Spryte Posted March 23, 2017 Share Posted March 23, 2017 I need to fill their freezer, but there are some special diet needs. Diabetic - so no sugar, low carb, preferably no pasta, bread, etc. Low sodium. Nothing spicy. This is the hard one for me, I tend to cook spicy foods. Any links would be appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zinnia Posted March 23, 2017 Share Posted March 23, 2017 Meatloaf Sausage patties, to quickly heat up with eggs Quiche.....I have never frozen without crust, but maybe Vegetable soup (potatoes don't freeze well) Salisbury steak in gravy Stroganoff 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HollyDay Posted March 23, 2017 Share Posted March 23, 2017 in my freezer at the moment are various homemade meals in individual ziplocks: sloppy joes soups: vegetable, lentil, chicken noodle, hamburger/veggie beef chili beef stew white chicken chili cooked shredded BBQ chicken and cooked shredded BBQ beef beef stroganoff breakfast casserole spaghetti sauce meatballs muffins cooked unseasoned ground beef (usually for tacos later) staples: bread brown rice frozen chicken breasts for grilling later frozen veggies frozen fruit butter cream cheese blocks ground beef ice packs for sore/tired muscles aloe gel for cuts/scrapes frozen packs for coolers/lunchboxes, etc. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baseball mom Posted March 23, 2017 Share Posted March 23, 2017 Cooked hamburger patties, pork chops, chicken breasts (grilled or stove cooked) -- when we grill I try to grill extra, lay extra on a cookie sheet and freeze. Then pop in freezer bag . That way I can pull out how many I need a the moment. Chicken pot pie --- either whole pie or just the insides Meatloaf Cooked -- taco meat, pulled pork BBQ, ground beef, shredded chicken, 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah CB Posted March 23, 2017 Share Posted March 23, 2017 Meat balls are easy to make lots of and they tend to freeze well. I made these stuffed chicken thighs a few weeks ago - I made a double batch and froze half. They froze well and were easy to cook from frozen: http://www.ditchthecarbs.com/2015/03/30/spinach-stuffed-chicken/ 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted March 23, 2017 Share Posted March 23, 2017 Do they eat vegetables or are otherwise picky eaters? Would quiche be welcome or are talking about meat & potato eaters that we are accommodating? I ask because I've bumped into this issue a few times. For the meat & potato crowd: *meatloaf *meatballs in a base of spaghetti sauce, topped with mozzarella *bbq chicken breasts, with a bit of extra sauce on top (low-sugar sauce) *beef stew *chicken fajitas *peppers stuffed with sausage or ground beef *chicken over cauliflower "rice": http://www.ibreatheimhungry.com/2015/05/low-carb-baked-chicken-and-cauliflower-rice.html I found that with my elderly family, they LOVED sweets, and were sabotaging their diets with them, so finding a healthy balance was important.... banana slices frozen with peanut butter to make sandwiches, blueberries covered in greek yogurt and frozen, high protein waffles with low sugar syrup....if I didn't have something sweet for them to nosh on, they were picking up pies and cookies at the grocery store. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted March 24, 2017 Author Share Posted March 24, 2017 (edited) These are all great ideas, thanks everyone. I made chicken divan tonight - 4 trays - which is like chicken and broccoli in a cheese sauce. I make the roux, so no cream of whatever soups. This weekend I'll tackle the great ideas you gave me. Do they eat vegetables or are otherwise picky eaters? Would quiche be welcome or are talking about meat & potato eaters that we are accommodating? I ask because I've bumped into this issue a few times. For the meat & potato crowd: *meatloaf *meatballs in a base of spaghetti sauce, topped with mozzarella *bbq chicken breasts, with a bit of extra sauce on top (low-sugar sauce) *beef stew *chicken fajitas *peppers stuffed with sausage or ground beef *chicken over cauliflower "rice": http://www.ibreatheimhungry.com/2015/05/low-carb-baked-chicken-and-cauliflower-rice.html I found that with my elderly family, they LOVED sweets, and were sabotaging their diets with them, so finding a healthy balance was important.... banana slices frozen with peanut butter to make sandwiches, blueberries covered in greek yogurt and frozen, high protein waffles with low sugar syrup....if I didn't have something sweet for them to nosh on, they were picking up pies and cookies at the grocery store. Yes! Sweets are a terrible issue, and they are both diabetic (uncontrolled, chronically very high sugar which has caused a slew of serious problems). What kind of high protein waffles? Do you make them or buy them? That's a good idea. I should pick up some other safe treats. I think they will eat veggies. :) Edited March 24, 2017 by Spryte 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenn in FL Posted March 24, 2017 Share Posted March 24, 2017 in my freezer at the moment are various homemade meals in individual ziplocks: sloppy joes soups: vegetable, lentil, chicken noodle, hamburger/veggie beef chili beef stew white chicken chili cooked shredded BBQ chicken and cooked shredded BBQ beef beef stroganoff breakfast casserole spaghetti sauce meatballs muffins cooked unseasoned ground beef (usually for tacos later) staples: bread brown rice frozen chicken breasts for grilling later frozen veggies frozen fruit butter cream cheese blocks ground beef ice packs for sore/tired muscles aloe gel for cuts/scrapes frozen packs for coolers/lunchboxes, etc. So Holly, Wanna trade freezers? That's all... :tongue_smilie: 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom-ninja. Posted March 24, 2017 Share Posted March 24, 2017 grain free pancakes/waffles for easy breakfasts. grain free muffins/rolls Lots of good paleo blogs out there. