Burnt out on cottage cheese & fruit, lunch suggestions?

DJ2120
DJ2120 Posts: 407 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I usually have cottage cheese & some type of fruit for lunch every day. I'm so burnt out on it that I'm starting to hate cottage cheese. I'm sick to death of salads & I always have fish or chicken for dinner so I don't want to be eating that twice a day either. I miss having a good sandwich, but I don't think eating bread on a daily basis would be a good idea. Any suggestions for healthy low calorie lunches? If I eat cottage cheese one more time I think I'll be sick.
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Replies

  • meganmcg77
    meganmcg77 Posts: 38
    I feel the same about salads, so did some searching for something different for lunch this week. Ended up making a batch of 'Tuscan Soup' - FoodTV site recipe from Ellie Kreiger (spelling?). It made about 8 cups, divided by 5, 265 calories per serving. Really filling and good. I subbed cabbage for the spinach. It's a good base soup that you could add lots of different veggies to.

    Oh, and I added 2 cans of beans instead of 1.
  • 9jenn9
    9jenn9 Posts: 309 Member
    What's wrong with eating bread every day? Unless it's a trigger food for you that will cause you to dive face first into a large bowl of refined carbs,(or you're gluten intolerant) I think there's room for some bread. If you love sandwiches, go for it. Just be thoughtful about how you put it together. Whole grain bread, lean protein, lots of veggies and careful with the dressings. If you feel satisfied and have some variety in your eating plan, it's easier to stay in control and stick with it.
  • bsgkid
    bsgkid Posts: 72 Member
    Lean Cuisine has a Steak Tips Portobello meal with broccoli that comes in at only 160 calories and is pretty low carb. They have several meals at 200 or fewer calories.
  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    What's wrong with eating bread every day? Unless it's a trigger food for you that will cause you to dive face first into a large bowl of refined carbs,(or you're gluten intolerant) I think there's room for some bread. If you love sandwiches, go for it. Just be thoughtful about how you put it together. Whole grain bread, lean protein, lots of veggies and careful with the dressings. If you feel satisfied and have some variety in your eating plan, it's easier to stay in control and stick with it.

    ^^^^^^^^^This^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  • pawoodhull
    pawoodhull Posts: 1,759 Member
    I make small wraps using a smaller torila shell, thinnly sliced turkey or ham and a spread of cheese like you put on a cracker (2 tbs max). It's high protein, low fat and just the right size for my reduced size stomach (bariatric surgery last year). I also make my own soups adding lots of meat and beans for the protein. By making it myself I can control the fat and salt in it. Good luck!
  • Mokey41
    Mokey41 Posts: 5,769 Member
    Eat whatever you want as long as it fits in your budget for the day. There are no bad foods, too much of any food is bad. The reason people fail is because they "diet" and try to live on cottage cheese, broccoli and steamed fish. Learn to eat real food in the proper proportions for the rest of your life. If cottage cheese is boring now what is it going to be 10 years from now?
  • dwh77tx
    dwh77tx Posts: 513 Member
    I eat an 80 calorie low carb wrap (La Tortilla factory) stuffed with a meat, veggie, olive oil mayo, and 3 boiled egg whites almost daily for lunch. Yummy!
  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    I also keep some Campbell's tomato soup in my desk and have that some days. But most days I eat out - soups, sandwiches, or lean meat and veggies. Today its just yogurt and baked cheetos since I don't have time to go somewhere LOL.
  • kenazfehu
    kenazfehu Posts: 1,188 Member
    I usually rummage around for leftovers and eat a variety of different things.

