Meal and snack ideas!

I'm really trying to figure out how to eat better and I'm having a hard time with the serving sizes and how much to use of what and what recipes that my boyfriend would still like even though he's not on a diet. Any advice???

Replies

  • kommodevaran
    kommodevaran Posts: 17,890 Member
    edited January 2016
    If you are totally clueless about nutrition, following the Myplate can be an improvement.

    Serving sizes has been debated ad nauseum :D but a portion is how much you choose to eat in one sitting. Tweak the recipe builder and the food diary to see how different amounts of different foods changes the totals of calories and macronutrients, and try to get close to your goal each day.

    Maybe ask your boyfriend what he would like to eat?
  • ItsGoodToHaveGoals
    ItsGoodToHaveGoals Posts: 58 Member
    There's some great graphs out there for what serving sizes are. I got mine from a nutritionist when I decided to go vegetarian. Check w/ your health insurance group, they may offer free counseling w/ nutritionists like mine did. Get yourself a food scale and start measuring out what those portions are so you have a visual. Keep in mind that pre-made/pre-packaged foods have a serving size on the package, but many times what's in it weighs over that amount so you're actually eating more. Sneaky buggers. There's graphics if you search images "how much is a serving size"
    Try filling your plate half with veggies, then the appropriate portion size of protein and carbs. You won't need the scale after measuring stuff out for a while, you'll be able to eye ball it.
  • melonaulait
    melonaulait Posts: 769 Member
    Some of my go-to snacks are:
    100-200cal portion of nuts
    trail mix/granola bar
    fiber or protein bar of choice
    dried dates, figs, apricots
    300g baby carrots (only ~100cal and so filling!)
    yogurt/cottage cheese
    rice cakes w/ fruit spread
    rye/sourdoug crispbread
    FRESH FRUIT!!

    I have always been satisfied after a snack using these >:)
  • ashesfromfire
    ashesfromfire Posts: 867 Member
    Cooking for two when one isn't (and doesn't like) eating more conciously, can be a struggle. What works best for me is to adjust the proportions on our plates. He can eat a whole chicken breast l, lots of roasted potayoes, and a scoop of steamed broccoli, I eat loads of the broccoli, half a chicken breast a a reasonably small amount of the potatoes, that way we're both happy. Small changes, like cooking with more chicken and fish instead of beef, replacing dinner cards like bread with whole grain things like rice, quinoa, ect, finding veggies you both like (honestly, just ask him what he does and doesn't like in this department, saves so much trial and error) I love to cook! Message me anytime for recipe or dinner ideas!
  • namelesshere
    namelesshere Posts: 334 Member
    Cook what you usually did but pay attention to recipe serving sizes. Use the serving size as your portion and let your boyfriend eat what he wishes. Chances are if you weigh out 1 serving and the recipe made 4, you will not have much for leftovers. :-)
  • mkakids
    mkakids Posts: 1,913 Member
    There's some great graphs out there for what serving sizes are. I got mine from a nutritionist when I decided to go vegetarian. Check w/ your health insurance group, they may offer free counseling w/ nutritionists like mine did. Get yourself a food scale and start measuring out what those portions are so you have a visual. Keep in mind that pre-made/pre-packaged foods have a serving size on the package, but many times what's in it weighs over that amount so you're actually eating more. Sneaky buggers. There's graphics if you search images "how much is a serving size"
    Try filling your plate half with veggies, then the appropriate portion size of protein and carbs. You won't need the scale after measuring stuff out for a while, you'll be able to eye ball it.

    There are plenty of people, myself included, who will never be able to 'eyeball' it and keep the weight off.
  • SisterSueGetsFit
    SisterSueGetsFit Posts: 1,211 Member
    edited January 2016
    I would suggest getting A food scale. This will help you easily measure out ounces. One of my favorite meals is chicken Parmesan. Take your desired serving of chicken (I use 6 ounces) coat it with shake and bake and cook for 25 minutes. Top it with some provolone cheese and tomato or marinara sauce and bake for 5-10 more minutes. You can even put a small bit of pasta on the side depending on how many calories you want to consume. It should come in under 500 calories.
  • SisterSueGetsFit
    SisterSueGetsFit Posts: 1,211 Member
  • GsKiki
    GsKiki Posts: 392 Member
    Try some of these recipes: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/GsKiki
    The serving size posted is for 1 person, around 300 kcal but you can always make it bigger depending on how much you need.
    Also they don't taste like diet food, but they are still healthy and very flavourful.
  • gracepost123
    gracepost123 Posts: 81 Member
    My boyfriend isn't on a diet either. And I hate it sometimes!! Hahaha just kidding...kinda ;)
    But one of my fave snacks that has been very good to me and keeps me full until dinner or a good pre/post workout is a fiber one brownie with a little dollop of peanut butter. Omg so good. It's like 170 calls and keeps me full :) good luck!