Help me Find some different foods!
sexymccay
Posts: 21
Hello, I am new to this site... I would really like to try to eat a little healther.. My problem is I don't like anything in a salad, I really don't like veggies, I am all about greasy, buttery, salty or sweet foods.. If I bake chicken I use tons of butter, i love potatoes, mac and cheese, and toast... Grr, I am in desperate need of help.. Thank you
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Replies
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You can start here...
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/healthy-recipes/NU00585
http://greatist.com/health/healthy-recipe-substitutions/
...I would start by slowly reducing the amount of greasy, buttery, processed foods you eat currently.0 -
you're the only person who can change your eating habits and learn to like healthier foods. If you don't want to learn to like healthier foods, then you're not going to have much success. Simple as that.0
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Do you like kale?0
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So you don't get overwhelmed (and then totally give up), why don't you set a goal to try 1-2 new foods each week and slowly change your diet that way? It may take longer but you will most likely see it as a challenge, instead of a diet, and stick with it.0
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you're the only person who can change your eating habits and learn to like healthier foods. If you don't want to learn to like healthier foods, then you're not going to have much success. Simple as that.
...I believe that is why she was asking for help finding new foods...but I could be mistaken... :huh:
Try to reduce your intake of greasy/etc foods. Instead of baking that chicken and doing what you do to it...grill it and don't add anything to it. Try dipping grapes in some type of yogurt. I once made a dinner out of yogurt, granola cereal, and strawberries. Yum
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It is really hard to go from one extreme (greasy, fatty comfort foods) to another, being the veggies you do not like. Have you ever checked out Hungrygirl.com? She has some great and easy recipes where she substitutes healthier ingredients to make your favorite foods. If you like the website, she also has a daily newsletter that you can subscribe to.0
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Use olive oil instead of butter, or a mix of olive oil and butter. Forget salads if you don't like them. They are not necessary for healthy eating. Roast, bake, stir fry, or saute veggies Cook them in a stew or soup. Steam them if you like them that way (most are better roasted).
Search for healthy recipes that sound good to you and try them out. Experiment until you find healthy foods you enjoy. I guarantee there are some. Break out of the salad and "diet food" mentality and you'll find a world of delicious healthy food.0 -
Check out this site, lots of low cal foods and recipes
www.skinnytaste.com
Good Luck
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I'm not sure what kinds of food you like, but there are lots of ways to take your favorite foods and make them healthier. There are websites that have lots of great healthy recipes too. Don't be afraid to try new things. You may not like salad, but maybe you like roasted veggies. You don't have to add a lot of fat to roast them and they are packed with flavor and vitamins. I like to roast red potatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, onions, brussle sprouts, butternut squash..etc. I just sprinkle on a little olive oil and toss and season then bake in the oven at 450 until veggies are soft and slightly browned. Good luck on your quest for a healthier lifestyle. It is not only good for you, but for your whole family!0
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you're the only person who can change your eating habits and learn to like healthier foods. If you don't want to learn to like healthier foods, then you're not going to have much success. Simple as that.
^^ this
That being said....
Why not try steaming some cauliflower (a whole head), add a little Celtic sea salt; once it's soft (not too soft); use a regular blender or food process or immersion blender to puree it. Add in a little I can't believe it's not butter (for flavor), garlic, pepper and 1 cup of Fagi 0% plain yogurt...it's very yummy.
