Tuna!

linztx
linztx Posts: 101 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Okay, I know there is several threads on Tuna; but they are all outdated, and doesn't exactly answer my questions.

First, I dislike Tuna, but can tolerate it when you spruce it up with all the bad junk! I know, that is not an option at this point, and will defeat the purpose however, I went ahead and made some -- probably not the BEST way, but, better than how I would use to make it. I used two cans, tuna with water, about four tbs of Mt. Olive Deli Style Kosher Dill Relish Made w/ Sea Salt, and 2 boiled eggs - chopped up. How do I calculate the nutritional value per serving, and how much of that stuff can I eat at a meal? I used to put it on crackers, but I am sure that will defeat the healthier option. One piece of wheat bread? With a whole grain wrap? What is the best way, without making this extremely unhealthy!

Any ideas, as this is already pre-made and ready to eat!

Replies

  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    make a recipie/meal out of it.

    or just use something that's a best guess.

    I make mine with plain unflavored greek yogurt and a very little relish- so I tend to just add the ingredients separately.

    Otherwise if I purchase it somewhere- I just use something that's higher calorie and appears to be a similar item.
  • jmt08c
    jmt08c Posts: 343 Member
    In order to calculate calories per serving: add up total calories then divide by how many meal you'll make it. As for how to eat it...I eat tuna plain with a small amount of olive oil and pepper. If you need to put it on something then wheat or whole grain bread would be your best option.
  • linztx
    linztx Posts: 101 Member
    make a recipie/meal out of it.

    or just use something that's a best guess.

    I make mine with plain unflavored greek yogurt and a very little relish- so I tend to just add the ingredients separately.

    Otherwise if I purchase it somewhere- I just use something that's higher calorie and appears to be a similar item.

    I have heard about the greek yogurt; I will have to try that!
  • linztx
    linztx Posts: 101 Member
    In order to calculate calories per serving: add up total calories then divide by how many meal you'll make it. As for how to eat it...I eat tuna plain with a small amount of olive oil and pepper. If you need to put it on something then wheat or whole grain bread would be your best option.

    That makes complete sense. I will do that today. I was confused on how to find the calorie intake when creating the meal.
  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    I would really recommend that you stop trying to find the "best way" to eat. Think of dieting like horseshoes and hand grenades: close is good enough. A few "bad foods" in your diet won't negate the good ones - and most of those "bad foods" really aren't all that bad in moderation. If you like it, it makes you happy, and it fits into your calorie/macro goals, then great! Eat it that way!

    Personally, I smoosh my tuna up with a wedge of Laughing Cow cream cheese and put it on a whole wheat sandwich thin. Adding some hard boiled eggs sound delicious. I think I'll try that next time!
  • askeates
    askeates Posts: 1,490 Member
    I love doing lettuce wraps.... it adds a nice cold crunch to it and is healthy.
  • 1911JR
    1911JR Posts: 276
    My first thought is, if you don`t like it, and your just tolerating it, why eat it? Lot's of other ways to get protein.

    Myself, I eat Bumble Bee very low sodium, Solid White Albacore. 70 mg or sodium in a 4 oz can vs 360 mg in tuna. But at most I ad a table spoon of fat free miracle whip, but normally eat it plain out of the can.
  • Unknown
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  • linztx
    linztx Posts: 101 Member
    I would really recommend that you stop trying to find the "best way" to eat. Think of dieting like horseshoes and hand grenades: close is good enough. A few "bad foods" in your diet won't negate the good ones - and most of those "bad foods" really aren't all that bad in moderation. If you like it, it makes you happy, and it fits into your calorie/macro goals, then great! Eat it that way!

    Personally, I smoosh my tuna up with a wedge of Laughing Cow cream cheese and put it on a whole wheat sandwich thin. Adding some hard boiled eggs sound delicious. I think I'll try that next time!
    '

    This is all new to me, a new journey, a new life style. I have a lot to learn. So, I figured, the better options, would be what I needed to at least kick start it. Trying to make the better choices from the beginning. I don't even know what Macro's are but I have heard that term very often. Google, here I come. LOL. As far as calories have been concerned, I have not went over my total calorie intake, therefore, as long as it fits, then, I will be a little more lenient. I know, that I can't deprive myself from everything, or I am bound to mess up.

    The eggs are a great added bonus. I've also added a bit of celery too instead of the pickles. I need to remember that option, I tend to forget about it. Never had the laughing cow, but I will try that!

    Thank you for your advice.
  • linztx
    linztx Posts: 101 Member
    I love doing lettuce wraps.... it adds a nice cold crunch to it and is healthy.

    Thank you! Sounds delish as well.
  • linztx
    linztx Posts: 101 Member
    My first thought is, if you don`t like it, and your just tolerating it, why eat it? Lot's of other ways to get protein.

    Myself, I eat Bumble Bee very low sodium, Solid White Albacore. 70 mg or sodium in a 4 oz can vs 360 mg in tuna. But at most I ad a table spoon of fat free miracle whip, but normally eat it plain out of the can.

