Seriously need healthy recipe help for a picky eater

[AshleyW]

Gina, you might want to check out Hungry Girl's website. I love all her recipes, and I'm really picky myself.

http://www.hungry-girl.com/show

She does a lot of comfort foods but modifies them to be healthy. I have her cookbook 300 Under 300 (on Amazon) and everything I've tried from there so far has been super yummy. My favorite is the Nacho Stuffed Chicken: http://www.hungry-girl.com/show/to-the-mex-nacho-rific-stuffed-chicken-recipe

The other cookbook I really love is the Taste of Home Comfort Food Diet Cookbook (on Amazon).. it's got lots of other good foods that have some substitutions to be healthy.

 

[LilyWDW]

I thought I hated lima beans until I cooked some fresh ones myself. I like lima beans! What I didn't like was the boiled lima beans my mother made. Buy fresh and try some different recipes.

I haven't tried brussel sprouts since they were fed to us as part of the school lunch program. I thought I hated spinach too, but it was the cooked spinach they gave us that I don't like. Fresh spinach or spinach baked into twice-baked potatoes or baked into manicotti -- delicious.

I love spinach and will add it to a ton of things. Pasta, Tikka Masala, salads, and even just sauteed with olive oil and garlic (and a tiny, tiny bit of butter for flavor). I also hated brussel sprouts, but it was all because of how they were cooked. Now I love them sauteed or roasted. It really is amazing how cooking technique can drastically change texture and taste of a vegetable.

I am slowly starting to add more and more vegetables and healthy foods into my diet. I need to lose weight and get into shape again. I hate how I feel right now (always tired and sluggish) and I have noticed my emotional and mental issues also seem to follow my diet. So, for my health, it must be done. In that way, I can feel for the OP. It can be hard to make those changes when you have eaten a specific way all your life.

I've never heard of him, but that is exactly what I am looking for. Will definitely look for anything by him!! Thank you much!

Thank you again to all for the other suggestions. I know by your replies that I'm just not getting across the magnitude of what it would take to get me to put any of the mentioned things in my mouth... I would literally have to be starving on a deserted island, and even then I'd probably be chewing on palm tree bark first. It's that strong of an aversion, and I can't even imagine "just trying" any of it. There's no basis for it -- my parents are very adventurous eaters and my brother and were raised that way (or it was attempted.) My brother now eats anything and everything. But even when I was little it would take me 30 minutes just to pick out all the unidentifiable bits of things before I would eat it at all, if it was even deemed edible to me.

But if any of you would like to come be my chef and hide vegetables in my food, I'd give that a shot.

Is it a texture issue or is it a flavor issue or something else? If it is a texture or flavor issue, then I really suggest doing anything you can to try and prepare those items in different ways. I used to HATE Okra... but now I love it. Why? Because it was being prepared incorrectly! Once I learned how to cook it, it started to taste so much better and wasn't mushy.

And trust me, I get texture issues. There are some things I can not eat due to it no matter how many times I try it or how I cook it. It just won't happen.

If it is more then that, then you need to figure out other ways to change your diet and get the nutrients you need.

The first thing you need is a nutritionist. They will be able to point you in the right direction for food that will fit in your variety of needs. Now, the issue here is that I will bet you they will say "more vegetables". So that could be an issue for you, but do not give up.

 

[Minnesota!]

Quinoa is so tasty, I think! And I have never ever had an issue cooking it. It's no harder than rice!

I start the water boiling, throw in the quinoa, cover, turn to low. Then I work on my fish (because that is really the only protein I eat...I don't eat chicken, beef, pork, etc). Toss my fish in the oven.

Both finish at about the same time (about 14 - 17 minutes).

Or, make up a bunch of it on a weekend (or a night you are free) and portion it out into tupperware. Then each night you can take one out, reheat and add in whatever you are feeling that night.

We try and do salads, or at least some cottage cheese with chopped veggies in it, before dinner. Keeps the appetite lower.

what about breakfast for dinner? Eggs/egg white omelets with some turkey sausage or low fat cheese? Then some fruit or a small salad to go with?