Also, try my Butternut squash recipe (it's very "rich" tasting but not fattening):
I clean and cut into strips a whole red bell pepper
Chop a whole Medium sized Onion
Heat my pan (gallon size) with 2 TBSP of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Throw in the pepper, get it "blackened"
Add the onion
Add 4 cups of diced butternut squash (you can buy this already diced in the grocery)
Add 2 tsp Celtic Sea Salt
Add 2 Cloves of Garlic
After 5 minutes, add in 3 cups of water and let it boil
Cook just until the squash is tender (may only take another 10 minutes)
Cool down, add 2 TBSP of Raw Agave Syrup
Puree using an immersion blender or let cool enough to add to a regular blender a little at a time and puree
It usually makes 5 - 2 cup servings and is 151 calories; I add a salad to go with it to have some "raw" veg; you can also toss on some fresh sprouts and either sunflower seeds, flax seeds or hemp seeds to give some "crunch" to the soup
Bocca burger has some yummy flame broiled "burgers" - veggy and yummy
I suggest trying a new vegetable every week with an OPEN mind. Find a recipe you think you might like and try it. I love, love, love sauted zucchini and yellow squash; sometimes I add in broccoli, carrots and/or onion. Just use a little Celtic sea salt, pepper, garlic for seasoning and heat the pan hot enough so it doesn't stick - you can use extra virgin olive oil or Spray pam0 -
I don't have a grill.. I will try to do the dipping fruit into yogurt, that doesnt sound to bad.. I would like to try and experiment with food to find something that tastes pretty good.. I am going to be cutting down on my mello yellow can't quit cold turkey I get sick tried it before.. Is there anyway to make mac and cheese more healthy? I will try the baked potato with seasonings sounds tasty0
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I don't have a grill.. I will try to do the dipping fruit into yogurt, that doesnt sound to bad.. I would like to try and experiment with food to find something that tastes pretty good.. I am going to be cutting down on my mello yellow can't quit cold turkey I get sick tried it before.. Is there anyway to make mac and cheese more healthy? I will try the baked potato with seasonings sounds tasty
Go to Walmart, Target, KMart, etc - it is end of season - buy a table top gas grill - learn to use it - this will help ALOT. Also season your foods with Mrs. Dash or other lower salt seasonings to help add flavor but not sodium. Third, I LOVE a big juicy hamburger. So I learn to substitute - I eat low fat turkey burgers - use deli mustard for flavor and a tomoato if I just need the taste - and instead of mayo I beat an avocado and mix with a little salsa.
As for mac and cheese - first, go for the barrilla or other whole wheat noodles - increase your fiber and has protein. MAKE IT YOURSELF - buy lower fat cheeses and milk and heat and stir and then add to pasta. Be conscious of what you are eating and how much. You can't move a mountain overnight, but spoonful by spoonful you can!
Good luck. Be good to yourself, try new things, and understand that food is fuel. We have all used food for various other things in our lives - that's why we are all here. See it for what it is and you will move ahead.
Oh yeah, and buy a copy or join the website for "eat this not that" and www.hungrygirl.com you will be amazed at the healthy ways to make some of your very favorite foods without missing all the flavors you love.0 -
Chop potatoes into chunks. Weigh them of course so you know the servings. Chop up fresh tomatoes. Weigh those also. Stir them in a bowl with 1/4-1/2 cup of fat free italian dressing and roat 'em in the oven til the potatoes are soft. I think you will like as much as potatoes oozing with butter. I do. Hate fresh tomatoes, but cooked this way, they are heavenly! You could add chopped garlic, extra basil or italian spices. Green or red bell peppers.
Oh and we get a lot of tomatoes in our produce co-op, so I cut them in half, across the middle and roast them with fat free feta cheese on top. Broil the cheese the last few mintutes. YUM!
I used to hate almost all vegetables, but have worked really hard to find ways to fix them that I like. Even things like cauliflower and broccolie. And we hated sweet potatoes until we started roasting them in chunks with a little chinese 5-spice powder, a tad of kosher salt, some cumin and some ground chipotle. Now they are aromatic/savory and delish.
I like to look for recipes on eatingwell's dotcom website. You can search for whatever veg you want to fix and then see all the different things to do with them. If you find a recipe with a lot of ingrediesnts that you DO like, then add in the veg...it can make a world of difference. If you don't like it that way, try a different recipe.
I am still seqrching for a way to prepare turnips that are edible ;-)
Barb0 -
I get inspired watching cooking shows and going to good grocery stores with interesting foods. Rather than buying food that's prepared all the time experiment and prepare occasionally. You will be eating healthier, saving money and may find a new hobby0
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Chop potatoes into chunks. Weigh them of course so you know the servings. Chop up fresh tomatoes. Weigh those also. Stir them in a bowl with 1/4-1/2 cup of fat free italian dressing and roat 'em in the oven til the potatoes are soft. I think you will like as much as potatoes oozing with butter. I do. Hate fresh tomatoes, but cooked this way, they are heavenly! You could add chopped garlic, extra basil or italian spices. Green or red bell peppers.
Oh and we get a lot of tomatoes in our produce co-op, so I cut them in half, across the middle and roast them with fat free feta cheese on top. Broil the cheese the last few mintutes. YUM!
I used to hate almost all vegetables, but have worked really hard to find ways to fix them that I like. Even things like cauliflower and broccolie. And we hated sweet potatoes until we started roasting them in chunks with a little chinese 5-spice powder, a tad of kosher salt, some cumin and some ground chipotle. Now they are aromatic/savory and delish.
