cook for themselves.

    Wow, you must be so caring and loving. These men have serious caloric needs based on the work that they do. If she's going to take on the responsibility of cooking for everyone, she needs to make sure they meet those caloric needs. There are ways to cook meat and potatoes without them being considered what some would label 'unhealthy'. They can have larger portions and she can have smaller portions. I can't eat a lot of foods, so I make different meals for myself and my husband. Or, as many have suggested, she can make salad for herself to go along with the meal. There are workarounds for every situation, if a person is willing to take the time.


    I am. four years together, including in the same dwelling. :) LIke I said, I generally don't have that issue. When I make his burger, I don't put lettuce and tomato on it like I do mine, since he does not like those veggies. His stuff has some extra cheese on it, because he's a little rat, lol. If I have a salad planned, he will make a sandwich or order pizza.

    If OP does not work, then no, I don't see an issue with perhaps preparing her stuff in a way that gives her less calories. But if all someone wants is meats/taters, they best be helping with the grocery bill....and the dishwashing!

    I do see your point, however, OP did make the point that she is the cook for all these people. We could, of course, take it a step further, and ask if she works, who shops, etc. That would provide the bigger picture. Assuming does get us nowhere.

    Yeah, and I haven't noticed that she's come back yet. Perhaps just quietly stalking our somewhat heated responses, lol.

    Again, the above was simply my opinion, and my life. There's plenty of suggestions in the thread! my SO has bee out of town; it's time like this that I save my tofu or sushi or avocado based meals, since he doesn't care for those. I'm really not munching on tuna and screaming at him to make his own food. But the time he said he preffered my spaghetti with beef instead of turkey, I mentioned that we have a ton of sandwich makings. :)
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    edited May 2015
    Scenario.

    If the one that was attempting a more nutrious lifestyle worked many hours a day, and the eats more calorie person(I won't say unhealthy-food eating, since I look at no food as unhealthy) was preparing the meals, and they always made butter-laden potatoes, fried chicken, cheesecakes, rolls, macaroni, etc, should the person that needs less calories eat what they have prepared for them, or should meal-maker be required to buy/prepare other foods, because they don't like that? Not trying to ruffle feathers, I am just curious. I feel that a person who requires/wants a higher calorie meal plan would not be as accomodating. Not sure, though.
    mccindy72 wrote: »
    Either they eat what you put on the table or they cook for themselves.

    Wow, you must be so caring and loving. These men have serious caloric needs based on the work that they do. If she's going to take on the responsibility of cooking for everyone, she needs to make sure they meet those caloric needs. There are ways to cook meat and potatoes without them being considered what some would label 'unhealthy'. They can have larger portions and she can have smaller portions. I can't eat a lot of foods, so I make different meals for myself and my husband. Or, as many have suggested, she can make salad for herself to go along with the meal. There are workarounds for every situation, if a person is willing to take the time.


    I am. four years together, including in the same dwelling. :) LIke I said, I generally don't have that issue. When I make his burger, I don't put lettuce and tomato on it like I do mine, since he does not like those veggies. His stuff has some extra cheese on it, because he's a little rat, lol. If I have a salad planned, he will make a sandwich or order pizza.

    If OP does not work, then no, I don't see an issue with perhaps preparing her stuff in a way that gives her less calories. But if all someone wants is meats/taters, they best be helping with the grocery bill....and the dishwashing!

    I work 50 plus hours a week too...I still do most of the cooking and make sure the food I make for my men is what they will like and eat because they work hard and need it.

    When my husband is on his down shift he makes food he knows we all like too...ie tonight bbq'd hb with cheese bacon guac with greek pasta salad...I will eat it just not as much as they do.

    If it was fried chicken I would eat it...just not as much as him or my son.

    The only time I cook seafood (which my husband doesn't like) is when he is working night shift...it's call allowing for compromise with your partner, hard working husband who btw maintains on about 3500 a day and my son on 4k a day...

    you are missing the point really....
  • ccam99
    ccam99 Posts: 119 Member
    I haven't seen anyone suggest this, but it might help. I make a lot of meals in bulk, then freeze or refrigerate leftovers so that I can eat it several times over (not necessarily the same meal every day). When I don't have enough calories to eat the same meal as my husband (or if I'm eating by myself that day, or if I don't feel like cooking, whatever) I'll heat up one of those and eat that instead of whatever I made for him. It saves me from making two meals, and gives me more variety, since he doesn't like some of the foods that I like. :)

    This also. Many people I work out with do the food prep over the weekend too.
  • mccindy72
    mccindy72 Posts: 7,001 Member
    mccindy72 wrote: »
    Scenario.

