Quick Meals

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I have a condition. I don’t think I am alone in this condition. This condition is called My-Eyes-Are-Bigger-Than-My-Stomach.  I am certain this is a world wide condition, except in France, no reported cases coming from that country. But for the millions, maybe even billions, it is a real problem-most particularly in the fall, it’s a strange phenomena.

When I had my gastric bypass surgery in 2008, quite literally my eyes became bigger than my stomach. Learning portion control was crucial or very bad things happened to me. All these years later, bad things still happen when I get lax on portion control. While I learned (read struggled) to cook better, leaner, and healthier, I did rely on frozen, pre-portioned meals. They were a great way for me to get the protein and veggies I needed, without putting too much on my plate.

At first, one frozen meal, particularly LEAN CUISINE® afforded me two meals from one carton. Sadly this is no longer the case, I can eat almost an entire one now.

I have learned to cook healthier and leaner now. It is no longer a struggle. But my life hasn’t slowed down much. Since my surgery, I have gotten a divorce and am raising my daughter alone. My kid has a busier social life than I do, so between her schedule, my work schedule, and the occasional attempt at my having social life, things are B-U-S-Y.

LEAN CUISINE® frozen meals continue to be a great source of nutrition and convenience. I just got home from a trip to Italy, my fridge and freezer are empty. Oh, I might have forgotten to mention that when I went to California in May, there was a snafu with my power company and I was without power for 5 days.  Once they realized the error, it got turned back on, but not before all, and I mean all, the contents of my fridge and freezer had to be tossed.

Since I was leaving shortly to Italy after returning from California, I didn’t buy much by way of restocking. When I got home a few days ago, I ran to the Walmart to pick up a few things, again not wanting to buy too much because I am leaving again in 10 days for a business trip, I happened upon a new line of LEAN CUISINE® meals. These are called LEAN CUISINE® Marketplace featuring organic ingredient options, gluten-free options, and most excitedly for me, protein packed options.

Having organic varieties and gluten-free options are fantastic, but I am on a protein-heavy diet, therefore these new protein packed meals are perfect for me. Being the type of person I am, I did pick up one meal in each of the new categories because well, I’m a curious sort. Each meal, the organic pasta in Marketplace Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Cheese, the gluten-free Marketplace Comfort Chicken in Sweet BBQ Sauce, and the high-protein Marketplace Sweet & Spicy Korean­Style Beef were all rich with flavor.

I’m a sucker for white cheddar, so I had to try that. But I only got two bites and the young one I live with absconded with it. She loved it, so I can vouch for the two bites I had, but she gives it two thumbs up, and from a 5-year old mac n cheese lover, you know that’s high praise.

The gluten-free meal was in a fabulous barbecue sauce, something about it reminded me of childhood.  I’m still trying to put my finger on what exactly, but I did enjoy it. I added a few green onions to give it a pop of color and they added nicely to the cheesy potatoes.

The high-protein meal was delicious. I am a fan of Asian food (don’t believe me, check out the category on this site, that should be proof.) There was a perfect amount of spicy and sweet. Although for some of you, I can see you reaching for the sriracha, and I won’t fault you for that.

When the meals don’t have veggies, I just add my own side salad, nothing fancy, just something easy and delicious. I absolutely love the convenience of these LEAN CUISINE® Marketplace meals. I love that they are offering new recipes with modern health benefits tailored specifically for each of our specialty diet needs. Look for the special offer June 14-28 in the Superfridge to try out these on the LEAN CUISINE® menu items. Let me know which one you like best. There’s a stuffed ravioli calling my name soon.

You can check out the many wonderful LEAN CUISINE® offerings on their Pinterest and Facebook pages.

Thank you for sharing!