    It's one of those things, I just have to find the right method to eat it. I actually crave it every once in a while. Especially on a hot summer day in Good Ole' Texas. There are other ways to get protein, but I am trying to broaden my horizons, and taste buds. I am trying to learn how to like new things, trying to find new recipes, and just trying to make this journey as successful as possible. If It was up to my current taste buds, I would live on Chicken, and thats about it -- and I don't want that.

    I will try the bumble bee! I have been doing the Starkist Light Chunk in Water. When I added the meal recipe, it ends up being about 100 calories per serving. I think that is reasonable, at least I hope.
  • linztx
    linztx Posts: 101 Member
    First, I dislike Tuna

    Eat something else.

    See above reply. I am trying to expand my taste buds, and trying to get sources that are nutritional for me, without getting bored. If people have ideas, In which is why I posted this, I am at least willing to try it until I find a good way. Thanks Though.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    My first thought is, if you don`t like it, and your just tolerating it, why eat it? Lot's of other ways to get protein.

    Myself, I eat Bumble Bee very low sodium, Solid White Albacore. 70 mg or sodium in a 4 oz can vs 360 mg in tuna. But at most I ad a table spoon of fat free miracle whip, but normally eat it plain out of the can.

    I used to get mocked as a small child for eating my tuna "raw"
    too bad I had low self esteem and wasn't smart enough to say "oh you're parents cook your tuna for you?

    (knowing now they meant plain- but the reality was kids are just cruel scarred for life eating plain tuna :( )

    now I eat it plain- or just sprinkled with lemon pepper (OMG NOMNOMNOM) or with just a dollop of greek yogurt and relish- I hate relish- and mayo- so the "traditional way" was never high on my list LOL.
  • wolfsbayne
    wolfsbayne Posts: 3,116 Member
    I eat it with some avocado and hot sauce mixed in. No bread, just that with a fork. I love it, but I also love tuna.
  • qmmanager69
    qmmanager69 Posts: 71 Member
    I like mine with shredded carrots and celery and just a tblspn or 2 of miracle whip. Then I either wrap it in romaine or top a side salad with it. I haven't tried the greek yogurt yet, but think with some salt pepper garlic, this would be delish.
  • superfox12082
    superfox12082 Posts: 512 Member
    It can't possibly be that bad, you didn't add mayo or anything. Lettuce wraps aren't bad, I've recently gotten into those. I'm all for whole wheat, but a lot of times it has more calories than white. Watch out for that.
  • eaglelakebill
    eaglelakebill Posts: 120 Member
    I love tuna but i despise yogurt!
    Is it the worst thing in the world if i eat tuna twice a month for lunch with 1 tablespoon of regular mayo?
    I certainly don't think so.
    I never eat mayo unless its in tuna or potato salad.
    i definitely need to get healthier wraps for my tuna.
    The store brand regular tortilla wraps in my fridge are bad bad bad!
  • Steff46
    Steff46 Posts: 516 Member
    I mix my Tuna with Laughing Cow Light Cheese wedges instead of mayo. So many different flavors to choose from:)
  • MysteriousMerlin
    MysteriousMerlin Posts: 2,270 Member
    It's one of those things, I just have to find the right method to eat it. I actually crave it every once in a while. Especially on a hot summer day in Good Ole' Texas. There are other ways to get protein, but I am trying to broaden my horizons, and taste buds. I am trying to learn how to like new things, trying to find new recipes, and just trying to make this journey as successful as possible. If It was up to my current taste buds, I would live on Chicken, and thats about it -- and I don't want that.

    I applaude you for wanting to try new things! Opens yourself up to a whole new world of options!
  • mstripes
    mstripes Posts: 151 Member
    There is nothing wrong with pickles or dill pickle relish, sweet pickle relish works too as long as it fits your calorie goals. Whole eggs is another good choice. Nothing wrong with mayo either.... eggs and oil.... it is all about what fits within your calorie and macro budget, I'm going to try the avocado and hot sauce mixed with mine, yum!
  • tskvaughn
    tskvaughn Posts: 114 Member
    I make chicken salad with avocado so I am going to try putting it with tuna also. Too bad I just made lunch which was grilled leftover Alaska wild salmon made into a salad with dill relish, chopped red onion and 1T. Dukes real mayo. Don't forget you do need to have your fat macros. If I am going to make tuna, chicken etc salad I am going to use Dukes for my fat.
  • earthsember
    earthsember Posts: 435 Member
    I love tuna ^.^ especially with cucumbers, tomato, loads of lettuce and a slice of munster in between one slice of bread and one slice of romaine. Toss a few avocado oil kettle chips IN the sandwhich and you have a pretty good meal for under 400cal
  • linztx
    linztx Posts: 101 Member
    I make chicken salad with avocado so I am going to try putting it with tuna also. Too bad I just made lunch which was grilled leftover Alaska wild salmon made into a salad with dill relish, chopped red onion and 1T. Dukes real mayo. Don't forget you do need to have your fat macros. If I am going to make tuna, chicken etc salad I am going to use Dukes for my fat.