    If the one that was attempting a more nutrious lifestyle worked many hours a day, and the eats more calorie person(I won't say unhealthy-food eating, since I look at no food as unhealthy) was preparing the meals, and they always made butter-laden potatoes, fried chicken, cheesecakes, rolls, macaroni, etc, should the person that needs less calories eat what they have prepared for them, or should meal-maker be required to buy/prepare other foods, because they don't like that? Not trying to ruffle feathers, I am just curious. I feel that a person who requires/wants a higher calorie meal plan would not be as accomodating. Not sure, though.
    mccindy72 wrote: »
    Either they eat what you put on the table or they cook for themselves.

    Wow, you must be so caring and loving. These men have serious caloric needs based on the work that they do. If she's going to take on the responsibility of cooking for everyone, she needs to make sure they meet those caloric needs. There are ways to cook meat and potatoes without them being considered what some would label 'unhealthy'. They can have larger portions and she can have smaller portions. I can't eat a lot of foods, so I make different meals for myself and my husband. Or, as many have suggested, she can make salad for herself to go along with the meal. There are workarounds for every situation, if a person is willing to take the time.


    I am. four years together, including in the same dwelling. :) LIke I said, I generally don't have that issue. When I make his burger, I don't put lettuce and tomato on it like I do mine, since he does not like those veggies. His stuff has some extra cheese on it, because he's a little rat, lol. If I have a salad planned, he will make a sandwich or order pizza.

    If OP does not work, then no, I don't see an issue with perhaps preparing her stuff in a way that gives her less calories. But if all someone wants is meats/taters, they best be helping with the grocery bill....and the dishwashing!

    I do see your point, however, OP did make the point that she is the cook for all these people. We could, of course, take it a step further, and ask if she works, who shops, etc. That would provide the bigger picture. Assuming does get us nowhere.

    Yeah, and I haven't noticed that she's come back yet. Perhaps just quietly stalking our somewhat heated responses, lol.

    Again, the above was simply my opinion, and my life. There's plenty of suggestions in the thread! my SO has bee out of town; it's time like this that I save my tofu or sushi or avocado based meals, since he doesn't care for those. I'm really not munching on tuna and screaming at him to make his own food. But the time he said he preffered my spaghetti with beef instead of turkey, I mentioned that we have a ton of sandwich makings. :)

    lol.... I slipped turkey into several things I make and it turns out my hubs likes them just as much or better with the turkey, so we've made the switch. I will admit there have been times I've made the offer for him to find something that suits him if he doesn't like what I took out of the freezer for the evening. :wink:
  • deksgrl
    deksgrl Posts: 7,237 Member
    If you are the cook in your house then tough cookie for them, they have to eat what you make :smiley:
    keep presenting them with new foods/veg etc, they'll be eating everything before you know it :smile:

    Uhm, they are three grown men who bust their a$$es all day, I really don't think they will be satisfied eating veggies and new foods. They want their meat and potatoes. If we were talking about small children, then I would agree with your advice.

  • wretchedeinstein
    wretchedeinstein Posts: 7 Member
    jemhh wrote: »
    ninerbuff wrote: »
    Either they eat what you put on the table or they cook for themselves.
    Or go out and buy something else. Not unusual for men to do rather than argue. The standoff approach rarely works when it comes to food.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    9285851.png

    Then they're free to do so, IMHO. I work long hours, i'm active in my job. And I come home and cook. Generally, BF is satisfied with what I make, so I don't have that issue. But, were than an issue, i'd point him to the bread and sandwich meats.

    Per her profile, she travels with her boyfriend. My guess is she's not out working long hours and her job is to take care of the family, meaning cook for her bf along with his dad and uncle. It's completely reasonable for them to expect her to make them food they like/want.

    Thank you for paying attention lol. I do not work. The guys work 12 hours/day at the moment, but they will be working 16 hours/day pretty soon. The do this for months at a time with no off days. I don't feel like I have to do anything, I do this for them because they work hard. My bf's dad and uncle do not travel with their wives. His dad and uncle give me $100/each, each week to get groceries. My cooking for them isn't the problem I have. It's cooking for them, and change my eating habits. I'm not trying to change theirs. I don't "owe" them anything, I do it out of the kindness of my heart.

    Someone suggested a food scale, do those really help? When I calorie counted before, a few years ago, I was single. I ate frozen "health" entrees, things like that. Anything that had calories on the label was easy. But it's hard to measure calories for something you've cooked. Does that make sense?

  • mccindy72
    mccindy72 Posts: 7,001 Member
    jemhh wrote: »
    ninerbuff wrote: »
    Either they eat what you put on the table or they cook for themselves.
    Or go out and buy something else. Not unusual for men to do rather than argue. The standoff approach rarely works when it comes to food.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    9285851.png

    Then they're free to do so, IMHO. I work long hours, i'm active in my job. And I come home and cook. Generally, BF is satisfied with what I make, so I don't have that issue. But, were than an issue, i'd point him to the bread and sandwich meats.