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted March 24, 2017 Share Posted March 24, 2017 low carb waffles: There are a number of mixes out there---Bob's Red Mill, Kodiak Cakes (not really low carb, fwiw), etc.. I personally prefer the grain free/greek yogurt style recipes. There are a SLEW of them on the web. Pick one that you think will work. Likewise, if you go onto pinterest and search for low-carb cookies, muffins, etc., the recipes are out there. Personally, brownies were the biggest hit. I found that you can SLOWLY get elderly family to eat better, but it's definitely a transition for their tastebuds. I had to take over cooking for a long while. There is still no mental understanding of nutrition, despite numerous discussions. I share this, because the lack of understanding is still mind-blowing to me. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted March 24, 2017 Share Posted March 24, 2017 meals with veggies: zucchini lasagna chicken, spinach, cheese enchiladas zucchini fritters (serve with sour cream) lemon garlic chicken (served with bagged salad) salmon packets (baked with asparagus) sweet potato black bean burritos (low carb tortillas) broccoli cheese soup 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitestavern Posted March 24, 2017 Share Posted March 24, 2017 I make meals for my MIL since FIL passed away. She loves this minestrone soup by Giada: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/beef-and-cannellini-bean-minestrone-recipe/ It has beans but you could leave them out if it's too starchy. I add a bit more ground beef. You can control the salt, obviously. Here's another one she loves. For her I use spicy chicken sausage because that's what she likes, but you could use regular. Again, leave the beans out if you have to. http://allrecipes.com/recipe/12942/italian-sausage-soup/ She also likes pot pies. If you only put a couple of layers of phyllo on they aren't too bad carb wise. Beef stew is another good one, without potatoes. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted March 24, 2017 Share Posted March 24, 2017 If you're not opposed to store-bought, Trader Joe's has so many good healthy frozen options at very reasonable prices. (I loaded up on them for my father when my mother was hospitalized for an extensive period and then home recovering.) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted March 24, 2017 Author Share Posted March 24, 2017 If you're not opposed to store-bought, Trader Joe's has so many good healthy frozen options at very reasonable prices. (I loaded up on them for my father when my mother was hospitalized for an extensive period and then home recovering.) Trader Joe's is a trek for me, but if they have what we need it would be worth it. Can you tell me if they have low sodium options? MIL had a heart attack, has kidney disease and was retaining fluids around lungs and heart. Her sugar was sky high, so we all focused on lower carbs and sugar, and she ate frozen meals that fit those parameters, but no one watched the salt. Those tend to be high sodium, apparently so ... a week after getting home there was another heart attack and fluid around the lungs. We haven't found low sodium, diabetic friendly frozen foods anywhere yet, but I haven't tried Trader Joe's. If they have some, I'm jumping in the car now! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted March 24, 2017 Author Share Posted March 24, 2017 (edited) low carb waffles: There are a number of mixes out there---Bob's Red Mill, Kodiak Cakes (not really low carb, fwiw), etc.. I personally prefer the grain free/greek yogurt style recipes. There are a SLEW of them on the web. Pick one that you think will work. Likewise, if you go onto pinterest and search for low-carb cookies, muffins, etc., the recipes are out there. Personally, brownies were the biggest hit. I found that you can SLOWLY get elderly family to eat better, but it's definitely a transition for their tastebuds. I had to take over cooking for a long while. There is still no mental understanding of nutrition, despite numerous discussions. I share this, because the lack of understanding is still mind-blowing to me. Oh goodness, the lack of understanding is mind blowing here, too. We've had years and years of talking and now are seeing the results of the poor choices. But it's like every time it's brought up, it's brand new info that they've never heard. And it's ignored. I don't understand. These are smart people, and I love them and want them they be healthy. I will check out recipes. We have to be cautious with having my son's anaphylactic allergens in the