    Also, you can make a "sandwich" between lettuce leaves (or a wrap); that's pretty good. I usually eat a whole grain bread for sandwiches, though.
  • Chief_Rocka
    Chief_Rocka Posts: 4,710 Member
    There's nothing wrong with eating bread daily.
  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    <<<< eats bread pretty much daily.
  • yo_andi
    yo_andi Posts: 2,178 Member
    I usually have some sort of leftover from the night before.
  • embercakez
    embercakez Posts: 141
    <<<< eats bread pretty much daily.
    ^this.
  • Vince_1964
    Vince_1964 Posts: 359 Member
    What's wrong with eating bread every day? Unless it's a trigger food for you that will cause you to dive face first into a large bowl of refined carbs,(or you're gluten intolerant) I think there's room for some bread. If you love sandwiches, go for it. Just be thoughtful about how you put it together. Whole grain bread, lean protein, lots of veggies and careful with the dressings. If you feel satisfied and have some variety in your eating plan, it's easier to stay in control and stick with it.

    ^^^^ This. Eat what you want - in moderation - otherwise it's pretty hard to stick with it.
  • DJ2120
    DJ2120 Posts: 407 Member
    Thanks for all the great suggestions so far!

    I was avoiding bread because I already eat oatmeal for breakfast daily & I thought all the carbs would put on weight?
  • JSheehy1965
    JSheehy1965 Posts: 404
    I love the Flat Out Foldits - especially the rosemary and olive oil. Also edamame hummus, with tomatoes and a little reduced fat feta cheese on the flat breads. Love Lean Cuisine Spring Rolls...especially the Thai-Style chicken ones. (the flat out breads are low carb/cal)
  • sandylion
    sandylion Posts: 451 Member
    I eat whole grain bread sandwiches almost daily. I'm in the "eat more to weigh less" camp though.
  • yoovie
    yoovie Posts: 17,121 Member
    SANDWICHESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS (make the world go round)
  • JennaM222
    JennaM222 Posts: 1,996 Member
    http://120dollarsfoodchallenge.com/2011/01/24/lunchbox-treats-ideas-for-wrap-fillings/

    If wraps are OK check out this site
  • Chief_Rocka
    Chief_Rocka Posts: 4,710 Member
    Thanks for all the great suggestions so far!

    I was avoiding bread because I already eat oatmeal for breakfast daily & I thought all the carbs would put on weight?

    That's a myth. Weight gain is determined by the ratio of how many calories you eat to how many you burn.
  • MSam1205
    MSam1205 Posts: 439 Member
    If bread is an issue, (and its a big one for me) look at the "thin" bagels and buns that are out now, layer it with a lot of lettuce, tomato and then some lean deli meat/cheese helps to fill you up. Also wrap deli meats/cheese in large leaves of lettuce. Soups are great, as long as they are not too high in calories, home made is always the best because you control the ingredients and the salt! Load it up with the veggies you like and beans are a great filler too

    Fruit and cheese, and protein shakes are also options I enjoy!
  • Lunarokra
    Lunarokra Posts: 855 Member
    I eat sandwiches: turkey or make it with a vegan boca patty. Sometimes I switch it up and use a laughing cow slice of cheese. I also bring the precooked frozen chicken & brown rice with veggies on the sides: sweet potatoe, green beans, asparagus.
    Or I make spaghetti with gorund chicken & light ragu, with whole wheat pasta.


    I also, make wraps of turkey or chicken depending on what i have available.

    Veggie sups are another option.: mexican squash, carrot, cabbage, potatoe, cilantro and some seasoning.
  • BridgetMiko
    BridgetMiko Posts: 47 Member
    The soup suggestion is a great one. Either homemade or a good canned variety. Usually low in calories and filling. Good luck!!
  • embercakez
    embercakez Posts: 141
    Thanks for all the great suggestions so far!

    I was avoiding bread because I already eat oatmeal for breakfast daily & I thought all the carbs would put on weight?

    Is it instant oatmeal? Anyways I tend to try and have protein in every meal. Try an english muffin and turkey sausage for breakfast. You will get burnt out on oatmeal, just like you have with your other meals. Keeping things new and fresh will help keep you on the right path. I also suggest you do some research on macronutrients. Carbs are not the devil.
  • Swissmiss
    Swissmiss Posts: 8,754 Member
    Lean Cuisine has a Steak Tips Portobello meal with broccoli that comes in at only 160 calories and is pretty low carb. They have several meals at 200 or fewer calories.