 

[usnuzuloose]

Beleve it or not if you manage to vegetables into some dishes slowly your palate will begin to change into liking them. You dont because you havent eaten them.

Cut up vegetables real fine and you wont even notice your not eating them. Start slow and work your way up. I know you can do it. I found as I got older I started liking vegetables more and more.

 

[rchristiansen]

I think the real issue is not trying to find a creative way to make foods you like, but to really reconsider trying new foods. I had borderline high cholesterol in January of this year and it scared the crap out of me that I forced myself to eat foods I swore I would never try - Broccoli, Salmon, Vegetarian meals, fish oil etc... I was so frightened that I would have to go on cholesterol medicine that I made up my mind that I would become vegetarian if my diet changes and more exercise didn't do the trick. It did, and my cholesterol went down 50 points. But I still would make changes if my health depended on it.

I would think that the thought of another heart attack would be scarier than the fear of trying new foods. Force yourself to eat healthy foods. You will discover that within a short time period you will actually like those foods. Before I considered myself a fairly picky eater - limited veggies and fruits. Now, I LOVE all the foods I try, and really enjoy making new recipes with tons of ingredients in them.

 

[tlbwriter]

And even though I know you don't want to hear it, I agree with other posters who have said you need to give veggies another shot.

My husband used to despise brussel sprouts. He said he hated them, would never like them, blah, blah, blah...
Well when we had kids I made the rule that they didn't have to eat something they didn't like, but they had to try 2 bites before they decided not to eat it. Of course my daughter took one look at my husbands brussel sprout free plate one night and said "Daddy, you need to try two bites"
Guess what my husbands new favorite vegetable is? He had always had brussel sprouts steamed and unseasoned, I sauté them with lemon and garlic. The way a veggie is prepared makes a BIG difference in the taste.
My "picky" husband now can add asparagus, sushi, sweet potatoes, bread pudding, swiss chard, and banana pie to the list of things he used to hate and now adores.
Give things you think you don't like another shot (just don't try them prepared in the way you know you don't like, roast, toast, season...do something different), just two bites...it won't kill you I promise.

I agree. Your problem with veggies might just be the way they were cooked. If you hate slimy, mushy vegetables from a can, you might just love roasted vegetables. If you hate raw crunchy veggies, you might like them cooked until they're soft (less nutrition but better than nothing) and/or hidden in foods like meatloaf or spaghetti sauce. You might even try low sodium vegetable juice.

 

[Gina]

Right quick before I have to head into a meeting...

Ashley, thanks for the Hungry Girl suggestion! My co-worker mentioned that as well, and I had forgotten about it. She swears by that website!
I like the idea of making a big batch of the quinoa ahead of time one night then just reheating it. I'm going to get some next time I'm at the store, I think! Do you season it just like you would rice?

I do *not* like bland food at all -- I adore savory flavors like garlic and herbs. I swear by McCormick's "Perfect Pinch" salt-free garlic & herb seasoning. I do not at all like spicy things, however. I looooooove anything with teriyaki and/or soy sauce, but even the reduced-sodium varieties are still very high. If I use it, it's a very small splash.

The pasta I've been using is by Dreamfield's -- Very high fiber and extremely low carbs and my son and I can't tell the difference. Spaghetti has become a staple, with low sugar sauce and turkey meatballs, and a salad on the side. Miss the cheesy garlic bread, though!

Oh and NotUrsula ~ Thank you for the cookbook link! That sounds so perfect -- I think I am definitely going to get that one.

I would think that the thought of another heart attack would be scarier than the fear of trying new foods. Force yourself to eat healthy foods. You will discover that within a short time period you will actually like those foods. Before I considered myself a fairly picky eater - limited veggies and fruits. Now, I LOVE all the foods I try, and really enjoy making new recipes with tons of ingredients in them.

That's exactly the kind of advice that is, frankly, useless. Just absolutely useless.

It's not a matter of fear -- It's a matter of it making me nauseous just thinking about the foods everyone keeps talking about. But I didn't ask how to make myself like vegetables or earthworms or whatever else is good for me out there, just a way to make some of the healthier things I do like differently for some variety. But thank you for your concern.

