Breakfast & Lunch Ideas

emarcia28
emarcia28 Posts: 140 Member
edited September 20 in Recipes
Hello Everyone,

I am in need of some good ideas for breakfast and lunch. Something quick and easy to prep and go and low cal especially since i only have 1200 cals a day and boy do those go quick. Usually i eat breakfast at work so i usually eat oatmeal, which can get very boring after a while(any ideas to spice it up?). I also spend lunch at my desk since I leave sorta early for school and don't take a lunch hour:frown: . I will eat and try just about anything. Im not really picky at all! Any ideas or suggestions will help.
Any quick snack ideas that can travel with me to school would also be helpful! Thanks all :flowerforyou:

Also if I am eating 1200 cals a day and then burn like 400cals at the gym am I supposed to eat more food or not, would it affect my weight loss.
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Replies

  • gailwyn
    gailwyn Posts: 15
    I'm a big fan of cottage cheese and fruit for breakfast, which is a good source of protein and a little natural (ish) sugar. Sometimes if I'm in a hurry I do light string cheese instead of the cottage cheese, which I can eat while in the car.
  • Alexandra888
    Alexandra888 Posts: 71
    I usually always eat oatmeal for breakfast and put in o calorie sugar or sugar free syrup, jelly, or butter and low fat milk. (Just a little). And dont worry about eating more if you work out cuz you only need 1200 to keep your metabolism up. If your workin out, then its even better for your metabolism. Keep up the good work!!
  • bbblue92
    bbblue92 Posts: 108 Member
    I'm on a I200 per day as well and the calories do go fast!! I find the 100 calorie packs good for quick snacks to take with me or for breakfast, I do a cup of cheerios and some ff milk I also do Luna bars for breakfast or snacks ...just throw in the bag and good to go!
  • CinthyNair
    CinthyNair Posts: 261
    Yogurts, nuts like almonds and 100cal bars are great snacks. Keep them in moderation of course.

    For breakfast, I usually go with oatmeal with handful of raisins, or Jacobs low salt hi-cal biscuits with unsalted peanut butter, or a protein shake

    For lunch/diiner, I usually make sandwiches, they are quick, easy, messy free or some simple stir fry mixed vegetables and hard boiled eggs - within 400 cals each meal.
  • sara_m83
    sara_m83 Posts: 545 Member
    I'm also on 1200 and am finding my usual breakfast of 1cup cottage cheese, 0.5 med banana and 1/2c. strawberries to take up too many of my daily calories. On days that I am not burning many calories with exercise, I am now eating fat free yoghurt with my banana and strawberries, which leaves me room for my delicious latte every morning.

    For lunch, I usually have 1 large carrot, 20-30 green beans, two hard-boiled eggs, 8 dried apricot halves, and 15 almonds. After learning the amount of calories in my almonds versus how sated I get from them, I am going to substitute for 1 slice of wholemeal bread and maybe use one of my eggs to make a half egg salad sandwich.

    While cottage cheese and almonds are both really healthy and good sources of protein and calcium, I find that for the amount you get to consume for how many calories they provide, they are now reserved for days that I have worked out.
  • fivefatcats
    fivefatcats Posts: 368
    I have two favorite breakfasts. The first (workout day) is coffee, 1/2 c oatmeal and whey protein shake. The second is coffee with scrambled eggs (one whole egg, one egg white, dash of skim milk) and salsa on a tortilla. You could even scramble the eggs in a microwave if you're "cooking" at work.

    Also, I find my weight loss is best if I up (yes up) my (healthy) fat intake. I make sure to eat 1/2 oz almonds or 1/2 avocado daily. I also eat extra protein. I set my goals for 40% carbs, 30% protein and 30% fats - and this seems to be the best scenario for me.

