I need ideas. It's getting harder and harder to figure out what to make for dinner or have for lunch at work. We tend to eat out just because then I don't have to cook and we can just split an appitizer. There are so many times I find myself staring a the Tuna Helpers wishing I could just do that so I wouldn't have to think of a meal to create. I like easy, simple meals. I'm just bored with the same things. I even have bariatric cook books, but most of the stuff is too complicated or too many ingredients to be simple. What are some of the quick and easy meals you like? Tina

When Eric and I go out to eat we first look at the appitizers. Our successful choices include: Southwestern eggrolls, chicken fingers (you and usually pull off some of the breading), crabcakes, shrimp (breaded or grilled), pot stickers/pan fried dumplings, stuffed mushrooms, calamari, fried meet ravioli (Olive Garden), teriyaki beef sticks, nachos, quesadilla, queso dip, and spinach artichoke dip. We always see what the appitizer sampler for variety. Within the menu, we check out what sides are available and usually pick baby back ribs, some variation of a hamburger, a grilled chicken & shrimp meal, fajitas, fish (fish & chips or gilled fish dinner), or items like shepard's pie / chicken pot pie (just don't eat all the crust or potatos). In any case, we attempt to share unless one of us is having a craving that the other just doesn't want at all, then we take home or just leave the uneaten portion. When we went to Orlando, we did a lot of sharing, but tipped as if we'd ordered two meals. I hope this helps you during your trip. Tina

I was slacking a lot and when I thought about it, it was because I was tired of the protein I was using. I went today to GNC and bought the Isopure protein in glass bottles that I drank when I first came home from the hospital. Not the best tasting but I know that when it's good and cold, I can tolerate it much better than all the milky, thick ones. I know that my weight loss has stalled and that I need to get my act together again and that is my first step! I slacked on everything the week before my wedding and the whole time I was on my honeymoon. I can definitely tell by the way my body feels now and I could kick myself!

I am now and always will be an ice cream junkie. I now buy Blue Bunny Carb Freedom Ice cream (it doesn't taste sugar free to me but it is) It comes in things like Rocky Road and Fudge Almond Brownie. I know that I will always want ice cream so I buy this and limit myself to a very small amount in a very small bowl when I crave it (every night). I think if I tried to deprive myself of this totally, I would just make things worse so I try to get the next best alternative to the real thing. Hope this helps!

Have you tried Jello Sugar-Free Chocolate Pudding? I love it. It gives me a rich chocolate creamy treat for desert, and I don't have to worry about sugar. Also one of the key factors I need to learn is moderation. If you must have the ice cream, make the best choice possibe and eat it in moderation. Try not to beat yourself up over this. We are still learning what our bodies can tolerate, and how to most effectively use our "tool". Count this as a learning experience and put the best spin possilbe on it. Don't let it send you into a downward spiral. Hope this helps, Sherry