 

[dizcrazee]

I like veggies, but I can't eat a whole lot of them because I have delayed gastric emptying (gastroparesis). This means that my stomach is partially paralyzed and doesn't work right. I have extreme nausea and abdominal pain if I eat a lot of fiber. The veggies I do eat have to be well cooked and I have to be careful about my fiber consumption. At one point, my gastroenterologist put me on a very low fiber diet (as in applesauce and mashed potatoes), but my condition has improved some and I am now able to eat a little more fiber. When I was first diagnosed with this, I thought - "How on earth can I lose weight and get healthier without veggies?" It seemed like a Catch-22. Everything I read told me to eat more veggies and fiber, and here I am having to do just the opposite. Not everyone can tolerate a lot of fiber in their diet. However, I have been able to make changes to my diet and improve my diabetes and overall health despite this limitation.

One idea is to mix lean hamburger meat with ground turkey -I mix it half and half. You can barely tell that there is turkey in the mixture because the flavor and texture of the beef overpowers it. I have made sloppy joes and many casseroles using this mixture and no one can tell the difference. I use lowfat cheese (the grated 2% cheddar melts well), lowfat soups (like the lowfat mushroom for recipes that call for that), lowfat dairy products, etc.

I love bread, potatoes, and rice too, but I only eat tiny portions of these, and only in combination with protein. Otherwise, it raises my blood sugar too quickly. I still fix them for my family, but I only eat a few bites and fill up on other stuff.

I avoid sugar, but I do sometimes eat some sugar free pudding or ice cream. I lost 45 lbs. this year by eating this way, controlling my portions, and increasing my exercise just a little.

Portion control is the biggest challenge, but if you are eating higher calories foods (which is what happens when you can't eat veggies and fruit), it is of utmost importance. I weigh and measure my food at every meal and I have learned to cope with hunger (but it's hard). I also take a high quality mult-vitamin every day.

My blood sugar is now almost in the normal range and my other numbers are improving. Hang in there and keep thinking about what kind of positive changes you can make based on your own likes, dislikes, and needs. I wish you the best!

 

[NotUrsula]

Useful blog entry re: low-sodium brands of soy/teriyaki sauce:
http://dontsalt.blogspot.com/2009/05/soy-sauce-studies.html

 

[rchristiansen]

Right quick before I have to head into a meeting...

Ashley, thanks for the Hungry Girl suggestion! My co-worker mentioned that as well, and I had forgotten about it. She swears by that website!
I like the idea of making a big batch of the quinoa ahead of time one night then just reheating it. I'm going to get some next time I'm at the store, I think! Do you season it just like you would rice?

I do *not* like bland food at all -- I adore savory flavors like garlic and herbs. I swear by McCormick's "Perfect Pinch" salt-free garlic & herb seasoning. I do not at all like spicy things, however. I looooooove anything with teriyaki and/or soy sauce, but even the reduced-sodium varieties are still very high. If I use it, it's a very small splash.

The pasta I've been using is by Dreamfield's -- Very high fiber and extremely low carbs and my son and I can't tell the difference. Spaghetti has become a staple, with low sugar sauce and turkey meatballs, and a salad on the side. Miss the cheesy garlic bread, though!

Oh and NotUrsula ~ Thank you for the cookbook link! That sounds so perfect -- I think I am definitely going to get that one.






That's exactly the kind of advice that is, frankly, useless. Just absolutely useless.

It's not a matter of fear -- It's a matter of it making me nauseous just thinking about the foods everyone keeps talking about. But I didn't ask how to make myself like vegetables or earthworms or whatever else is good for me out there, just a way to make some of the healthier things I do like differently for some variety. But thank you for your concern.

That nauseous feeling IS fear. And my advice isn't useless, it worked for me and many people here. You're not going to throw up if you eat a carrot or spinach.

 

[badblackpug]

Right quick before I have to head into a meeting...

Ashley, thanks for the Hungry Girl suggestion! My co-worker mentioned that as well, and I had forgotten about it. She swears by that website!
I like the idea of making a big batch of the quinoa ahead of time one night then just reheating it. I'm going to get some next time I'm at the store, I think! Do you season it just like you would rice?