    I had twin girl in August, started running 3 days a week in October and have lost about 40 pounds with just cardio but in January my weight loss tapered off. I just joined a gym and will be adding a yoga class and a kickbocking class to my weekly routine and swapping one of my running days to lift weights. I am hoping that will help fire up the weight loss and get me less flabby and more sculpted!
  • emarcia28
    emarcia28 Posts: 140 Member
    THANKS for all the great ideas everyone. Time to hit the supermarket this weekend! :)
  • emarcia28
    emarcia28 Posts: 140 Member
    I usually always eat oatmeal for breakfast and put in o calorie sugar or sugar free syrup, jelly, or butter and low fat milk. (Just a little). And dont worry about eating more if you work out cuz you only need 1200 to keep your metabolism up. If your workin out, then its even better for your metabolism. Keep up the good work!!

    Mmm im gonna try it that way..usually i have it plain or with fruit but after a while i get sick of it. I do love that it holds me over until lunch :smile:
  • Kristen81
    Kristen81 Posts: 342 Member
    I cut up half a Gala apple and cooked it on the stove with cinnamon and a tbls of butter and added it to my oatmeal with honey. It was DELICIOUS!
  • dax58
    dax58 Posts: 22 Member
    I have oats for breakfast as well. Try adding cinamon or nutmeg to it for some extra flavor. I also add diced apple or raisens sultanas for example to it.

    Otherwise i have scrambled eggs especially for non gym days.

    Regarding lunch, tend to hit the salad im afraid, standard salad add in, tuna / chicken / turkey / egg / cottage cheese / mixed beans depending on day.
  • MrsLVF
    MrsLVF Posts: 787 Member
    I like....
    Cheddar Cheese 0.5 oz 55 calories
    1 egg 70 calories
    Arnold Select Multigrain Sandwich Thins 100 calories

    with tea or black coffee :bigsmile:
  • katattack
    katattack Posts: 45
    emarcia -- your timing is perfect. I just had the best bowl of oatmeal and was hoping someone would want to talk about it (my roomies unfortunately were not enthusiastic subjects)

    I made a bowl of Rogers Porridge -- about 120 cals. I make is extra creamy by using 1/3 c dry porridge, and almost 5 times the amount of water. Cook slowly over 8 minutes, throw it in a bowl. NOW the fun part: 1 tbsp Flax Meal (makes is nice and creamy!), and 1/2 scoop Vanilla Whey Protein powder (i'm a veg, this is how i get my kicks... throwing protein powder in things...)

    OH MAN. So simple, but it was amazing. Delicious, flavourful and creamy; i didnt even need to add milk. And satisfying - carbs, protein, fat in some of their best most pure forms.

    Try it and tell me it isn't perfect. Just try ;P

    Your friendly neighbourhood oatmeal enthusiast,
    kat
  • veggieheadie
    veggieheadie Posts: 79
    I really like the Kashi Go Lean Rolls (not the bars). The chocolate turtle roll is amazing and it is packed with fiber and protien. I eat those for breakfast and lunches with apples and carrots. Amazingly I stay full all day and I also cover my sweet cravings this way. The rolls only have 190 calories and they really do keep you nice and full.
  • emarcia28
    emarcia28 Posts: 140 Member
    I cut up half a Gala apple and cooked it on the stove with cinnamon and a tbls of butter and added it to my oatmeal with honey. It was DELICIOUS!

    This sure sounds good! I will def. give it a try! :tongue: TY
  • emarcia28
    emarcia28 Posts: 140 Member
    I really like the Kashi Go Lean Rolls (not the bars). The chocolate turtle roll is amazing and it is packed with fiber and protien. I eat those for breakfast and lunches with apples and carrots. Amazingly I stay full all day and I also cover my sweet cravings this way. The rolls only have 190 calories and they really do keep you nice and full.

