Healty / Weight Loss Meal Ideas [Archive] - Dad Stays Home - Place for Stay at Home Dads to Share Daddyhood Experiences

Cubfan

12-17-2007, 06:07 PM

Boys - in tandem with the Weight Loss thread in the General Topic area, I think we should dedicate some space to share some healthy recipes, or even just healthy meal ideas.

For example; my breakfasts lately basically look like this:

1. Old fashion oatmeal with bananas, walnuts, cinnamon, dates/prunes/raisins

2. Low-fat plain yogurt with home made granola (made with oats, honey, almonds), some fruits thrown in for flavor (because plain yogurt takes some getting used to!)

3. scrambled eggs with veggies sauteed in olive oil

For lunch I just had:

- whole wheat spaghetti with canned diced tomatos, asparagus, and a splash of olive oil.

Keep the ideas coming!

PackerDad

12-17-2007, 07:20 PM

Not so much a recipe as a notion...only make what you will eat, screw the leftovers. Figure out who is eating, do the math, and make only what "should" be consumed, plus a 1/2 serving more for the kids if they might like it.

A typical serving of meat is 4 oz., that is about the size of a deck of playing cards. I have been opening our frozen steaks, which are 2 in a pack, and taking one out and leaving the other in the freezer. This has cut down on our portions and waste nicely. I've also figured out that I can cut some recipes in half and we are perfectly fine with an extra serving of veggies.

Finding yourself hungry later? Keep a bowl of fruit on the table, at room temperature. It is good fiber, good eats, and won't pack on the pounds.

DarthDaddy

12-17-2007, 07:36 PM

Two Favorite things for me... I Love PASTA and I LOVE POTATOES... So here are two simple recipes I enjoy. I will put the Weight Watchers Point Values for reference... (FYI 1 Ounce of Chicken = 1 WW Point)

Hash Brown Skillet... (WW 5-6 Points depending on eggs vs Egg Beaters)

2 Cups of Shredded Potatoes. (Oreida Hash Browns Work well)
3 Cups of Mixed Veggies (Onions, Peppers, Mushrooms, Spinach, Broccoli...)
2 Links Boca Sausage or two slices of boiled ham diced
1 Egg or 1/4 cup Egg Beaters
Dried Red Peepers! (Add to taste)

Heat a large non stick skillet HOT!
Add 1 Tsp Oil and coat sides
Add Hash Browns... Cook them about 75 % done. (If they stick add WATER not oil)
Add Veggies, Red Pepper and meat cook until the veggies are cooked, not soggy
Make a ring with the food in the pan and clear the pan in the center.
Add EGG! Cook and then mix with food WELL!!!
Let cool a minute serve...

Pasta Veggie (WW 5 Points)

1/2 Cup Marinara Sauce
1 Cup Cooked Pasta
3 Cups Mixed Veggies. (Green Beans work GREAT!!!)

In a pan cook veggies with water.
Add Pasta and Sauce.
Heat for a short time.
Serve.
MAKES A TON OF FOOD!!!

If I were to eat Pasta or Rice I now use French Cut Green Beans and Zucchini as filler. Zuc is the greatest...Takes the flavor of what you cook it in... Adding a cup of veggies to a cup of rice or pasta adds a ton of food at little to no calories...

CTDon

12-17-2007, 07:39 PM

I disagree. I think you should make plenty of leftovers (assuming you're making healthy meals). You just need the discipline to only eat one helping/serving per meal.

If you make leftovers, then when you don't feel like cooking you'll have a good, healthy pre-made meal on standby. It's just too easy to eat crap if you don't feel like putting the effort to cook something healthy.

Not so much a recipe as a notion...only make what you will eat, screw the leftovers. Figure out who is eating, do the math, and make only what "should" be consumed, plus a 1/2 serving more for the kids if they might like it.