I do *not* like bland food at all -- I adore savory flavors like garlic and herbs. I swear by McCormick's "Perfect Pinch" salt-free garlic & herb seasoning. I do not at all like spicy things, however. I looooooove anything with teriyaki and/or soy sauce, but even the reduced-sodium varieties are still very high. If I use it, it's a very small splash.

The pasta I've been using is by Dreamfield's -- Very high fiber and extremely low carbs and my son and I can't tell the difference. Spaghetti has become a staple, with low sugar sauce and turkey meatballs, and a salad on the side. Miss the cheesy garlic bread, though!

Oh and NotUrsula ~ Thank you for the cookbook link! That sounds so perfect -- I think I am definitely going to get that one.






That's exactly the kind of advice that is, frankly, useless. Just absolutely useless.

It's not a matter of fear -- It's a matter of it making me nauseous just thinking about the foods everyone keeps talking about. But I didn't ask how to make myself like vegetables or earthworms or whatever else is good for me out there, just a way to make some of the healthier things I do like differently for some variety. But thank you for your concern.

Unfortunately, I know it's not what you want to hear, but the "things you like" are NOT healthy at all. You want suggestions on how to make them less not healthy, but they are still going to be unhealthy. You are diabetic, hypertensive, and have heart disease. You need to be on a low fat, low sodium, low carb diet. You need to eat a diet that is rich in lean proteins, omega 3 fatty acids, and fiber. You are not going to get the nutrients you need by not eating any vegetables at all. You seem to be making excuses not to change your lifestyle. I know it sounds harsh, but it is true. Your salad is not salad, it is fat. Maybe less fat than before, but still fat. Lettuce, in and of itself, has little nutritional value, you are basically using it as texture for your cheese and dressing. Spaghetti, no matter what type of pasta and jarred sauce you are using is still way to high in carbs and sodium, to be a "staple food" for a diabetic with hypertension. While I know that genetics are a big part of diabetes and heart disease, the previous posters are right in their statements that you are in denial. While genetics may have predisposed you to these conditions, a high fat, high carb, high sodium, low fiber diet, devoid of most nutrients probably pushed the envelope quite a bit.

I know that you will reply with this isn't what you wanted to hear, and that I am not helpful, and that the is no way you will try anything different, so I will suggest to you that you get an appointment with a diabetes educator and a registered dietician. (unfortunately, they will probably not tell you what you want to hear either) I will also suggest that you check the website of your local hospital to see if they offer nutrition and healthy cooking classes. Good luck.

 

[NotUrsula]

That nauseous feeling IS fear. And my advice isn't useless, it worked for me and many people here. You're not going to throw up if you eat a carrot or spinach.

Some people do, mostly those with texture or odor issues, and mostly because we have some physical intolerance for whatever it is. My DS will absolutely vomit if he eats any form of peaches, and I will if I eat broccoli, even if it is raw (I can't even get near cooked broccoli; the odor alone makes me ill.) FTR, my issues with broccoli started in infancy, as did DS' issues with peaches. I wasn't afraid of them; but our bodies just rejected them for some reason. As we grew older we knew that they would make us ill, so we very sensibly continued to avoid them.

I find that generally speaking, those of us who have really nasty aversions to certain plant-based foods do better with trying to eat them raw or pureed into liquids, but sometimes even that doesn't work. (I do think that it is worth trying, though; my immersion blender has added several add'l veggies to the list of what I can eat.) The best clue, IMO, as to whether or not trying alternative preparations will work is the smell of the food: if it smells good but you can't eat it, changing the prep might work. If the odor is truly repulsive to you, the odds are against you ever being able to eat it with any kind of pleasure.

The OP probably can find SOME vegetables that she'll be able to tolerate in some form, but there are probably still some that she won't be able to get past for whatever reason. I'm sure that she will eventually find a middle ground that works for her through trial and error, but just forcing yourself doesn't always work, for some people the experience of eating certain things can be truly traumatic.

