I don't have a whole heck of a lot to say, but felt my diet boredom deserved a good 'ole fashioned RANT! I am a good "kid". I follow the rules, I eat healthy foods, lots of Protein, good carbs (although very few). I read the posts here, offer advice, feel confident in my knowledge and control of this WLS business. I enjoy laughing at folks who claim to LOVE their daily diet of nuts, berries, and a side of protein-laden slime. (their time is coming...) I am even at the goal set for me by my NUT. But man am I ever BORED with my diet choices. I know what many of you will advise--branch out! Try new foods! Explore the culinary horizon! Learn to cook new recipes! Yes, that's all well and good, but I am a busy woman with 2 little kiddos. And cooking is not interesting to me--it's a chore, not a hobby. (Although I must admit, I make a hell of a meatloaf...)

There are times when I just want a donut. But being a good kid means I walk away. Oh! The burden of being a goody-two shoes.

Amy

lol...lol..hang in there Amy we all have our food demons....good luck!!!

I think you're ready to be a bad girl.

Are you positive you don't like and aren't willing to cook new stuff?

(I'm not currently a big cook either.)

But after posting all my food the last 3 months in MFP, I've learned that all takeout food is sodium-laden and not all that fresh. Plus, I'm sick of it.

So I think cooking is something that's on my to-do list in a few months.

I'm fairly lazy (but I prefer to call myself super freaking busy) and I am doing my best not to fall into a diet rut. I've finally started branching out from my regular staples of cheese and beef Jerky to a lot of pre-prepped food from gourmet groceries like Whole Foods and Fresh Market.

I never bought too much before, but now that I can only eat a few ounces, it's really not expensive. Shrimp salad, chicken salad (the fancy stuff!), sushi, mini crab cakes, ceviche, boneless ribs, meatballs... I can get any of these items for a meal for just a few bucks and it keeps me interested.

I also keep lunch meat in the fridge for roll ups along with avocado for yum. My "naughty" fast food? Cheese hot dogs, pre-cooked chicken sausages, precooked bacon, imitation crab legs and peel and eat shrimp.

I feel lucky in that I lost all interest in eating a variety of flavors, starting the 1st week post-op. I can eat the same ole stuff every meal for months before I get burned out. It makes life and cooking very simple. I get enough flavor variety to keep me satisfied by going out to eat on Sat nights with friends.

Edited August 15, 201411 yr by joatsaint

I keep things like burrito's in the freezer for those days. Oysters and multigrain crackers.

stuffed chicken breasts..things like that. But I enjoy cooking now more then ever...(She puts her head down while she writes this so to avoid the pillow being thrown at her!)

I go in spurts about veggies and crave different ones. Like right now..Cauliflower and radishes...can't get enough. I cook maybe 4 times a week and always have plenty leftovers to last....

You know on Pinterest there are baked doughnuts recipes that you can try..... Me I would just eat the doughnut!

Edited August 15, 201411 yr by RJ'S/beginning

I feel lucky in that I lost all interest in eating a variety of flavors, starting the 1st week post-op. I can eat the same ole stuff every meal for months before I get burned out. It makes life and cooking very simple. I get enough flavor variety to keep me satisfied by going out to eat on Sat nights with friends.

And I know I can only eat 2-4 ounces so I want maximum flavor out of each bite. No more bland food for me.

• LipstickLady, love the new profile pic! I too buy a lot of food from my local "gourmet grocery", especially enjoy their vegan soups. I should add that part of my boredom is due to the restrictions I have due to Celiac disease. Gluten is not my friend. (But don't worry--I know where they sell gluten free donuts!) I am dying for a brown rice salmon roll from Whole Foods. I think I gotta go for it! That's reasonable, right?

• LipstickLady, love the new profile pic! I too buy a lot of food from my local "gourmet grocery", especially enjoy their vegan soups. I should add that part of my boredom is due to the restrictions I have due to Celiac disease. Gluten is not my friend. (But don't worry--I know where they sell gluten free donuts!) I am dying for a brown rice salmon roll from Whole Foods. I think I gotta go for it! That's reasonable, right?

I have sushi with fellow sleevers at least once a week. Yum! Did you know some places will make riceless sushi with cucumber instead of rice? Fabulous!

I have had sashimi, but I think I want the real deal for a change. (Gotta look up the calories/carbs in MFP)

@@Teachamy - Look for sauces, too. I need wetter Proteins than I did pre-sleeve. Experiment with flavors like blue cheese dressing, teriyaki, chimichurri, salsa, avocado, etc. to flavor your faves. It makes a huge diff in your dishes.

@@Teachamy when I have a moment of weakness, I try to do a lot of self talk: "You already know what that tastes like." or "That sugar is going to give you a headache later." It works a lot of the time (not always!).

Obviously what you're doing is working for you...why mess it up?!

I dont cook alot either, its just me and my hubby now, kids are moved out . (Yay !), but if I had had kids at home and were super busy like you are I would of cooked differently, now that im banded. How about making it the big "once a month cooking day " and then it all goes into the freezer ? Take out what you need nightly for the next days meals . I dont remember what its called, maybe google "freezer cooking " or " make ahead meals "? But lots of variety, easy on the wallet, less cooking stress, etc. Good luck !

I dont cook alot either, its just me and my hubby now, kids are moved out . (Yay !), but if I had had kids at home and were super busy like you are I would of cooked differently, now that im banded. How about making it the big "once a month cooking day " and then it all goes into the freezer ? Take out what you need nightly for the next days meals . I dont remember what its called, maybe google "freezer cooking " or " make ahead meals "? But lots of variety, easy on the wallet, less cooking stress, etc. Good luck !

Here is one of them google " Mels kitchen cafe " for 40 make ahead meals. Looks good to me !

I'm going to check that out, too! I'm a volume cook (just not a volume eater anymore, lol) and we have a second freezer. When I make something I double or triple up then put whatever it is into mason jars. I even print out labels and rubber-band them on, sometimes with extra little instructions for myself like "make rice" or "get baguette".....things I don't eat but others do. The jars come in all sizes. If we are having a dinner party I can pull out two big ones a few days ahead to thaw in the fridge. If it's just me, a tiny jar of chili, etc.

Today we are having a birthday party for my father, 89, and I'm making a big chicken Marabella. This such a band-friendly food. Boneless skinless thighs, olives (I got those big green omitted ones from the olive bar at the supermarket and some black kalamatas for contrast), capers, pitted plums Aka prunes, an onion or two, garlic, lemon wedges (get the seeds out), chicken stock. Hot hot pan, sauté the thighs brown on both sides, remove from pan and sauté the onion and garlic until a little golden, dump the chicken back in, add all the ingredients (olives, lemon wedges, capers, pitted prunes) and cover with chicken stock. You can get nice organic boxed stock very easily. Let it simmer uncovered a long time to reduce and thicken. Poke at the chicken and it falls apart, makes a lovely "stew." Can serve with rice or cous cous for the carb eaters. This is so easy and every one loves it. Very rich and glamorous for very little effort.