Cook Once, Eat Twice Meal Ideas + Cutting Down on Food Waste

[tar heel]

I'm glad you enjoyed my comment about the "new peanutbutter sandwiches," although I admit they are also welcome to make themselves a grilled cheese or Hot Pocket.

 

[funnygarcia]

From the Tightwad Gazette books I learned to make Quiche from left overs... very good and alot easier than you think it is.
Keep those small bits of leftover vegies and ham pieces .. collect them and make a crust for pie shell- par bake it for a few minutes, toss in the bits of veggies and ham/ sausage/ chicken/ etc.. toss shredded cheese with flour (so it won't float to top). Set the pie pan on cookie sheet, put on oven shelf and carefully pour in (2 to 3) eggs and (cup or two) milk that you have whisked together with a bit of nutmeg and the cheese. MMMMMMMMM

I make several rounds of pie crust dough to put in freezer for later.

There is a Bisquick type version of Quiche for those who have "crust anxiety" but it is not nearly as good!

I also make my own pizzas- I make several balls of dough at a time and freeze them after first rising. (or use dough setting on bread maker).
I make my own sauce and pour into lined muffin pan to freeze , pop them out and repack all into a baggie. I buy shredded mozzarella on sale and toss in freezer (or shred my own if I find a deal).
I pull out a wad of dough, pkg of cheese and a round of sauce to thaw in fridge- all set for a quick pizza in the evening.


I find that planning meals for the week helps alot.. no excuse to go out to eat because " I have nothing to cook" or "forgot to thaw".

 

[Taja]

Jaklackus, my cousin and his DW made a major lifestyle change about 1.5 years ago. He's well over six feet tall, but weighed nearly 300 lbs. and his DW had developed diabetes, although had made significant changes in her lifestyle about two years earlier and things were going well for her.

The went to a doctor at a wellness/lifestyle center and he recommended the following:

At least a 10 minute walk before every meal (including breakfast).
Eat only whole-grain breads (or as close as possible), maximum one slice per meal.
Eat a salad before every meal except breakfast (they were welcome to do that, too, but the doctor warned them it would get old fast!).
Drink at least 12 ounces of water before each meal.
Control portions using the palm of the individual's hand as a guide.
Eat five to six times daily (two meals with salad), planning snacks as well as meals.

Keep in mind, he had specific health issues (he's in his early 60s). He is now down to about 220 lbs and can breath much better. They walk together most mornings for about 30 minutes, drinking a glass of water before and after, and have yoghurt (spelling?), whole grain toast and fruit for breakfast. Snacks are fruit & veggies that they prepare in advance and take to work. My cousin has some difficulty with lunches, as he is on the road most of the time, but he has learned to adapt restaurant food to his needs. His DW usually carries her lunch. Both walk 10 to 20 minutes before eating, as well as drinking the water. Dinner is a glass of water and salad, followed by a small portion of meat (based on hand size for each, so about 4 oz. for him, 3 oz. for her), two veggies and whole grain bread. If they have dessert, it's pretty much what ever they want, but always small portions.

Realistically, your DH and stepson aren't going to change and eat your lighter meals. The best thing you can do is begin a family walking program (or other exercise), have them drink a glass of water and eat a salad before dinner, control portions, and try to get two veggies on their plates each evening! Yes, they can still have mashed potatoes, etc., but in smaller portions!

Also, minimize soft drinks (including diet) and alcohol. It's amazing what a difference just those two adjustments can make!

Once they see changes in themselves and have more energy, they'll be more likely to follow your lead and occasionally eat "light" meals!

 

[leebee]

We never managed to eat the leftovers I so carefully stored away, and I was soooo tired of green fuzzy mysteries in the fridge, so I learned to cook just enough for the three of us. DD doesn't eat flesh meat (she's fine with burgers, dogs, nuggets...all the high fat stuff I don't want her to eat alot of), but enjoys pasta, rice, veggies, salad. I buy steaks that serve two, chicken pieces that can be individually frozen, hamburger in bulk that I shape into patties prior to freezing. I leave home at 7:30 am, never get home before 6pm. Usually pull out meat in the morning, leaving it in the fridge to thaw. Meats are varied by their sauces/cooking methods/spices, served with rice or pasta and veggies or salad. Sometimes pasta is the noodle-roni sauce and pasta from a box/pouch, dometimes it's freshly cooked with olive oil and garlic or freshly-grated parmesean. Rice is usually plain or rice-a-roni. Veggies are canned, fresh or frozen, depends on what we want and time available. DH takes fruit and yogurt for lunch, I usually have a bagel, DD gets lunch at school. B'fast is coffee for me, cereal for DH, DD eats yogurt or toast or cereal. Dinner might be more expensive this way than preplanned, but with our schedules I'd have to shop one weekend, cook the next! This plan is better than eating out 4 nights a week, which is where we were, and ther are very few leftovers to throw out. BTW, DD and DH know if dinner isn't acceptable, there id pb&j, yogurt, or cereal...usually there aren't many takers!

 

[starwood]

Here's my problem. I don't eat meat (I will eat fish). DH is on Atkins (no pasta). And DS is 12 years old and won't eat anything other than pasta, steak, chicken, pizza. I end up making 3 meals every night (I usually will just forage in the fridge for my dinner).