Oh, and BTW: quinoa? Really wanted to love it, tried every variety on the market, several different prep techniques (including VERY thorough washing before cooking), and the end result is that I still cannot eat it. It won't stay down no matter what I do. (I've done a bit of research on this, and it turns out that about 5% of the population has an issue with some of the proteins in it; apparently I'm one of them.) However, as a result of my experiments, DH has a new favorite winter breakfast food: he really likes eating a bowl of reheated quinoa with a bit of butter and salt, rather than oatmeal.

 

[frndshpcptn]

That nauseous feeling IS fear. And my advice isn't useless, it worked for me and many people here. You're not going to throw up if you eat a carrot or spinach.

Actually, that's not entirely true. She may throw up.

I have an aversion to romaine lettuce. Always have. Everytime I try and eat it, I throw up shortly afterwards. Iceberg is the only lettuce I can eat without gagging. No idea why. I've tried and tried...

I also can't eat several other things without gagging. Yogurt - nope - can't do it. Tomatoes, too.

Some things - if I mix it with other foods to hide it, it's fine. For example - broccoli by itself - no way. Chopped really, really small and mixed into something else - I can do it. Cottage cheese - in it's container I get a wave a nausea just by opening it up. Mixed with noodles (a la Noodles Romanoff) - I can handle it. Tomatoes raw - no. Roasted tomatoes or tomatoes in salsa (without cilantro) - yup.

I try things lal the time, because I also have an unbalenced and unhealthy diet and want to change. It's hard though, because some things that are "healthy" really do make me physically ill.

OP - try chopping up or pureeing veggies and adding them to meals. I like to mix pureed broccoli with mashed potatos and bake it with a bit of cheddar on top. I also discovered I like roasted red peppers, if chopped up and mixed with chicken and fresh mozzerella. I like spinach in spinach dip (make with low fat sour cream and use petite baby carrots - which are half the size of normal baby carrots - to dip).

 

[cornflake]

Yes, it is fear, she sounds entirely classically phobic. Phobias can indeed trigger all kinds of physical responses, from vomiting, to hyperventilating, to crying, etc.

Luckily, phobias are very, very easy to cure - if a person wishes to.

 

[dizcrazee]

It is unquestionably true that veggies are good for you. However, not everyone can tolerate them. In my case, I have a medical condition that means I can't tolerate a lot of fiber, so I can't eat a lot of veggies, even though I like them.

If I had read a thread like this when I was first diagnosed with gastroparesis, it would have been terribly discouraging to me. However, a person who can't eat veggies for whatever reason doesn't have to give up all hope of improving their health (see my post above). There are many things other things that we can do to improve our diets and our health. Everyone is on their own individual journey and has to do what works best for them, even if it is not the ideal scenario.

 

[dngnb8]

It is unquestionably true that veggies are good for you. However, not everyone can tolerate them. In my case, I have a medical condition that means I can't tolerate a lot of fiber, so I can't eat a lot of veggies, even though I like them.

If I had read a thread like this when I was first diagnosed with gastroparesis, it would have been terribly discouraging to me. However, a person who can't eat veggies for whatever reason doesn't have to give up all hope of improving their health (see my post above). There are many things other things that we can do to improve our diets and our health. Everyone is on their own individual journey and has to do what works best for them, even if it is not the ideal scenario.

Yah. I agree!

I am Freederich Von Dusseldoormat. Und I am a Doctor ov Message Board Psychiatry.

It doesnt mattah iv the OP is vearful, panik'd, or just plain doesnt like her green beans. It is obvious to me that she vill not eat vegetables.

Her denial is claaaazik retrograde cleeeeen your plate symptomosis! She believes in her head dat she vill not tolerate vegetables. So, vhat can ve do to help her? Dis is vhat ve ave to dink about.

Hence, any suggestions on cook, und recipe books to azzizt her in her goals vould be very helpvul.

Danke.

 

[Imzadi]

Quinoa! That's the thing I wanted to ask about, but was drawing a blank! I love rice and couscous and anything like that so much... and miss it a lot. The little I've read about quinoa sounds so intriguing to me, and sounds like something I would really like, but have no idea how to cook it. Time is another issue for me -- being a single parent of a teenager where our lives revolve around his incredibly packed marching band schedule, I don't really have time to make some elaborate dinner from scratch every night. I really miss the convenience foods in that regard.