I agree....load up those steamed veggies...eat a mountain of 'em if you want to! They fill ya up and are good for you...just don't load 'em up with butter like my FIL.

I've also figured out that I can cut some recipes in half and we are perfectly fine with an extra serving of veggies.

Agreed.
Finding yourself hungry later? Keep a bowl of fruit on the table, at room temperature. It is good fiber, good eats, and won't pack on the pounds.

PackerDad

12-17-2007, 10:10 PM

I disagree. I think you should make plenty of leftovers (assuming you're making healthy meals). You just need the discipline to only eat one helping/serving per meal.

I think the very fact that we have this thread (and the parent thread) demonstrates that for some of us, the food may not ever reach the "leftover stage" and instead turns into a double portion. That is what happens to me, I see a small portion left, and I know it is too little to ever be reheated or use in another meal, so rather than waste it, I eat it.

The only way the "plenty of leftovers" option would work for us is if I actually made more food.

CTDon

12-17-2007, 10:23 PM

Yeah, what I'm saying is make a bunch more food.

A good solution to your problem is to immediately store the extra food away...everything except for what you'll be eating for dinner that night.

For example, if you're making skinless-boneless chicken breasts..cook up 8 of them. Immediately put 5 in tupperware in the fridge or in ziplock baggies and in the freezer. That leaves 3: one for you, one for your wife and one for the kids to split.

One of the hardest things I had to learn to do was to NOT eat the leftover food on the kids plates. If it's a consistant problem, put less on their plate to begin with. I know it sounds simple, just something I've realized...I always overestimate. It took awhile, but now I'd just rather throw out a half cupful of pasta or a 1/4 chicken breast than eat it and pack it on in the form of love handles. Or better yet, put THAT in a plastic baggie or tupperware and save it for the kids lunch one of the next few days.

I think the very fact that we have this thread (and the parent thread) demonstrates that for some of us, the food may not ever reach the "leftover stage" and instead turns into a double portion. That is what happens to me, I see a small portion left, and I know it is too little to ever be reheated or use in another meal, so rather than waste it, I eat it.

The only way the "plenty of leftovers" option would work for us is if I actually made more food.

Cubfan

12-17-2007, 10:24 PM

Not that I'm taking sides here, but I tend to eat everything in front of me too. Portion control is probably my biggest problem. Making smaller portions might be the only way for me to control how much I eat at a sitting.

Plus I'm a bit of food snob when it comes to leftovers. There are only a few dishes I like to eat as leftovers.

DarthDaddy

12-17-2007, 11:00 PM

I think the very fact that we have this thread (and the parent thread) demonstrates that for some of us, the food may not ever reach the "leftover stage" and instead turns into a double portion

O:) :music3:

I think this is starting to sound like a comic routine... "The Beer Belly Comedy Tour Rides Again"

jeffus

12-17-2007, 11:05 PM

Not that I'm taking sides here, but I tend to eat everything in front of me too.

This is what happened to me after quitting smoking. I let myself believe it was ok cause I was doing something for my longer-term health. Now, having never really had issues with weight, I find myself in undiscovered country.

Plus I'm a bit of food snob when it comes to leftovers. There are only a few dishes I like to eat as leftovers.

Me too...I hate leftovers.

Cubfan

12-18-2007, 12:12 AM

Let's try to keep this a thread about recipes and meals and not a discussion, as we have that already in the 'general' area.. I know, I know, I posted banter here too, I'm guilty. :-\"

Don-Dad

12-18-2007, 03:17 AM

I think I'm going to make some simple chicken and pineapple skewers. I had them at a party the other day and figured they must be fairly healthy?

12-18-2007, 03:52 AM

Wife and I had a Weight Watchers recipe tonight of Chicken Parmesan (4oz each). We added a little steamed broccoli and split a slice of homemade wheat bread that her dad made. 7 point dinner, which is pretty good. Saved me some room for my 3 point beer(s). :D

jeffus

12-18-2007, 06:28 PM

No more White Castle double cheeseburgers for lunch!

