Pre-Packaged vs Homemade

I started off my diet last week with Pre-Packaged Foods. Mainly Healthy Choice Steamers and salad, a Shakeology Shake for breakfast. (I never eat breakfast) I've been getting grief from others that I should just cook healthy.

My schedule doesn't allow for lots of time cooking and planning. To me, the prepackaged is much better than what I WAS eating (Chinese & Pizza Buffets every day for lunch) and is kick starting my discipline.

Suggestions for QUICK, healthy dinners would be appreciated.

Newbie

Replies

  • Carol_L
    Carol_L Posts: 296 Member
    Basa with pesto and a side of roasted veggies.

    Put the frozen fillet on one pan, some cut up veggies (personally I like asparagus or zucchini) with a bit of olive oil and some spices on the second.

    Stuff them both in a 450 degree oven (425 if you're using convection) for 25 minutes and you're done.

    Couldn't be easier.
  • RougeIllusion
    RougeIllusion Posts: 59 Member
    Do you have a slow cooker? I think it is one of the easiest things in the world. You can throw in some chicken or turkey breasts and vegetables. You can make all kinds of soups or chili. Even pasta dishes...just watch your portion sizes.
  • Lina4Lina
    Lina4Lina Posts: 712 Member
    I cook in bulk so I almost always have leftovers. I also have a rice cooker for grains and a pressure cooker which I use mostly for beans and lentils. For more time intensive food items, I make them on the weekend.
  • I find that for a quick and relatively healthy breakfast, there is a multi grain flax, flat out bread which can be heated if you fold it into the toaster slot, cook egg whites in a skillet with olive oil pam spray, add onions or shallots if you like, turkey bacon, even a slice of low fat cheese, a couple of slices of tomato. Add veggies first then egg whites flip when cooked and make a breakfast burrito. It doesn't take very long and it's yummy. I add hot sauce b/c i like it but you can even add a touch of salsa if you like. A breakfast under 500 calories that will tide you over till the next meal. Hope this is helpful! Best to you!
    C
  • otrlynn
    otrlynn Posts: 273 Member
    Newbie, it doesn't have to be either/or. You are probably right that the prepackaged food (with controlled portions) is better than what you were eating before. Maybe just go into your settings and add sodium as one of the things you are tracking. Prepackaged is generally much higher in sodium than homemade. Try using the suggestions above and create some homemade meals in quantity, that you can alternate with the packaged meals.