    Per her profile, she travels with her boyfriend. My guess is she's not out working long hours and her job is to take care of the family, meaning cook for her bf along with his dad and uncle. It's completely reasonable for them to expect her to make them food they like/want.

    Thank you for paying attention lol. I do not work. The guys work 12 hours/day at the moment, but they will be working 16 hours/day pretty soon. The do this for months at a time with no off days. I don't feel like I have to do anything, I do this for them because they work hard. My bf's dad and uncle do not travel with their wives. His dad and uncle give me $100/each, each week to get groceries. My cooking for them isn't the problem I have. It's cooking for them, and change my eating habits. I'm not trying to change theirs. I don't "owe" them anything, I do it out of the kindness of my heart.

    Someone suggested a food scale, do those really help? When I calorie counted before, a few years ago, I was single. I ate frozen "health" entrees, things like that. Anything that had calories on the label was easy. But it's hard to measure calories for something you've cooked. Does that make sense?

    Oh, yes. You can't be accurate on calorie counts without one. you need to weigh foods prior to cooking them.
  • wretchedeinstein
    wretchedeinstein Posts: 7 Member
    mccindy72 wrote: »
    mccindy72 wrote: »
    Scenario.

    If the one that was attempting a more nutrious lifestyle worked many hours a day, and the eats more calorie person(I won't say unhealthy-food eating, since I look at no food as unhealthy) was preparing the meals, and they always made butter-laden potatoes, fried chicken, cheesecakes, rolls, macaroni, etc, should the person that needs less calories eat what they have prepared for them, or should meal-maker be required to buy/prepare other foods, because they don't like that? Not trying to ruffle feathers, I am just curious. I feel that a person who requires/wants a higher calorie meal plan would not be as accomodating. Not sure, though.
    mccindy72 wrote: »
    Either they eat what you put on the table or they cook for themselves.

    Wow, you must be so caring and loving. These men have serious caloric needs based on the work that they do. If she's going to take on the responsibility of cooking for everyone, she needs to make sure they meet those caloric needs. There are ways to cook meat and potatoes without them being considered what some would label 'unhealthy'. They can have larger portions and she can have smaller portions. I can't eat a lot of foods, so I make different meals for myself and my husband. Or, as many have suggested, she can make salad for herself to go along with the meal. There are workarounds for every situation, if a person is willing to take the time.


    I am. four years together, including in the same dwelling. :) LIke I said, I generally don't have that issue. When I make his burger, I don't put lettuce and tomato on it like I do mine, since he does not like those veggies. His stuff has some extra cheese on it, because he's a little rat, lol. If I have a salad planned, he will make a sandwich or order pizza.

    If OP does not work, then no, I don't see an issue with perhaps preparing her stuff in a way that gives her less calories. But if all someone wants is meats/taters, they best be helping with the grocery bill....and the dishwashing!

    I do see your point, however, OP did make the point that she is the cook for all these people. We could, of course, take it a step further, and ask if she works, who shops, etc. That would provide the bigger picture. Assuming does get us nowhere.

    Yeah, and I haven't noticed that she's come back yet. Perhaps just quietly stalking our somewhat heated responses, lol.

    Again, the above was simply my opinion, and my life. There's plenty of suggestions in the thread! my SO has bee out of town; it's time like this that I save my tofu or sushi or avocado based meals, since he doesn't care for those. I'm really not munching on tuna and screaming at him to make his own food. But the time he said he preffered my spaghetti with beef instead of turkey, I mentioned that we have a ton of sandwich makings. :)

    lol.... I slipped turkey into several things I make and it turns out my hubs likes them just as much or better with the turkey, so we've made the switch. I will admit there have been times I've made the offer for him to find something that suits him if he doesn't like what I took out of the freezer for the evening. :wink:

    lolol. I've tried that whole turkey switcharoo thing. It didn't work.
  • wretchedeinstein
    wretchedeinstein Posts: 7 Member
    edited May 2015
    Do you guys think my problem could be "semi-solved" by going vegan? What I mean is, do you think it'd just make things easier for me?
  • Queenmunchy
    Queenmunchy Posts: 3,380 Member
    Why don't you use lean ground beef instead of turkey? I use turkey and always have because I hate the smell of beef when it cooks, and it's cheap!
  • wretchedeinstein
    wretchedeinstein Posts: 7 Member
    Why don't you use lean ground beef instead of turkey? I use turkey and always have because I hate the smell of beef when it cooks, and it's cheap!

    I already do ;)

  • mccindy72
    mccindy72 Posts: 7,001 Member
    Do you guys think my problem could be "semi-solved" by going vegan? What I mean is, do you think it'd just make things easier for me?

    Why? Just do smaller portions of meat, you need the protein. The only reason people go vegan is for beliefs or if they can't eat meat for some reason. Or don't like it.
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