Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Question from a Non-cook



Recommended Posts

Hi. I'm a married woman who doesn't cook. There...my confession. Haha! Well, I can cook, but I hate to, so I rarely do it. So, usually my husband either cooks or we get take out and that's been our way of life for 30 years. My question is, once I'm cleared for regular food...then what? He's like a stick. Not an ounce of body fat, and if he eats like I'm going to be eating, he will disappear. How do you deal with this? Do I cook for myself and let him fend for himself? Do I eat what he cooks but only small amounts? (meat and potatoes...) do I start cooking and try to get him to eat healthy with me? He will absolutely not eat fish, chicken, etc. What about take out? This is going to be the biggest challenge for me. Not the willpower, just the details. Help!! :)

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

First off eating healthy will be good for him too. He will need more calories than you, but, he always has. I think your problem isn't figuring out what to eat, as much as it is jealousy of what he might eat. I think that is normal. For me, I am so happy to be on my way to healthy, that the idea of eating anything else just doesn't appeal to me. I have no hunger or desire to eat, and the mental cravings just have not gotten the best of me. I did eat 2 chicken tenders one night, and boy did I pay for it. It over filled my sleeve and I threw up several times and felt miserable physically for hours.I say worry about that bridge when you come to it, you will physically be a different person by then, and I think mentally you will have changed how you feel about food and meal times

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks, and I understand what you're saying. But believe me, although I'm sure I will deal with some jealously the first time I see him sit down with a steak and potatoes or a big wet burrito, I really do have the issue of figuring out healthy meal choices that are good for my sleeve and that he will eat. If anyone has any suggestions on that, if really appreciate it. Seriously. I want to be prepared when the time comes so I don't fall back into old habits. Thanks in advance.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I make something for me and then add on for him. For example I made ricotta bake and with all the extra sauce and ground turkey I made him some spaghetti and meat sauce. He had three helpings (also a thin guy) and I had my tiny serving of ricotta. All were happy! Know it's about not cooking for you so probably not the best example but the approach can be used the same. I was/am not a cook. Microwave is my friend. So I like to get easy stuff in the frozen section I can throw together in 10min or less. There are healthy options if you look.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Try cooking together - experiment with different recipes that you can both enjoy. Take a cooking class together. You can eat together - just different portion sizes and you may skip a side dish that he has (ie. rice). If he has Pasta and meat sauce - you have the meat sauce and maybe a side of veggies.

It'll be a while before you are eating"normal foods" though so you won't be eating the same for a while. You have time to figure out what works. If you get takeout from a restaurant (rather than fast food) - you can order Protein and veggies. You will have a few meals from one dinner. It'll work out!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I wouldn't worry too much about him wasting away. He can always have more (volume) than you and can have extra carbs/sugars (if you can stand having them in the house).

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Another option with restaurant meals is to order one meal that has something you can eat and then extra sides for him. You really won't be eating that much so he'll still get enough. It would be great to find away to get him excited about some different, healthier choices. Maybe by you ordering so there's something for you, he will learn to enjoy some different things. Good luck.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Think tasty bites, for example some of the first foods are ground turkey. So make sliders with sautéed onions and Italian cheese as a binding agent with egg and a little milk. It moistens and tenderizes it so it is soft. Season it with Italian seasoning makes it flavorful for you. He can put it onto a bun and you could eat one small slider size burger and I've put them into little muffins tins, pop them out stick into a zip lock and you've got quick warm ups for both of you when ever. By adding egg and cheese you got a Protein packed nugget. Make some oven fries with sweet potatoes and eat a couple if your not full. I can eat 1 slider without a roll. And I eat two slices of sweet potato and I'm done.

Keep it simple, Protein first always! You will be able to eat steak eventually. So don't fret!

I've puréed steak and potatoes.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am not much of a cook either. However, I have found a Lot of quick nutritious foods at Traders Joe's. Also, there is a forum on this site that has great easy meal ideas! Good luck

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My surgery is scheduled for September 19, so I've got a LONG way to go before I have to worry about it. Just want to get ideas so I'm prepared. Probably over thinking it! :)

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

We eat take out a lot because it is just the two of us. We usually choose the Black eye Pea, Cracker Barrell...places where there is a big choice. I do not eat bread, sugars, or anything white...no potatoes. It's really not that hard once you get the hang of it. I love Chick-Fila's grilled chicken nuggets!...no sauce or waffle fries...even though I loved them. Every once in a while I will eat an egg mcmuffin with real bacon instead of canadian bacon on it.

Sent from my SM-G920V using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi. I'm a married woman who doesn't cook. There...my confession. Haha! Well, I can cook, but I hate to, so I rarely do it. So, usually my husband either cooks or we get take out and that's been our way of life for 30 years. My question is, once I'm cleared for regular food...then what? He's like a stick. Not an ounce of body fat, and if he eats like I'm going to be eating, he will disappear. How do you deal with this? Do I cook for myself and let him fend for himself? Do I eat what he cooks but only small amounts? (meat and potatoes...) do I start cooking and try to get him to eat healthy with me? He will absolutely not eat fish, chicken, etc. What about take out? This is going to be the biggest challenge for me. Not the willpower, just the details. Help!! :)

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am also married, and I don't cook. My husband is a professional chef. I eat mostly what he eats as far as Protein and veggies, just smaller quantities. I avoid carbs and sugar. I have my healthy Snacks (Protein Bars, cheese, nuts, granola, fruit). We eat together most every night, and at first, it was tough, but I chose this route and it doesn't bother me as much.

We spent a lot of time on the road this summer for our son's travel baseball, so that was a lot of take out. We did fast food (Breakfast or sandwich, I ate the fillings without the bread). We went to restaurants (salads with a vinaigrette, grilled chicken or shrimp). Kept plenty of fruit and yogurt in the hotel room for Snacks.

Bottom line, my husband hasn't been inconveniencedo, and I'm down 50 pounds (surgery was 5/4/16). You can handle it all!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×