I'm new to this, and I just ran across this site by accident searching for ways to make greek yogurt taste better (I found several). I wasn't sure where to start until I found the introduction threads.
So, here's my story. I have three pregnancies, 2 preschool girls, and my oldest, my son passed at birth. So obviously I've been dealing with depression and anxiety (which doesn't exactly help with my weight). I've tried so many things. WW, worked great the first three times but I kept getting pregnant! Now, I've tried WW with no success. I spent a year of my life going to the gym 4X a week and gained weight! My dr even put me on a weight loss pill, I lost 16 lbs, but after going off of it I gained 30!!!!! I finally went off of my birth control shot and now my Dr refuses to put me on the pill because my BP is in the heart attack and stroke range. I have to do something FAST!!!!

I'm a super busy mom with very little time to spend on preparing meals. However, I'm looking for small tips for substitutions in my house. So far I have replaced my usual milk for skim or almond milk. I'm eating apples and berries everyday (according to Bob Harpers book) and I drink tons of water with my usual black coffee. I'm trying to stay away from processed foods. Some things I'm looking for substitutions are:
Cereal for my kids
Healthy Snacks (for my kids)
Drinks
Biscuits
Yummy Vegetarian and QUICK meals
Something hearty and healthy for supper time!

Any suggestions?

So sorry about your loss, but we are glad you found us!

I will try to help with the food suggestions!

Cereal ~ I don't eat a lot of carbs, so this is not my area. For breakfast may I suggest hard boiling a dozen eggs 1-2 times per week? They would go great with a slice of whole grain/gluten free (Rudi's multigrain) toast, and a piece of fruit.

I've seen recipes for oatmeal in a jar. I think you add water/milk, chopped fruit, oatmeal, etc. in to a jar and refridgate overnight, but please look it up in case my recipe is wrong! It can be eaten cold or warmed in the microwave. I personally like making a big batch of oatmeal with splenda, cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, etc. and eating it cold.

Healthy snacks ~ fruits and veggies, chopped/sticks with low cal dip (ranch, yogurt, etc.), small portions of left overs, nuts, trail mix (nuts, raisins, a few chocolate chips, homemade dried fruit).

Drinks ~ I usually drink only water, except when dining out, I get a diet pop. If you are drinking regular pop/juice, you can switch to 1/2 diet/water. Crystal light, water flavored with fresh fruit, decaf teas.

Biscuits ~ If I absolutely MUST have one, I used gluten free bisquick to make them, but generally they are not worth the calories to me.

Meals ~

1) sautee celery, onions, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, garlic. Add 8 cups of water, a generous squirt of yellow mustard, sea salt and pepper. Run through a blender. Add ham and cheese if you like. Totally yummy cheesey soup :-)

2) chili ~ buy 2 alarm chili seasoning (HEB). sautee celery, onions, carrots, green pepper. Add turkey. Add seasoning pack, canned of chopped tomatoes, can of tomato sauce, and as much water to make it the right consistancy. Cook til hot.

3)turkey burgers on the grill/george forman, wrap with lettuce for low carb

4) taco salad ~ cook up ground turkey/tofu/beans. Put out all the fixings and everyone gets exactly what they want.

Chris

Welcome and good luck on your journey!!