Need more ideas

I need more ideas on low calorie foods, snacks, meals, lunches....Can anyone help? I am trying to stick to 1200 cals/day.

Thank you!!

Oh and cheap, considering my family doesn't diet...I have to buy most of my food separately :)

Replies

  • IveLanded
    IveLanded Posts: 797 Member
    I used English muffins for lots of things.....they are about 100 calories and I make all kinds of breakfast and lunch sandwiches with them.

    I buy bags of frozen chicken breasts (about $10 or less for a bag) and make 3 or 4 breasts at a time and then use them over the next few days in sandwhiches, salads, and wraps or just eat the chicken.

    Talapia is really cheap.
  • hmparkin23
    hmparkin23 Posts: 91 Member
    I find it so odd that Americans seem a lot more familiar with 'English muffins' than the English are! I've never seen them here!!
  • Clumz27
    Clumz27 Posts: 60 Member
    My snacks/ lunches include

    Strawberries
    Peanut Butter
    Apples
    Greek Yogurt
    Almonds
    Lunar & Clif Bars
    Tuna
    Black Beans
    100 Calorie Corn Tortillas
    Tilapia
    Chicken
    Mozzerella Cheese Sticks


    For work, I spend about $20 on all my lunches and snacks for the week. I also buy those Smart Ones Weight Watchers frozen lunches. They're quick, easy and low in calorie... And they're pretty tastey. :) I know they're not the best because of the high sodium levels, but I'm on a budget!
  • I swear by my 40 calorie whole wheat tortillas. They're a great substitute for bread. Use them for "pita" sandwiches, wraps, burritos - anything!
  • themommie
    themommie Posts: 5,033 Member
    You need to try to find foods that all of you can eat because cooking 2 seperate meals will get old and you are more likely to give up also you are more likely to sneak bites, licks and tastes of their food ...that being said here is a great recipe I did the other night

    boil some noodles I used penne. saute yellow bell pepper and snow peas in a little bit of olive oil add already cooked chicken strips cook on med until cooked through add seasoning salt , pepper , crushed red pepper flakes and a jar of red pepper alfredo sauce ( it was only 60 cals a serving) eat through and then drain and add the pasta. mix through and serve . for about 1 1/2 cups it comes out to about 350 cals

    this recipe is so easy and you can switch up the veggies and use mushrooms and zucchini instead or spinach and instead of the red pepper flakes you could add garlic or whatever you like ...it is YUM

    also frittatas and egg scrambles are delicious to make and low cal so are taco salads, tacos, taco or just about any homemade soup look on some peoples diaries that have lost alot of weight to get ideas

    trader joes has apple cinnamon sticks 38 for 140 cals
    mini rice cakes
    popcorn
    apples and peanut butter
  • lmarshel
    lmarshel Posts: 674 Member
    I would recommend 2 things. First of all, try to incorporate more fruits and veggies. They're (mostly) very low cal and will fill you up and help to round out your meals. Buy whatever is on sale for the week. Fresh is best, but if you really need to cut back, frozen or canned will work.

    Then I would also say that you need to get a food scale and start weighing your food. Did you really use a half cup of shredded cheese on that chicken? That's a TON of cheese. If you weighed it out, I'd be willing to bet you didn't really eat that much. You can pick up a really cheap scale at Wal Mart or Target that will do the job...probably under $20. It will be the best investment you EVER make in your new lifestyle.

    Best of luck to you! :)
  • ziggyc
    ziggyc Posts: 191 Member
    I find it so odd that Americans seem a lot more familiar with 'English muffins' than the English are! I've never seen them here!!

    I think english muffins are crumpets...does that make sense? Because I'm not positive.
  • mgobluetx12
    mgobluetx12 Posts: 1,326 Member
    I find it so odd that Americans seem a lot more familiar with 'English muffins' than the English are! I've never seen them here!!

    I think english muffins are crumpets...does that make sense? Because I'm not positive.

    No, we have crumpets in the US too. Similar, but still different.
  • LCunkle83
    LCunkle83 Posts: 179
    Starkist tuna pouches
    Fat free chocolate pudding (since chocolate is my addiction)
    Pretzels
    Water
    Oatmeal (weight control) fills you up but is only about 130 cal per pack
    apples and peanut butter
    salads
  • RachelNichole85
    RachelNichole85 Posts: 39 Member
    Is peanut butter ok? There are tons of calories in it, but I LOVE IT! LOL
  • SPHmypal
    SPHmypal Posts: 7 Member
    There are double fiber wheat muffins. Lower sodium.
  • SPHmypal
    SPHmypal Posts: 7 Member
    Not a lot, but 1 to1/2 teaspoon on a good diet bread toasted is delicious.
  • NikkiSixGuns
    NikkiSixGuns Posts: 630 Member
    I'll share some of my staples. I realize that not everyone will agree with them for various reasons, but it's what works for me!

    - Egg substitute - for breakfast sandwiches, scrambled eggs, and the occasional French toast;
    - La Tortilla Factory low carb/high fiber tortillas (I'm not a low carb dieter, but the calorie stats on these babies is amazing) - for burritos, wraps, and enchiladas;
    - Broccoli slaw - when it's steamed it makes a great pasta substitute in spaghetti
    - Low calorie bread (45-50 cal/slice) paired with deli cut turkey breast, fat free cheese slices, or grilled zucchini, onions, and bell pepper for a variety of sandwichs;
    - Laughing Cow light Swiss cheese wedges and baby carrots - a great snack. BTW, the cheeses are way cheaper if you buy them in bulk at Costco (like $8.50 for four at Costco vs. $4.79 for one at the grocery store);
    - Apples;
    - Ball Park All White Meat Smoked Turkey Hot Dogs - they don't really taste like a traditional hot dog, but more like a mild smoked turkey sausage. I use them in salads;
    - Foil pack dinners - a variety of veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, crookneck or butternut squash) wrapped in foil with seasonings and chicken breasts;
    - Cod, tilapia, and mahi mahi - the mildest flavored fish (IMO) and about the only kind I like;
    - Small frozen bananas - a yummy snack;
    - Brummel & Brown yogurt blend margarine - it tastes great and has very reasonable stats;
    - Fiber One cereal - with yogurt and fruit it's a great snack or breakfast;
    - Air popped popcorn (google the brown-bag microwave method if you don't already know about it)

    Good luck! Feel free to add me or PM me if you want more ideas.
  • hkulbacki
    hkulbacki Posts: 187 Member
    Is peanut butter ok? There are tons of calories in it, but I LOVE IT! LOL

    Peanut butter is OK as long as it's natural without all the chemicals and preservatives. Almond butter, walnut butter, those are good too.
  • Csitri
    Csitri Posts: 132 Member
    bump need ideas too