    I usually have a Lean Cuisine for lunch during the work week. I have been told that they are not healthy, but they are so convenient and I don't have time to mess with fixing anything.
  • MSam1205
    MSam1205 Posts: 439 Member
    Thanks for all the great suggestions so far!

    I was avoiding bread because I already eat oatmeal for breakfast daily & I thought all the carbs would put on weight?

    That's a myth. Weight gain is determined by the ratio of how many calories you eat to how many you burn.

    Carbs can be an issue for some folks who are insulin resistant, diabetic, etc. You have to know your body andyourself, and work with your Dr. or nutritionist if you find carbs an issue
  • vjohn04
    vjohn04 Posts: 2,276 Member
    I'm in the same boat, so i got a little creative today....
    Nothing fancy or gourmet, but it sure helped change it up...

    3 Ballpark smoked turkey franks, cut up with 6 tbsp of sour kraut. -- heat in pan, serve. (not glamourous, I know)

    Total calorie count: 150, 21 g of protein, 0 fat, and I figure I'll have an apple too.


    Lunch
    Franks Kraut - Sauerkraut, 6 Tbsp 15 3 0 3 3
    Ballpark - Smoked White Turkey Franks (Bun Sized), 3 frank 135 15 0 18 0
  • schell81
    schell81 Posts: 187 Member
    I like to make a big batch of chili. It's 190 calories for a cup and a half.

    16 oz extra lean ground beef
    1 can crushed tomatoes
    1 can black beans
    2 cups mushrooms
    1 can low sodium corn
    1 cup chopped peppers
    3 fresh tomatoes
    1 medium onion
    half a can of beer
    1 tbsp brown sugar
    1 tbsp garlic
    1 tbsp vinegar (very important)

    I add lots of spices, usually chipotle powder, chili powder, salt and pepper, cumin, paprika. I put a sprinkle of cheese on top and 2 tbsp of low fat sour cream and it's still under 300 calories.

    Oh, and this chilli won a trophy in a chilli cookoff!
  • INSANITY43
    INSANITY43 Posts: 142
    I just entered one of my favorite "fall/winter" lunches into the recipes on here....Yummy.

    TACO SOUP

    Corn Whole Kernal (15 oz Can) Darlene - Delmonte No Salt Added, 2 cup
    College Inn - Chicken Broth 99% Fat Free, 2 cup (240mL)
    Mccormick - Low Sodium Taco Seasoning, 1 Tbsp dry mix
    Black Beans - Bush Reduced Sodium, 1 1/2 cup
    Bush's Great Northern Beans - Canned Beans, 2 cup
    Old El Paso - Fat Free Refried Beans, 2 cup
    Hunts - !00% Natural Diced Tomatoes W/ Green Pepper, Celery & Onion, 2 cup
    Rotel (Usa - Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, 1 1/2 cup

    Per 1 cup Serving:103Calories 20 Carbs 1 gr fat 6 gr protein 644 gr sodium 5 gr sugar

    This recipe is actually one can of each ingredient - no need to measure...dump it all in a pot and simmer for 30-40 minutes. It keeps well in the fridge or freezer. Two cups makes a nice bowl-full and keeps you full for a long time. Sometimes for an added "punch" I sprinkle a bit of shredded cheese on top :-) Enjoy
  • Chief_Rocka
    Chief_Rocka Posts: 4,710 Member
    Thanks for all the great suggestions so far!

    I was avoiding bread because I already eat oatmeal for breakfast daily & I thought all the carbs would put on weight?

    That's a myth. Weight gain is determined by the ratio of how many calories you eat to how many you burn.

    Carbs can be an issue for some folks who are insulin resistant, diabetic, etc. You have to know your body andyourself, and work with your Dr. or nutritionist if you find carbs an issue

    Glucose metabolism issues aren't so prevalent that every mention of carbohydrate intake would need such a caveat.

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