It's rabbit food for me: (a Jeff salad?)

http://www.straightlinegp.com/Salad.jpg

Add: Olive oil & red wine vinegar!

Cubfan

12-18-2007, 10:03 PM

jeffus

12-19-2007, 04:11 AM

Dinner.....

http://www.straightlinegp.com/sausage.jpg

Garlic bread and sausage with marinara farafelle. Anti-oxidants, lycopene, protein, and some carbohydrates...

20 Push-ups after and 35 sit-ups after. 4 loads of laundry today, remade the beds.

Errrrrr-rah!

12-19-2007, 04:26 AM

We had Papa Murphy's pizza (take n bake) delight crust (lower carbs) with pineapple, Canadian bacon on 1/2 and pepperoni on the other 1/2. Caesar salad to go with it. It wasn't a low cal dressing like it should have been but still overall a "light" pizza dinner.

PackerDad

12-19-2007, 04:56 AM

Errrrrr-rah!

Says the guy with the Ariel pencil...:jester:

jeffus

12-19-2007, 11:26 AM

Says the guy with the Ariel pencil...:jester:

Let's try to keep this a thread about recipes and meals and not a discussion, as we have that already in the 'general' area.. I know, I know, I posted banter here too, I'm guilty. :-\"

I'll use Cubfan's comments to speak for me....;)

chuck

12-19-2007, 11:47 AM

Tonight it's turkey burgers. While I'm generally not a fan, putting the right toppings on it will go a long way. A sprinkle of granulated garlic before they go on. Grilled onions, cilantro, and just a dab of bbq sauce served on a whole wheat bun.

A sliced avocado with a splash of lime juice and a grilled poblano pepper served as sides. It's gonna be good.

Jeffus - you can drizzle some olive oil over that salad for some moisture. That looks pretty good to me.

A great way to do turkey burgers is to combine 1lb of lean ground beef and 2lbs ground turkey, it's better for ya than straight ground beef and it tastes a whole lot more like you would expect a burger to taste like, also if your cooking turkey burgers in a pan add some water to the pan and keep them covered during most of the cooking time, than drain the pan to brown them, this helps to keep the turkey moist and flavorful. I also use this mix for meatloaf,meatballs, hamberger helper really anyplace you would use ground beef.

Cubfan

12-19-2007, 12:54 PM

A great way to do turkey burgers is to combine 1lb of lean ground beef and 2lbs ground turkey, it's better for ya than straight ground beef and it tastes a whole lot more like you would expect a burger to taste like, also if your cooking turkey burgers in a pan add some water to the pan and keep them covered during most of the cooking time, than drain the pan to brown them, this helps to keep the turkey moist and flavorful. I also use this mix for meatloaf,meatballs, hamberger helper really anyplace you would use ground beef.

Umm, I just threw them on the grill! They were wayyy more moist than I expected them to be. In fact they were so moist I skipped out on the bbq sauce that I mentioned.

Yeah I do a mix like that for meatballs; 1/3 ground beef, 1/3 turkey, 1/3 pork (my recipe actually calls for a veal instead of turkey but my wife likes the turkey).

Cubfan

12-19-2007, 02:10 PM

Breakfast - whole wheat toast, a smear of light cream cheese, topped with some smoked salmon.

There's some fat in the cream cheese and lots of sodium in the salmon. But normally I'd smoke my own salmon and not put any salts on it.

This is ridiculously delicious and it sure beats pancakes and waffles health-wise.

DarthDaddy

12-19-2007, 02:43 PM

Breakfast most every day...

Kirkland Brand Shake Blended with Ice... It has a ton of Vits and Minerals as well as PROTEIN which helps with the hunger... Blending it with ice doubles the size and makes it take longer to eat.

I have read tons of articles about meal replacement shakes and smoothies that show an increase in weight loss for those that drink them...

