The MakeMeThinner Support Forum

ascicles · by **ascicles** » September 26th, 2006, 11:43 am

I am starting a new job soon, where I will not have the same kind of flexibility I have now. Because of that, I will need to find a way to eat my lean and green during my lunch break, which will not allow a lot of time to prepare meals. The current plan is to make things in advance, like grilled chicken, and simply keep it in the refrigerator for the week. Aside from the obvious question of how long it will stay good (I think three days would be the max, so I think that's fine), what do I do about veggies?

I know that I can use canned green beans, asperagus, etc., but I would prefer mushrooms and zuchinni. Can I cook them in advance and store them, or will that ruin them?

JKSRN · by **JKSRN** » September 26th, 2006, 12:13 pm

Hi Manly, first of all, best wishes for you on your new job.

Grilling chicken ahead of time makes sense. If you cook several pieces, and are worried about leaving them in the fridge for a whole week, then keep three days worth in the fridge and put the rest of them in the freezer. I use the Gladware containers and everything stays really fresh in them. I also weigh the correct ounces while placing them in the Gladware, much more convenient and a time saver.

As for veggies, if you cook up fresh ones, don't cook them too long, and use 'microwave' time, if you will have one at work, to finish the cooking process. Just some thoughts.
Joan

DogMa · by **DogMa** » September 26th, 2006, 12:25 pm

Joan's right. I cook my veggies ahead all the time (or I did before my current salad phase). I'd grill or roast 'em, and then just microwave them later. They may not be QUITE as tasty as freshly cooked veggies, but they'll be OK.

gillian · by **gillian** » September 26th, 2006, 1:39 pm

100. Dude, that is great.

Sarya · by **Sarya** » September 26th, 2006, 3:28 pm

I made six meals worth of chicken last weekend. I also grilled some portabello mushrooms and other veggies. When it was all cooled I threw it in zip lock bags and popped it into the freezer. Both cooked mushrooms and cooked zucchini will freeze perfectly fine. As well as peppers, onions, broccoli, eggplant, etc. Just make sure they're cooked. Some veggies like cucumber have a high water content which can mess up the consistency of the veggie if it is frozen, but if you are cooking veggies that won't be a problem.

What you could do if you are so inclined is cook your chicken until it is just done. Cook your veggies until they are almost done. Pack up the meals into those disposable gladware containers (or whatever) and then just stack them in the freezer. Take one a day and microwave it when lunchtime comes.

supermom · by **supermom** » September 26th, 2006, 6:05 pm

They got you covered manly!! I leave my chicken a little under done, as it finishes cooking in the nuker. This seems to help keep it from drying out. I have frozen cooked mushrooms and zuchini before---like the chicken, I don't get it quite done, and it finishes in the nuker. If you freeze in ziploc bags, they act as a steamer when you reheat. So does the gladware, but the baggies are a little easier to store and toss if you are limited with freezer space at home or at work. Also, if you put about a tablespoon of water and some seasonings in a baggie with some chopped fresh veggies, they steam up really nice in the nuker. I also pre cook turkey burgers and ground steak burgers. Add a little water and some worchestershire sauce (just a little) to keep your meat from drying out. Good luck on the new job and with the meals in advance idea.

Oh yeah---the zuchini pie and the zuchini boat recipes that Mike and I posted in the Lean Cuisine could be made ahead and heated up at work later!!

DogMa · by **DogMa** » September 26th, 2006, 10:10 pm

BTW, Manly, shouldn't your start date be 06?? You didn't start a year and a half ago.

ascicles · by **ascicles** » September 27th, 2006, 7:04 am

DogMa wrote:BTW, Manly, shouldn't your start date be 06?? You didn't start a year and a half ago.

Yeah, I'll fix that.

kendra_m · by **kendra_m** » September 27th, 2006, 11:58 am

One L&G that I really like to take to work is LF cottage cheese with chopped tomatoes, green peppers and cukes, all mixed together with some dill. Especially good in the summertime with yummy maters.

And congrats on 100! That is marvelous!

DogMa · by **DogMa** » September 29th, 2006, 3:01 pm

OMG, no offense, but I think I just threw up a little in my mouth. :lol:

The only thing in there I'd eat is the cucumber, and first I'd have to pick it out and wash it off.

Serendipity · by **Serendipity** » September 29th, 2006, 4:24 pm

Gotta stick up for ya Kendra. I love love love that l&G. I don't make it very often but though it sounds yucky, it tastes great!

Edited to add: As usual, this is just MHO, hehe.

DogMa · by **DogMa** » September 29th, 2006, 5:27 pm

Not if you hate cottage cheese, green peppers and tomatoes!!!

alpha femme · by **alpha femme** » September 29th, 2006, 5:38 pm

yeah...

i'd rather eat the little bit of throw up in robin's mouth.

:bib:

Sojourner · by **Sojourner** » September 30th, 2006, 2:54 am

alpha femme wrote:yeah...

i'd rather eat the little bit of throw up in robin's mouth.

THAT is disturbingly funny!!

<img src="http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_12_6.gif" alt="SmileyCentral.com" border="0"><img border="0" src="http://plugin.smileycentral.com/http%253A%252F%252Fimgfarm%252Ecom%252Fimages%252Fnocache%252Ftr%252Ffw%252Fsmiley%252Fsocial%252Egif%253Fi%253D36%252F36_12_6/image.gif">

kendra_m · by **kendra_m** » September 30th, 2006, 8:50 pm

alpha femme wrote:yeah...

i'd rather eat the little bit of throw up in robin's mouth.

i think i'll stick with the cottage cheese.

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