How many of you still use a lot of sugar free products daily? I know it's the best option for weight loss but I worry about the chemicals and fake sugar. About 6 months ago I stopped eating frozen meals,reduced fat foods or processed foods. I felt great but I realize now my portions were way too big. I am 14 days in so I still have a long way before I can eat solid food. My goal is to be able to lose weight but not rely on "diet" food. I love to cook and don't mind putting the effort in for meal prep. But is that realistic? What plan have you found success?

Ha, we are in the same boat. 2 weeks post op. One more week of full liquids. I'm hungry! I spoke to Nut today and she said to stay on track for another week and increase my protein as much as I want.

i hate sf, ff stuff. I dont find it real food. Frankenfood. Only sf I do is crystal light. So, I make fresh soups and fruit infused waters and teas.

ina garten's roasted tomato basil soup is awesome. Easy, puréed and strain through a fine strainer. Love it. I made this before surgery. Adding plain yogurt to bump protein and make it creamier.

I made a Thai carrot soup which had peanut butter sauce in it. Amazingly!

Epicurous.com has a fantastic black bean cumin jalapeño soups. This ne needed about 1 more cup of water to thin. Add a very small amount of liquid cheese (Campbell's cheese soup). Sour cream. Yummy.

i make my own bone broth. No chemicals, good protein and healing collagen. Easy and cheap. I can make a gallon for about 9 bucks.

I drink my protein shakes to hit my goal, then have fun. The soups are pretty low carb and fat because I'm only eating 1/2 Cup over 20-30 minutes. Good fiber also, which we need. Frankenfood had no fiber.

Obviously I enjoy cooking, so I'm keeping busy tring to be creative.

Hang in there.

I don't eat very much processed foods at all. I eat full fat cheese and I just don't eat much sugar period. I do buy cottage cheese and yogurt, but I cook all my dinners using real food. Look for products that have no sugar added. Many of these are just naturally low in sugar.

You should be fine.