I like to look for recipes on eatingwell's dotcom website. You can search for whatever veg you want to fix and then see all the different things to do with them. If you find a recipe with a lot of ingrediesnts that you DO like, then add in the veg...it can make a world of difference. If you don't like it that way, try a different recipe.
I am still seqrching for a way to prepare turnips that are edible ;-)
Barb
Good luck with the turnip thing - even drenched in butter the good old southern way they are still just nasty. I recommend finding something you like better - no point ever in putting anything in your mouth that you don't like the taste of - it matters not how good it is for you - there is always a substitute!0 -
I don't have a grill.. I will try to do the dipping fruit into yogurt, that doesnt sound to bad.. I would like to try and experiment with food to find something that tastes pretty good.. I am going to be cutting down on my mello yellow can't quit cold turkey I get sick tried it before.. Is there anyway to make mac and cheese more healthy? I will try the baked potato with seasonings sounds tasty
Use one of the lower carb pastas, or one of the whole grain kind. Use 2% cheese. Use fat free 1/2 and half. If you use butter, try using less of it. You can usually still get the taste w/o about 1/2 of the fat in that kind of recipe. It still won't be as healthy as spnach, but every little bit helps.
Barb0 -
you sound like my twin lol, but i too am trying to eat healthier good luck in you journey 0
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try SparkRecipes.com0
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I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if you want to lose weight, you just have to make the change. I love pasta, pizza, potatoes, cheese, cake, pancakes--need I go on? But, I decided that getting back into shape is more important to me, and will make me happier in the long term. If you start eating veggies, you will learn to love them. Here are some of my yummy, but healthy faves:
- Toss fresh asparagus with olive oil, a little salt and pepper and roast it in the oven. When it's cooked, squeeze some fresh lemon on it. If you want, you can add a tiny bit of parmesean cheese (just don't go overboard)
- Buy pre-cut butternut squash-- Trader Joes has some that is great if you have one near you. Cook it in the microwave until it is soft. Then mash it or put it in a food processor (add a little water to make it easier to liquify). After it's blended add some salt, pepper, and curry. Super healthy AND super satisfying.
- Get fresh kale and chop it into small pieces. Toss it with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, fresh minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like spicy. Add parmesean cheese (again, don't go overboard). You can choose how much lemon juice and garlic you want. This is the BEST salad. I could eat it every night. So easy to top with grilled chicken or salmon too.
I promise that you will love how your body looks and feels when you ditch the junk food for nutrient rich veggies and protein!!! 0 -
Introduce yourself to fresh herbs......tons of chopped sweet basil, pressed garlic, lemon juice, lime juice, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh rosemary, capers, cilantro, roasted red peppers, chopped pablano peppers, sauteed mushrooms in a spritz of olive oil, etc........completely complements boneless skinless chicken breast, shrimp, fish, pork, and steak, etc.... They will make your taste buds dance and no longer 'need' the OIL taste! Been there, done that and have lost 9 lbs in 4 weeks without feeling like I'm not eating tasty luscious food ...good luck!0
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Don't be afraid to try the same veg in several different ways. If you don't like it raw, try it roasted, for example. Sometimes it's not so much the food itself that we don't like, but the way it is prepared.
Also - you do not have to eat salad if you don't like it. I hate it - so I don't eat it. I just find other ways to get my veggies.0 -
Hey, welcome. You could try sweet potatoes, I can't believe it's not butter light (45 calories per tbsp), bagel thins or bread thins (100 calories for one) and a few others. I will request you as a friend and what you want to do is go into some of the food diaries of people on here and see if there are foods you like to give you ideas. Hope this helps. :-)
You can do it.
Julie0 -
Try cauliflower mash, its very much like mashed potatoes.
I'm not one to sugarcoat so here it goes. You need to just do it. Stop eating crap and be healthy. You need to make salads, vegies and fruit part of your day to day life. Try a nice low cal dressing, seasonings etc. You will get used to it as your tastebuds adjust. You need ot stop using the excuse 'I don't like it', you're not a toddler.0 -
for the mac and cheese, start by adding a few steamed veggies, maybe. I'd try getting a small amount from the salad bar at the grocery if you don't want to cook and waste a lot of veggies. gradually add more and more until it's half/half.
In mac and cheese, I really like broccoli, cauliflower, sauteed or steamed sweet onion or scallion.
I did see a recipe on here fairly recently (you could do a search for it) in the forums where they added acorn squash, I think. Looked really good to me.
Other substitutions to consider: instead of rice, try brown rice, quinoa, or couscous.