    I don't understand the concept of Macros. Is this the guide where, it shows how much percent of the three I am getting?
    My diary is open if you would like to take a look.
  • linztx
    linztx Posts: 101 Member
    I love tuna ^.^ especially with cucumbers, tomato, loads of lettuce and a slice of munster in between one slice of bread and one slice of romaine. Toss a few avocado oil kettle chips IN the sandwhich and you have a pretty good meal for under 400cal

    Mine was pretty delish. I needed the change. Yummm for cucumbers in it! Great idea.
    It ended up being:

    Kroger - Tender Twist 100% Whole Wheat Bread J, 2 SLICE
    Homeade Tuna
    Watermelon - Raw
    Special K - Baked Cracker Chips With Sea Salt (From Box), 15 Chips

    All for 268 Calories.
    Next time, I think I will do either the Cracker Chips, or The bread, not both. For the first time in this new lifestyle, I was completely stuffed full.
  • linztx
    linztx Posts: 101 Member
    There is nothing wrong with pickles or dill pickle relish, sweet pickle relish works too as long as it fits your calorie goals. Whole eggs is another good choice. Nothing wrong with mayo either.... eggs and oil.... it is all about what fits within your calorie and macro budget, I'm going to try the avocado and hot sauce mixed with mine, yum!

    Thank you! Least I don't feel extremely guilty. Avocado does sound delish! I found this new salsa, called Texas-Texas, and it is AMAZING!
  • _karyn_
    _karyn_ Posts: 11 Member


    I make mine with plain unflavored greek yogurt and a very little relish- so I tend to just add the ingredients separately.

    I do this too. I LOVE it. Mayo grosses me out now I've done it for so long.

    Another way I eat tuna if I get tired of the typical "tuna salad" type stuff is I'll throw it in a bowl with some rice,couscous, or pasta, some diced cucumber or tomato, some garlic salt, dill, lemon juice or red wine vinegar, and olive oil.

    My husband can't have dairy so he mixes mashed avocado with his. It's very yummy.
  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    I make chicken salad with avocado so I am going to try putting it with tuna also. Too bad I just made lunch which was grilled leftover Alaska wild salmon made into a salad with dill relish, chopped red onion and 1T. Dukes real mayo. Don't forget you do need to have your fat macros. If I am going to make tuna, chicken etc salad I am going to use Dukes for my fat.

    I don't understand the concept of Macros. Is this the guide where, it shows how much percent of the three I am getting?
    My diary is open if you would like to take a look.

    Macros are your macro nutrients: protein, fat, and carbs. Not everyone pays attention to their macros and it's not strictly necessary for weight loss. But watching them can help with your overall body composition, health goals, hunger, etc. For instance, protein helps retain and repair your lean muscle mass and keeps you fuller longer. Fat helps to keep your hormones in balance, keeps your skin and nails healthy, and helps with vitamin absorption, etc. And carbs give you energy.

    You can set those to whatever percentages you want based on your specific goals, exercise routine, health issues, etc. A lot of us who mention macros follow IIFYM (If it fits your macros) which tries to take the focus off of good foods vs. bad foods and instead says that all foods can be good as long as they fit into your macro nutrient percentages (and you're eating a varied diet, getting plenty of micro nutrients, etc.) It's not a pass to eat all junk food all the time (very few people manage to hit their macros like that!) but it can help to take some of the guilt off of those treats that other diets say are a no good, very bad thing.
  • linztx
    linztx Posts: 101 Member
    I make chicken salad with avocado so I am going to try putting it with tuna also. Too bad I just made lunch which was grilled leftover Alaska wild salmon made into a salad with dill relish, chopped red onion and 1T. Dukes real mayo. Don't forget you do need to have your fat macros. If I am going to make tuna, chicken etc salad I am going to use Dukes for my fat.

    I don't understand the concept of Macros. Is this the guide where, it shows how much percent of the three I am getting?
    My diary is open if you would like to take a look.


    Macros are your macro nutrients: protein, fat, and carbs. Not everyone pays attention to their macros and it's not strictly necessary for weight loss. But watching them can help with your overall body composition, health goals, hunger, etc. For instance, protein helps retain and repair your lean muscle mass and keeps you fuller longer. Fat helps to keep your hormones in balance, keeps your skin and nails healthy, and helps with vitamin absorption, etc. And carbs give you energy.

    You can set those to whatever percentages you want based on your specific goals, exercise routine, health issues, etc. A lot of us who mention macros follow IIFYM (If it fits your macros) which tries to take the focus off of good foods vs. bad foods and instead says that all foods can be good as long as they fit into your macro nutrient percentages (and you're eating a varied diet, getting plenty of micro nutrients, etc.) It's not a pass to eat all junk food all the time (very few people manage to hit their macros like that!) but it can help to take some of the guilt off of those treats that other diets say are a no good, very bad thing.

    Thank you SO much!

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