    I will have to look for these at the supermarket! They sound delicious!
  • emarcia28
    emarcia28 Posts: 140 Member
    emarcia -- your timing is perfect. I just had the best bowl of oatmeal and was hoping someone would want to talk about it (my roomies unfortunately were not enthusiastic subjects)

    I made a bowl of Rogers Porridge -- about 120 cals. I make is extra creamy by using 1/3 c dry porridge, and almost 5 times the amount of water. Cook slowly over 8 minutes, throw it in a bowl. NOW the fun part: 1 tbsp Flax Meal (makes is nice and creamy!), and 1/2 scoop Vanilla Whey Protein powder (i'm a veg, this is how i get my kicks... throwing protein powder in things...)

    OH MAN. So simple, but it was amazing. Delicious, flavourful and creamy; i didnt even need to add milk. And satisfying - carbs, protein, fat in some of their best most pure forms.

    Try it and tell me it isn't perfect. Just try ;P

    Your friendly neighbourhood oatmeal enthusiast,
    kat

    hmmm can i microwave this?
  • JE55Y
    JE55Y Posts: 333 Member
    I am really enjoying ReadyBrek in the mornings. I have it with out sugar. Tastes so creamy.
  • emarcia28
    emarcia28 Posts: 140 Member
    I am really enjoying ReadyBrek in the mornings. I have it with out sugar. Tastes so creamy.

    hmm Ive never really heard of this...is it sold at regular supermarkets?
  • jlemmon
    jlemmon Posts: 8 Member
    I found the 100 Low Calorie english muffin or a thin bagel made by Thomas to be good. I love Quaker instant oatmeal with brown sugar with 1/2 cup of fat free milk which is really yummy and sticks to your ribs. Also one egg is only 70 calories. Good luck with your grocery shopping. If you look hard enough, there are some great choices out there.
  • PinguimPraiero
    PinguimPraiero Posts: 48 Member
    My former coworker explained a neat trick she practiced daily. First thing in the morning, she would eat a whole apple. It would get her metabolism working and start cleansing out her digestive system. And it helped curb her hunger for a bit. Then, when I saw her at work, she would munch on oatmeal bars or a bagel, to give her the carb load she needed to carry her over until lunch.

    She always offered me a bar, I regret I always, unwittingly, accepted, those babies are expensive!
  • kwardklinck
    kwardklinck Posts: 1,601
    My favorite breakfast is an egg, turkey bacon (one slice), and cheese (half a slice) sandwich on a toasted thin sandwich round bread with 1 cup of milk. I stay under 400 cals and I'm good for 5 hours. It also has 5 grams of fiber in it which makes it better than regular bread or an english muffin. I usually alternate this sandwich with oatmeal or miniwheats every other day.
    These sandwich rounds are also good with hot roast beef and cheese for a quick lunch or dinner.
  • dixiegal2484
    dixiegal2484 Posts: 293 Member
    my favorite breakfast is a Thomas 100 cal english muffin with one egg ( i like to fry it in a frying pan with no grease or butter) and 2 slices of butterball turkey bacon. it only has about 220 calories and usually holds me til lunch. hope this help and keep all the good work. friend resqust me if you would like to.

    Amber
  • lucijameson
    lucijameson Posts: 2 Member
    I usually toast a Thomas 100 cal english muffin & spread 1 tbsp of reduced fat peanut butter on it...high in fiber & last me well into lunch.
  • meokk
    meokk Posts: 787 Member
    I am really enjoying ReadyBrek in the mornings. I have it with out sugar. Tastes so creamy.

    hmm Ive never really heard of this...is it sold at regular supermarkets?

    You will have a hard time finding it in America. It's common in England.
    You might get lucky at a Whole Foods or in the Irish section of your supermarket.
    It is delicious and if you are in NY or LA I can tell you where to buy it.
    Another good English one - weetabix - is available in most US supermarkets. It's whole grain & only 120 cals per serving.
  • 25anniversary2011
    25anniversary2011 Posts: 123 Member
    I too am on 1200per day and YES they do go fast.

    I like 1/2 cinnamon raisin bagel, 1/2 Tbsp fat free cream cheese and 1 sliced strawberry on top of it, with my coffee of course. It comes out to 151 calories.

