Meal planning trackers?

[itsme14 0]

Hi!

I've been reading for a while but this is my first post. My surgery is on January 13th. My pre op diet is pretty loose (basically just stay under 1000 calories a day and aim for high protein/low carb). My post op diet is a little more detailed but my surgeon is pretty big on getting off the liquid only as quickly as possible and not just chugging Protein Drinks.

So, when I don't have super strict guidelines to follow, I do much better if I meal plan a week or two in advance. Has anyone used an app to meal plan? Or does anyone have a meal planner suggestion from Amazon?

Also, bonus question, I have 3 teenagers. I'm trying to figure out how in the heck to feed them dinners during the next couple of months when I'm not eating much myself. Any thoughts on that?

Thanks!

[Mr Alley Gator 263]

I have two teanagers also and a Wife that eats a ton! First things first you need to make sure you put yourself first during these first few months - This is your time to get healthy and happy. Assuming you have bad eating habits now focus on the meal plans for the family that you can eat also.

I am a trained chef from Johnson and whales so I know food and food groups. I do not meal prep I cook daily for myself, My family and most of the time my parents. When setting up your plan set your Protein first. For example today I just diced up up a whole ham to make Ham and Bean Soup. This will feed the kids and family and allow me to get a ton from the Ham and Beans.

Yesterday I did pulled chicken Tacos. This gave me the Proteins and the the rest of the group made tacos and ate the Spanish Rice.

Much easier to plan where you and the family can enjoy the same food. However you will be limited but still can eat normal food.

Also Food is not going to be a concern after a short while - Once you get adjusted to the lifestyle cooking and meal planning will be easy

[kellym1220 472]

I agree with Mr. Alley Gator. I plan the Protein (for me) and then add veggies and starch for my son. So, a typical dinner might be chicken cacciatore and I just eat the chicken and some mushrooms, but I make fettucine for my son. Or a grilled top sirloin with asparagus plus a baked potato for him. I'm happy, he's happy...done!

Of course, I'm 5 months out, during the first few months I purchased a lot of frozen meals from Trader Joe's to allow him to eat when I wasn't eating much, without me cooking and cleaning!

For me, I would purchase some thick cut turkey and ham from the deli and weigh out two ounces and eat that with an ounce of yummy cheese (usually spoked gouda or havarti).

I also use Pinterest for ideas and Myfitnesspal to calculate the recipes (frequently adjusted to add more protein, through GENEPRO powder or doubling the actual protein) and track my meals.

That being said, I would love a good meal planner! So if anyone knows of one, I'm interested!

[ichabodny 59]

Apps are something I'm still having a fuss with but only because of my personality. Myfitnesspal is actually a good one-you just have to kind of not end your day out on it or it will give you warnings of too low calories. Lots of peeps have asked to add a bariatric setting for those of us with surgeries but they've said it would be unhealthy for others. I've liked carbmanager best honestly-it's non-intrusive but has everything I need. Bariastic is really a great app but it's not something I like with all the groups and the notifications-again, I'm pretty basic. I've actually just been happiest putting everything on good old fashioned paper. I never recommend this to anyone but I've been doing calculations for decades on my own and it's just easier for me to grab my daily things with the meds, Vitamins, etc when it's sitting on a notebook next to the fridge. BTW-my Dr and NUT get CRAZY for this preference lol.

So, I'm 4 months out and gotten over the holidays. I've now lost a bit over 100 lbs and think I have a good understanding now of my eating, etc. My kids are 19 and 23. My daughter is losing weight with me naturally so we kind of go together on what we eat (mine is just smaller portions and a bit varied for the day-some days are better then others with food). My son buys his own stuff and eats on his own but we all work at different times and college so we don't eat together normally. He keeps his stuff in his room with a little fridge and microwave (commonly called the man-cave). My daughter requests he keep his Snacks out of her sight but I have no problems with that. I still can't eat a whole lot but what I can-it's limited anyhow or I feel sick.

For Christmas, we did get a pizza and wings (cause this chick did NOT want to work and cook!). I was able to have a small bit of very thin crust veggie pizza. I can eat pepperoni and beef sticks are a treat after work for me- I eat them very slow and chew a lot. If it's on pizza, I will eat the toppings of a small slice as I did on Christmas. I will try anything like the cake or cheesecake that I make or my daughter makes but I only have a bite then spit it out-seems to do the trick. The minute it hits my mouth, I like the flavor but get a nauseous feeling so it's no biggie.

My family all do everything they can to help out. If you have teenagers, I would say it is the same. They are old enough to be able to plan their meals while you recover and get comfortable. I get 24/7 support from hubby and kids with regards to exercise and eating. If I'm getting sick (which happens, I had complications and my new job is very physical-we all work at the same place), they are on me in seconds helping me breath, curl up, lay sideways, etc and always ask if anything they are eating bothers me. Just be open with everyone and even let your teens read some of these forums along with the forms you get from your Dr. to help them understand and help out.

[ecugsplgrl 34]

I create pinterest boards for each week and prep on Sunday. I use my instapot, crockpot and airfryer ALOT. example, we had spaghetti with Protein noodles last night, chicken pot pie Soup (leftover turkey) tonight, ham and Beans, cauliflower pizza, beef stroganoff to finish off the week. I can make veggies for side for hubby or a side salad. I also share leftovers with my brother and mom who live close by. one of my friends with 4 teenage boys just makes double and freezes one of everything she makes, like lasagna, casseroles, etc for her family.