So what is a guy to eat?

SirBeechBum

I have been indulging in basically anything I want when it comes to food for a very long time. Not until recently have I decided to get serious about losing weight and getting back to a healthier me. I have dropped almost 50 pounds from my highest weight ever and am very encouraged by what I have accomplished thus far. Started on MFP earlier this month and have managed things very well when it comes to my calories in/calories burned but…. And here is where my dilemma comes in… I am a single divorced guy that never really learned how to cook. And NO, getting re-married is not a viable solution to my situation (for all the smarty pants out there). I’ve always liked eating NOT cooking. I’m sure I can be making better choices with the stuff I’m eating as it is often prepackaged, processed foods.

I’ve been doing the low carb thing and am convinced that the science behind it is solid. I was wondering if anyone has been in this situation that can advise me on some low carb ways to add a little more variety to my food choices or maybe prepare what I am eating in a healthier way. The more research I do, the more discouraged I become about consuming the more traditional packaged foods.

My main sustenance foods are pork chops, fish (usually Tilapia), sausage, burgers (meat only), steaks, steamed fresh Broccoli & mushrooms, and lots of salads. I snack with Atkins protein bars, low carb yogurts’ and sugar free puddings and gelatin's. I want to add as much variety as I can without having to go nuts in the kitchen. Any ideas???

IveLanded

I buy lots of different sauces and have learned to make good sauces. I'll have chicken 3 days a week and one day it's grilled w/ veggies, one day it's baked with a curry sauce over it, and one day its leftovers that I'll put with some tomato sauce. At my local health food store, they have a HUGE selection of Indian and Thai sauces that require very little prep time....just put over your meat and go.

eprissel

I buy lots of different sauces and have learned to make good sauces. I'll have chicken 3 days a week and one day it's grilled w/ veggies, one day it's baked with a curry sauce over it, and one day its leftovers that I'll put with some tomato sauce. At my local health food store, they have a HUGE selection of Indian and Thai sauces that require very little prep time....just put over your meat and go.

Yes sauces are great with anything, I really like the Iron Chef brand ones. There is a Sesame Garlic one that is great on anything!

GBO323

Try doing a hybrid plan. Eat low carb foods within the limits of your daily calories. Best of both worlds. That way, you can have carby things on occasion and know you're still hitting your calorie target.

denisekh88

I use lettuce wraps for burgers and sandwiches. It makes them feel more like a sandwich and they are pretty yummy. Plus it gives some crunch to the food. The sandwich place Jimmy Johns makes them and they are delicious. I also eat a lot of scrambled eggs or egg whites. eggs are super easy to make and yummy with some turkey bacon or sausage. You can get the microwave version of turkey bacon and sausage which is not too bad and really easy. I like turkey hotdogs too for a quick meal...good luck:)

Fairysoul

I steam a lot of foods, and it's easy, put water in th bottom of the pot and cover with a lid. I do it for chicken, veggies, you could even utilize a crock pot, throw food in, eat later, no work really, plus you'll have pre made lunches...

TamsinEllis

Try making mango salsa, it's very nice as a side to your main dish, easy to make (hardest part is getting the ingredients) and stores in the fridge well (mines been in the fridge for about 5 days and a) tastes better each day since more flavours soak in the mango and b) none of it has gone moldy/turned to mush, also figured I would add that I worked it out at 14carbs a serving). I agree with the whole adding sauces to things (or buy a few pre mixed spices like cajun spice and chinese 5 spice to throw in with things). Another way to make things a little more interesting (though will be higher calorie and possibly more carbs then you like I wouldn't know you'd have to kinda figure it out yourself) is stir-fry your veg in fat that cooks out your meat (you can add things to this as well, stuff like nuts/seeds/spices/bacon haha). Oh a meal I love (you can omit the potatoes) is chop up an onion and a few garlic cloves over sausages and potatoes in a tray (a semi deep one just because of fats cooking out making a mess in your oven urgh) and shove in the oven to cook until ready (so minimal effort in the kitchen, once again can add herbs/spices) tastes great because the sausages and potatoes pick up all the flavour from the onions and garlic (can add parsnip in there) and the meat juices the cook out caramelize all the onions and that, once again pass on carb content but the calculator on here can work it out if you're interested

SirBeechBum

Try doing a hybrid plan. Eat low carb foods within the limits of your daily calories. Best of both worlds. That way, you can have carby things on occasion and know you're still hitting your calorie target.

This is exactly what I’m doing now. Daily cal limit is 1700 and I have been able to stay below that even without my daily cardio. Some days are better than others but managing.

Thanks for the tips folks! All very useful advice… Really, really appreciate the time taken to respond. :flowerforyou:

beccala18

You could try picking up bags of frozen veggies - you don't have to do anything other than microwave them, and it could provide a bit of variety there.

Spaghetti squash is really easy to make - cut the squash in half lengthwise and microwave for 10 minutes until you can scrap the insides out with a fork. Kind of looks like spaghetti. Tastes pretty good with most anything.