I'm hypoglycemic/pre-diabetic. So I'm always looking at alternate ways to balance & keep my protein levels up and not spike my blood sugar levels. I also have hypothyroidism & fibroids, so I've had to go off red meats & most dairy.

Quinoa is wonderful. It is the only grain that is a complete protein. It's gluten-free for those who are looking for that in their diet. It's dry, so it stores well. It has a bland, yet slightly nutty flavor. So it won't be tasteless, like rice, as it does have it's own taste. However, it can be mixed with a variety of flavorful sauces or spices. It's very versatile and can be made for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

If you don't buy the kind in a box that has been pre-rinsed, make sure you rinse it really well before cooking to get rid of the bitter taste. I rinse it like I would rice, placing it in a pot, and rubbing it through my hands in the water. I do this three times, or rinsing until the water runs clear and nothing is coming off when I rub.

For breakfast, I have it, the way I would oatmeal, with a little salt, butter, milk & a little sugar substitute & cinnamon. Other times of the day, I may also throw in dried or fresh fruit while cooking and some cinnamon. (I don't like to break my fast with sugary fruits in the morning.)

For lunch, I may make a cold quinoa salad (use less water to make it grainier,) with diced veggies and a can of beans, tossed in a vinaigrette.

For dinner, I use whatever sauce my entree is: chicken broth, or a pesto sauce, etc. For me, the heartier & more flavorful the sauce, the better. Just like rice or pasta, it's a hearty filler, taking on the flavor of the sauce.

For my cheesy-tomato bake, I cook the quinoa till almost done, add in tomato/pasta sauce, heat through. Then add on low-fat shredded cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar on top, cover, simmer for a couple minutes until the cheese melts on top. To serve, take a big ladle, scoop from the top down, so the cheese stays on top. It ends up similar to a baked lasagna, but without the noodle, and without any baking.

My new favorite way to have it is with Trader Joe's bottled, yellow curry sauce. I gently boil cut up chicken in water. After about 5 minutes, I add the quinoa. About a few minutes before being done, I add a can of mixed veggies (drained) and a little bit of the yellow curry sauce. A little goes a long way. Taste. You can always add more sauce. Heat till the veggies are heated through.

Other times, I also have quinoa with just a little butter and grated Parmesan cheese. If I make it with chicken broth, butter and grated Parmesan cheese, it becomes more like a thick polenta, without all the starch.

 

[badblackpug]

It is unquestionably true that veggies are good for you. However, not everyone can tolerate them. In my case, I have a medical condition that means I can't tolerate a lot of fiber, so I can't eat a lot of veggies, even though I like them.

If I had read a thread like this when I was first diagnosed with gastroparesis, it would have been terribly discouraging to me. However, a person who can't eat veggies for whatever reason doesn't have to give up all hope of improving their health (see my post above). There are many things other things that we can do to improve our diets and our health. Everyone is on their own individual journey and has to do what works best for them, even if it is not the ideal scenario.

...but the OP does NOT have a medical condition that prohibits high fiber foods. Quite the opposite, she has medical conditions that would benefit from high fiber foods.

Yah. I agree!

I am Freederich Von Dusseldoormat. Und I am a Doctor ov Message Board Psychiatry.

It doesnt mattah iv the OP is vearful, panik'd, or just plain doesnt like her green beans. It is obvious to me that she vill not eat vegetables.

Her denial is claaaazik retrograde cleeeeen your plate symptomosis! She believes in her head dat she vill not tolerate vegetables. So, vhat can ve do to help her? Dis is vhat ve ave to dink about.

Hence, any suggestions on cook, und recipe books to azzizt her in her goals vould be very helpvul.

Danke.

I'm not sure what this even means? ...but multiple posters have given her multiple suggestions about how to improve her diet and nutrition, and she has, seemingly, dug in her heels and, basically said, "no way I am not going to even try."

The truth of the matter is that the OP has not 1, not 2, but 3 potentially life threatening diseases. All 3 of these diseases require modification of her lifestyle and diet, and other than the bare minimum, she is unwilling to make any changes. Change is never easy, and sometimes we need to step out of our comfort zone, let go of our childhood fears, and make changes. The Op says it is "just me and my son." Well... the next heart attack may be the last heart attack, and then her son has nothing. She can choose to conquer these diseases or she can choose to let them conquer her.