The last time I dropped 50+ I used the shakes for a meal...

PackerDad

12-19-2007, 03:32 PM

Last night for supper we had tacos, with a few changes.,

First, I make my own seasoning:

2 tsp instant minced onions
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp corn starch
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp ground cumin
2 TBSP Crushed Flaxseed (available in the flour aisle)

Add the above to 1 lb. browned meat (your choice, we use 83% lean beef) and 3/4 cup water. Simmer for 10 minutes. Serves 8 tacos.

For toppings, I chopped up the traditional tomatoes and my wife shredded cheese, but we replaced the lettuce with shredded fresh spinach. I tossed in a couple of Vlassic Jalapenos from a jar (nothing fresh available around here atm) on mine for fun.

The flaxseed adds omega-3, the spinach and tomato add antioxidants and fiber, not to mention better flavor than ratty old iceberg lettuce.

jeffus

12-19-2007, 06:02 PM

Not really looking for creativity or originality points, but normally I'd eat 2 pieces of pizza and wouldn't even consider the pineapple....

http://www.straightlinegp.com/PizzaAndPineapple.jpg

(The pineapple did go quite well with the pizza. I was suprised.)

Cubfan

12-19-2007, 08:42 PM

Jeffus - we order pineapple on our pizza fairly often. It's a great combo.

Here's a picture of my turkey burger last night. It was damn good if I might say so myself. There was nothing 'diet tasting' about it.

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/3539/cimg1893mediumjl8.jpg

PackerDad

12-19-2007, 08:54 PM

Here's a picture of my turkey burger last night. It was damn good if I might say so myself. There was nothing 'diet tasting' about it.

Those must be the peppers you mentioned on the left? Are they spicy, or what would you compare them to? Spicy and green I like, but I can't stand green peppers until they turn red.

Cubfan

12-19-2007, 08:59 PM

that's actually a photo of my wife's plate, which means that that's a plain ole' green bell pepper. She doesn't like poblanos. I had a poblano but the plate wasn't as pretty :)

If you like green and spicy you should definitely try a poblano. They aren't overly hot. I char the heck out of them on the grill, then put them in a closed paper bag for a few minutes (to steam so the skin comes off easily). Then just served it up.

PackerDad

12-19-2007, 09:03 PM

Sounds like my wife,except she wouldn't eat the green pepper either...or the mushrooms, or the turkey, or the avocado...so basically she'd end up with a grilled cheese.

I'll have to find some poblanos and give 'em a shot.

Cubfan

01-07-2008, 11:03 PM

Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Start off with some ground turkey and any Asian spices. I've even used hoisin sauce, plum sauce, and a teriyaki marinade in leiu of the spice packet.
http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/6668/cimg2119mediumem5.jpg

Brown up the turkey. Add the spice packet. Toss in some peanuts, shredded carrots, and I threw in a little hot Asian chili paste because I like the zip.
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/7447/cimg2120mediumbe8.jpg

Oh perfect, just realized I still had some cilantro in the fridge!
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/706/cimg2122mediumvf4.jpg

Serve on some lettuce leafs. These are Romaine. Fold up and eat.
http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/641/cimg2123mediumhb0.jpg

Incredibly delicious and easy too.
http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/8791/cimg2124mediumfn3.jpg

SGTDad

01-08-2008, 02:34 AM

Chicken is a staple of any good diet and I've found a good way to keep chicken yummy, interesting and good for you.

Basically you take boneless, skinless breasts, but them between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them flat until they're about 1/4-1/2 inch in uniform thickness.