Instead of mashed potatoes: boil or steam then mash celery root or cauliflower with some garlic. Instead of butter use olive oil and use skim milk plus some plain nonfat greek yogurt to build up the mixture.
Good luck trying new things!0 -
If I can do it, you can. I was the Queen of Pasta, Rice & Potatos. Was never big on the salads as I do not like tomotos, peppers, onions, mushrooms............oh dear I could go on and on. However, I have found a couple of salad receipes made with Strawberries and another one with oranges. I will add chicken to gain the extra protien. Just experiment, use ground turkey in place of burger. Turkey Tacos and Turkey Taco Omelette are yummy. Buffalo chicken burgers or meatloaf has been another experiment of mine. Now I will add a burger to my salad (lettuce, carrots & celery) and use buffalo sauce and a small amount of lite ranch dressing.
Mountian Dew was a big downfall for me, haven't had a soda in over a month. Hate water be am forcing myself to drink it. It can be done.....................just work at it and try different things until you find your niche.0 -
i love potatoes so i eat half a baked potato and i use low fat ranch dressing or two tablespoons of chili on them. i cook less of them and eat less of them. I love bread and biscuits so i immediately tell waiters not to bring them. It will take time but you can do it. Or save them for your spluge meal or day.!!0
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Try small changes. They can really add up!
As you get rid of some things make sure you don't lose all the flavor. Start using spices.
Some changes to try...
* hide vegetables - like lasagna? add some spinach and/or zucchini
* lower fat milk or dairy products - some taste good others don't. I find that with high quality milk, it's easy to drink a lower fat amount
* you asked about mac & cheese... the same size serving can vary from about 250 calories to well over 500 -- the lowest cal one I found was rather bland so I add red pepper or worcester sauce -- or sometimes some laughing cow cheese (35 calories). Mac & cheese is also a great place to hide more vegetables... tomato or zucchini slices, some people like adding mashed sweet potatoes or chick peas.
* fruit is yummy!
* whole wheat bread (the more fiber the better)
* instead of fried, try sautéed maybe in some flavorful chicken broth
* don't eat just salad greens (boring!) add yummy things - I like tomatoes, avocado, olives, artichoke hearts - or how about walnuts, grapes, dried cranberries
You probably will need to put a bit more thought into your food... at least until you find some options you like. But some are even easier than what you've been doing. For instance someone posted a quick and easy recipe yesterday for chicken cooked in picante sauce rather than fried or deep buttered.
The world is full of fun and yummy things... try some and enjoy!0 -
So you don't get overwhelmed (and then totally give up), why don't you set a goal to try 1-2 new foods each week and slowly change your diet that way? It may take longer but you will most likely see it as a challenge, instead of a diet, and stick with it.
I agree with this. Making too many changes at once is hard on you. Change one thing, make it stick. Change another thing, make it stick. It will be a longer road but it is doable. I like a lot of spices too. There are lots of ideas here.0 -
Try small changes. They can really add up!
As you get rid of some things make sure you don't lose all the flavor. Start using spices.
Some changes to try...
* hide vegetables - like lasagna? add some spinach and/or zucchini
* lower fat milk or dairy products - some taste good others don't. I find that with high quality milk, it's easy to drink a lower fat amount
* you asked about mac & cheese... the same size serving can vary from about 250 calories to well over 500 -- the lowest cal one I found was rather bland so I add red pepper or worcester sauce -- or sometimes some laughing cow cheese (35 calories). Mac & cheese is also a great place to hide more vegetables... tomato or zucchini slices, some people like adding mashed sweet potatoes or chick peas.
* fruit is yummy!
* whole wheat bread (the more fiber the better)
* instead of fried, try sautéed maybe in some flavorful chicken broth
* don't eat just salad greens (boring!) add yummy things - I like tomatoes, avocado, olives, artichoke hearts - or how about walnuts, grapes, dried cranberries
You probably will need to put a bit more thought into your food... at least until you find some options you like. But some are even easier than what you've been doing. For instance someone posted a quick and easy recipe yesterday for chicken cooked in picante sauce rather than fried or deep buttered.
The world is full of fun and yummy things... try some and enjoy!
I absolutely love this ^^^^ Yes, there are lots of yummy foods, plain salads are boring. Spice it up with various textures and flavors.0 -
Try mixing a 6 oz container of vanilla Greek yogurt with 2 those nutella and a very very tiny ( almost none) dash of cinnamon together to make a great dip tor fruits or pretzles if you like the sweet/salty... Or mix the same type yogurt with 2 tbls peanut butter0
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