    I take a couple of snacks with me to work incase the hunger comes before lunch and before time to go home. That way I am not tempted to go by a drive thru! :laugh:

    For lunch I usually cook an extra serving for dinner the night before and take that with me. Although sometimes I like to get Subway, Schlotsky's, Quiznos, Thundercloud, any local sandwich shop that has nutritional information available.
    I have been trying out a lot of new recipes and have liked most of them. It takes A LOT of planning which takes A LOT of time, but it's worth it. I research recipes online and have actually purchased a few cookbooks too.

    Good Luck, WE need it ! :ohwell:
  • emarcia28
    emarcia28 Posts: 140 Member
    I am really enjoying ReadyBrek in the mornings. I have it with out sugar. Tastes so creamy.

    hmm Ive never really heard of this...is it sold at regular supermarkets?

    You will have a hard time finding it in America. It's common in England.
    You might get lucky at a Whole Foods or in the Irish section of your supermarket.
    It is delicious and if you are in NY or LA I can tell you where to buy it.
    Another good English one - weetabix - is available in most US supermarkets. It's whole grain & only 120 cals per serving.


    Hmmm.. I will definately try whole foods. OOh i live on Long Island in NY. I really want to try it. The chocolate one sounds delicious!:flowerforyou:


    Everyone else thanks for the tips!! <3
  • kgrutch
    kgrutch Posts: 223
    i try to split up my breakfast, i first have 1/2 cup steel cut oatmeal with 1/4 cup blueberries, little skim milk and splenda, about 2 hours later, i have 3 egg whites cooked with some onion, peppers, on top of a josephs flax pita (only 60 cals), hot sauce. i try to eat every 2-3 hours to keep my metabolism going strong. my coworkers often remark, i have never anyone eat so much and stay in such good shape, lol. its what you eat that counts!! if i ate those 100 cal packs i would be eating nonstop, those kind of sugary carbs are so addicting for me, i get so hungry after that, even the bars i try to stay away from because it triggers hunger.
  • emarcia28
    emarcia28 Posts: 140 Member
    i try to split up my breakfast, i first have 1/2 cup steel cut oatmeal with 1/4 cup blueberries, little skim milk and splenda, about 2 hours later, i have 3 egg whites cooked with some onion, peppers, on top of a josephs flax pita (only 60 cals), hot sauce. i try to eat every 2-3 hours to keep my metabolism going strong. my coworkers often remark, i have never anyone eat so much and stay in such good shape, lol. its what you eat that counts!! if i ate those 100 cal packs i would be eating nonstop, those kind of sugary carbs are so addicting for me, i get so hungry after that, even the bars i try to stay away from because it triggers hunger.

    Oh I see. I'm actually all set for tomorrow! I will be eating just about every 2-3 hours. Hopefully i wont be starving by the time i get home from school at night! :smile:
  • kgrutch
    kgrutch Posts: 223
    you shouldnt be hungry if you are eating often enough. the trouble with eating so frequently is that i have to carry around a HUGE soft sided cooler. the prep work can be tiring (sometimes it takes me 45 mins to pack my food for the following day) but it is worth it.
  • emarcia28
    emarcia28 Posts: 140 Member
    you shouldnt be hungry if you are eating often enough. the trouble with eating so frequently is that i have to carry around a HUGE soft sided cooler. the prep work can be tiring (sometimes it takes me 45 mins to pack my food for the following day) but it is worth it.

    Very true! For the past 2 days i have been eating every 2.5-3hrs (very small amounts of lean protein, good fats & veggies) and when it comes time to eat again i don't even feel that hungry..:smile: It is working better for me then just eating 3 full meals and a snack, because i would be starving at the end of the night. Now i have enough calories at the end of the night to just drink a one scoop protein shake. Which today i will have after my workout.:heart:
    Prep time is a bit of a pain in the butt i agree lol, but it works out for me because it stops me from constantly searching for food at school and work since i have my snacks & meals packed i have no desire to look elsewhere, for junk!
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