What I do then is make up a "stuffing" for them. I most often use cream cheese as a base and add whatever spices I have, but the possibilities are endless. I spread this mixture onto the flattened breasts and roll them up securing with toothpicks. Then glaze with butter (for browning) and bake for about 30 minutes. Yum!

masimeo

05-06-2009, 09:19 AM

Hockeyfan

05-06-2009, 04:47 PM

Electriclime

05-06-2009, 11:34 PM

Last night I grilled some hamburgers with all the fixin's and then had bacon and eggs for breakfast. Oh wait, that's not healthy at all :eusa_whistle:

I did buy some pork chops and chicken breasts for the grill. Trying to plan meals around what I want to feed my daughter is starting to have a nice effect on my own eating habits. I'll have to take some notes from you guys!

rmart29

09-01-2009, 10:40 AM

What is the number one weight loss supplement out there to help me loose my gut?
i do p90x ( a streneous workout program) i drink 100% Whey Protein Fuel b4 and after workout. But my main goal is to get a 6pack which i cannot get due to the fat on my stomach. What is the number one weight loss supplement out there so i can loose my gut and see the results of my workout?

Am I too late to give a resopnse??? Oh well. If you look at all the major weight loss supplements on the market now, most of them have some basic ingredience to them. #1 being Caffein Anhydrous and #2 being Green Tea Extract. You can go to Wal-Mart and buy caffein called "Stay Awake" for about $3.00 and it will last you about 2 months, Green Tea Extract will probably be best to get in bulk.

CTDon

09-01-2009, 11:43 AM

or you can eat sensibly and not stuff your pie hole. weight loss supplements are a complete waste of money, it's snake oil.

You'd be much better off spending that money on fresh fruit and veggies.

I'm just sayin'. :icon_wink:

btw, that's not directed towards you, rmart. It's towards the guy with all the links in his sig.

tt3

09-01-2009, 12:25 PM

How did I miss all those links?!? Dang.

bubye linkies.

Patrickz

09-01-2009, 01:49 PM

Ive been eating "Dannon-activia" lots lately and seems to curb my appetite for junk. I think it is helping.

jeffb

09-01-2009, 02:38 PM

Greek yogurt is a better source of protien then traditional yogurt. We also love making home made granola!!

irie feeling

07-26-2011, 04:58 PM

Found a Foreman grill in the attic.
Wife had her stomach /lap band tightened up to a golf ball last week.
She not gonna eat much, now. Still on liquid diet.
So I thought I"d grill up some chicken breast and throw them on salads, and occasionaly run a Tuna nicoise salad. It's gonna be salads for dinner forever.
Would prolly go to supermarket a couple times a week to ensure the produce is fresh. I don't like lettuce in the fridge over a week old.
Gonna do Italian dressing marinade, Citrus marinade...
Any other ideas for marinated chix breast?

Electriclime

07-27-2011, 12:33 AM

Irie, check out my thread on white bean stew if you're looking for some healthy variety. You can add chicken or whatever to it.

irie feeling

07-27-2011, 02:28 PM

Cool beans!

irie feeling

08-04-2011, 06:30 PM

or you can eat sensibly and not stuff your pie hole. weight loss supplements are a complete waste of money, it's snake oil.

You'd be much better off spending that money on fresh fruit and veggies.

I'm just sayin'. :icon_wink:

Caveman diet is working for me.
Eat only what you can pick out of the ground or trees or kill.

Neodaddy

08-13-2011, 01:01 AM

Don't use a mandolin after drinkin', just saying' (and just bleedin')

Mark B.

08-13-2011, 01:15 AM

Don't use a mandolin after drinkin', just saying' (and just bleedin')

What were you playing? Thrash metal?

Neodaddy

08-13-2011, 01:29 AM

What were you playing? Thrash metal?

Actually, I was playing a cucumber . . . on this . . . very sharp

http://www.dadstayshome.com/imagehosting/14344e45d336735ed.jpg

Mark B.