 

[FireDancer]

Quinoa is wonderful.

Have you tried amaranth? I haven't yet but there was a short writeup in Men's Health and it looked like it might be pretty good and a good plant-based protein.

 

[Imzadi]

I don't like fish at all, but I wish I could be hypnotized into liking it -- I know how nutritious it is.

I don't like most fish either. I only like TWO fish, salmon, which is a fish most people who don't like "regular fish" because it tastes "fishy" like salmon.

I also like sea bass but it has to be steamed in a flavorful ginger-soy sauce. The sauce is what makes it.

I don't agree with the people who have said disguising foods in a sauce is a bad thing. I have news for them, most foods taste better with sauces & spices. That is what differentiates one dish from another. One chicken dish from another. The point is to find healthy sauces and combine them with healthy ingredients.

What I have found is that I don't like how most people cook fish. It also has to be cooked in a certain way and within a certain time frame. Fresh fish actually shouldn't fishy. If it does, it's already old and starting to spoil. Fish is best cooked within a day of buying it. It has already been sitting for a while by the time it arrives to the store, unless you live at the coast.

Also, when cooking fish at home, it is SO easy to over-cook fish. Then it becomes dry, tough and flavor-less. Fish cooks really quickly and continues to cook from the residual heat, even after you've taken it off the stove or heat source. So, by the time you eat it, it's overcooked and yes, you won't like it.

Also, if the only tuna or salmon you've ever had is from a can, you have not had fish.



Same with veggies. I don't like how other people usually cook them. I have been finding ways to cook vegetables in ways I like. I always try to slip them into flavorful sauces, like curry or low-fat stews.

Try to have vegetables in different ways. As Firedancer said, you probably haven't tried every vegetable in a variety of ways. You probably have tried a vegetable once or twice and decided you didn't like it.

Sometimes, I have 6 different bottles of salad dressing in the fridge. I am also learning to make my own healthier dressings. Fresh dressings taste so much better! It can really make a differece than the same old bottled dressing. I swap different dressings around all the time, so I never get tired of eating salads. Again, it's about finding flavors you do like and mixing them around so you do not get tired. As someone mentioned, try substituting "spring mix" or mesculin salad for plain lettuce.


I have been trying to add beans into my diet as they are high in protein & fiber. It's been tough. I don't like how most people usually cook beans.

However, I DO like slipping chick peas or white beans in salads, hidden by a low-fat dressing.

I do make my own hummus from chick peas, so I can add my own spices.

Going on the idea that I love hummus and a mashed bean. I then found a white bean dip recipe that is very flavorful. OMG! It is now one of my favorite things to eat. I nearly inhale the white beans, they are so well disguised by the spices.


Have you tried V-8 juice? One cup is a serving of vegetables right there. Even if you don't like it, you can force yourself to take 20 seconds to drink down one cup a day. Think of it as medicine. Or add some hot sauce to spice it up.

You mentioned you like tacos & sloppy joes. You can still have them (in moderation.) Substitute lean ground chicken or turkey. Also, learn how to make your own taco sauce & sloppy joe sauce. It will cut down on a lit of the fat, sugar, chemicals & preservatives in the canned and pre-seasoned mixes. There are even some recipes with V-8 juice. yo get your serving of veggies right there in your favorite foods.


You say you are short on time, but, if you have all the right ingredients at home, it might only take 10-15 minutes longer to cook healthier, using things like fresh tomatoes in tacos & sloppy joes sauce.

Same with homemade pizza. I make pita pizzas. Substituting stone ground whole wheat pitas for a white flour, thicker crust. I add slices of fresh tomatoes and low fat cheese.

Once you start adding fresh vegetables here and there, your tastes WILL acclimate. Then you start craving fresh vegetables- even cooked.

Right now, because you are diabetic, and probably was pre-diabetic for a long time before developing full diabetes, you crave sugary tasting foods and carbs. That's how diabetes works: you crave the very thing that is ultimately bad for you. You have to be aware of that.