08-13-2011, 02:38 AM

Actually, I was playing a cucumber . . . on this . . . very sharp

http://www.dadstayshome.com/imagehosting/14344e45d336735ed.jpg

I was thinking this.

http://www.dadstayshome.com/imagehosting/4534e45e18511b51.jpg (http://www.dadstayshome.com/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=870)

BTW, I was watching one of those cook off shows tonight and was reminded of what bothers me about hard core cooking. There is a friggen gadget for everything. It takes 3 times as long to clean everything you use to cook and prepare the meal as it takes to eat it.

irie feeling

08-15-2011, 06:44 PM

2 pounds from my goal weight of 5' 9", 175. Had flank steak on my dinner salad last night at the inlaws. After supper, I was staring at the salad dressing bottle . It said best if used by Feb 2008!!!!!!
Never puked so hard in my life. It hit me all of a sudden.
Whats up with my inlaws?

I'm so ready to indulge in something sinfully delicious, like a Triple cheese burger at Wendy's with a huge frosty, or a greasy pizza from Pizzeria Napoli., down the street.

DarthDaddy

08-15-2011, 07:51 PM

Joined a Weight Loss Group/Challenge through the park District. Winner gets $250. They have Dietitions and Personal Traininer set to assist. Plus I am joining the Park District Gym. My youngest will be at Preschool Tuesday and Thursday at the park district and I will have 2+ hours available to me to work out on those days!

Not a big gym, but full equipment and cardio machines. FULL court basketball court available too.

rmchone

08-16-2011, 12:49 PM

After supper, I was staring at the salad dressing bottle . It said best if used by Feb 2008!!!!!!
Never puked so hard in my life. It hit me all of a sudden.
Whats up with my inlaws?

its not just inlaws. its parents in general. My wife was looking for some black beans in my parents pantry and found some that expired in 2006. whooops.

bestmann

08-30-2011, 11:12 PM

DarthDaddy

08-30-2011, 11:37 PM

its not just inlaws. its parents in general. My wife was looking for some black beans in my parents pantry and found some that expired in 2006. whooops.

My grandmother was hosting a holiday about 5 years ago.. She put out a salad dressing bottle unopened. My uncle looked at it from a distance and said what is that! The bottle was more than 10 years old and had a METAL top. After that my mom and aunts went through her basement pantry... Found truff 5+ years old.

DarthDaddy

08-30-2011, 11:42 PM

I have a question for experienced dad's..is a juice box (no sugar added) a suitable alternative to a serving of fruit once in a while?

I don't go crazy... My kids are super picky and it takes some creativity to get them their fruits and veggies. All enjoy OJ, Apple Juice and water.

Pancakes with Apple Sauce, Protein powder and Milk mixed in...

Fruit Smoothies NO SUGAR ADDED.... Freeze Fresh fruit especially Bananas! Add low fat yogurt to make creamy... Powdered Oatmeal. (Oatmeal in coffee grinder) Whey Protein... Power pack the foods I can get them to eat!

irie feeling

09-15-2011, 03:54 PM

I have a question for experienced dad's..is a juice box (no sugar added) a suitable alternative to a serving of fruit once in a while?Buy Cialis (http://www.avalonpharmacy.com) and also Order cheap viagra (http://www.toprxpharmacy.com)

Yes. Once in awhile.
I personally keep my child away from juices. She has always been low on the weight chart. Trying to "bulk her up" with high protein and calories.
I study the nutrition panels pretty hard, I have a FRUITABLES juice box right here. 60 calories, 100% vitamin C, Zero protein.

Theres 4 grams protein in a small can of fruit cocktail. Only 2% vitamin C.
Still 60 calories. Sugars the same, both are no sugar added.

Fruit cocktail has substance and bulk, that your digestive system really has to process, juice box is liquid. Just pee it back out. Too much juice can cause diaper rash due to acidity.
We do vitamin dropper every morning. with 75-100% daily requirement and FLOURIDE. Our tap water is not flourided. I run drinking water through the PUR pitcher.
I also had nutrition training throughout my career, We consult with a nutritionist quarterly at the Childrens hospital.
Baby is due for her 18 month visits starting tomorrow.