house, so we might be limited on some things, but you've given me great ideas! Thanks so much, everyone! I don't know why I didn't think if cooking for the in laws' freezer till now. :) Edited March 24, 2017 by Spryte 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted March 24, 2017 Share Posted March 24, 2017 Trader Joe's is a trek for me, but if they have what we need it would be worth it. Can you tell me if they have low sodium options? MIL had a heart attack, has kidney disease and was retaining fluids around lungs and heart. Her sugar was sky high, so we all focused on lower carbs and sugar, and she ate frozen meals that fit those parameters, but no one watched the salt. Those tend to be high sodium, apparently so ... a week after getting home there was another heart attack and fluid around the lungs. We haven't found low sodium, diabetic friendly frozen foods anywhere yet, but I haven't tried Trader Joe's. If they have some, I'm jumping in the car now! :) They do have low sodium, but not on most things. In general, I've found that most of their frozen foods are a lot healthier, but not necessarily low sodium, though that's not something I'm watching for. Things in my freezer that haven't been mentioned... These pea cakes: http://www.fostersmarket.com/recipe/savory-black-eyed-pea-cakes/ And this soup: https://www.fostersmarket.com/recipe/roasted-butternut-squash-soup-with-tomatoes-thyme-and-corn-bread-croutons/ Plus homemade waffles, meatballs, chili... a number of things mentioned. And some pasta and carb heavy things. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted March 24, 2017 Author Share Posted March 24, 2017 They do have low sodium, but not on most things. In general, I've found that most of their frozen foods are a lot healthier, but not necessarily low sodium, though that's not something I'm watching for. Things in my freezer that haven't been mentioned... These pea cakes: http://www.fostersmarket.com/recipe/savory-black-eyed-pea-cakes/ And this soup: https://www.fostersmarket.com/recipe/roasted-butternut-squash-soup-with-tomatoes-thyme-and-corn-bread-croutons/ Plus homemade waffles, meatballs, chili... a number of things mentioned. And some pasta and carb heavy things. Thank you, that's helpful before driving a good bit out of the way. I'll plan to swing in to TJ next time I'm in the area to check it out, but maybe not a special trip. Checking your links now. This thread is making me hungry. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted March 24, 2017 Share Posted March 24, 2017 Shredded chicken, pot roast, pork bbq in meal-sized amounts. They can serve with a salad or slaw or whatever. Individual meat loaves (I shape them using a 1/2 cup measure and freeze before baking). You can bake straight from frozen (350 for 40-45 minutes). Squirt some ketchup on top near the end. Chili, soups, stews in individual portions. You can freeze in silicone muffin tins. Lots of freezer meal ideas for paleo and low carb on the interwebs. You're very thoughtful to do this. :) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted March 24, 2017 Share Posted March 24, 2017 veg, veg, more veg marinated meat that is easy to cook/heat up soups I'd say quiche, but I have no clue how that holds up to freezing. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted March 24, 2017 Share Posted March 24, 2017 Trader Joe's is a trek for me, but if they have what we need it would be worth it. Can you tell me if they have low sodium options? MIL had a heart attack, has kidney disease and was retaining fluids around lungs and heart. Her sugar was sky high, so we all focused on lower carbs and sugar, and she ate frozen meals that fit those parameters, but no one watched the salt. Those tend to be high sodium, apparently so ... a week after getting home there was another heart attack and fluid around the lungs. We haven't found low sodium, diabetic friendly frozen foods anywhere yet, but I haven't tried Trader Joe's. If they have some, I'm jumping in the car now! :) It's a trek for me too. From a quick online search, it seems that they have a lot of low-sodium options. Various sites have said things like "Has a great selection of low sodium foods." 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted March 24, 2017 Share Posted March 24, 2017 Spryte--to give you an idea of the selection at TJ's: http://www.delish.com/food-news/g3929/22-low-carb-frozen-foods-from-trader-joes/?slide=22 Good low sodium food items there: marinara sauce soups "no salt added" chips low sodium ezekiel bread flat cakes--lemon, chocolate, ??? Someone created a pinboard of low sodium items there.....not all are in stock near me, but you'll get an idea... https://www.pinterest.com/lindau23/low-sodium-trader-joes/ I personally like the spice blend "21 seasoning solute" and their frozen cherries a lot. I eat the cherries straight from the freezer as a treat when I'm craving sweets. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted March 24, 2017 Share Posted March 24, 2017 Spryte--to give you an idea of the selection at TJ's: http://www.delish.com/food-news/g3929/22-low-carb-frozen-foods-from-trader-joes/?slide=22 Good low sodium food items there: marinara sauce soups "no salt added" chips low sodium ezekiel bread flat cakes--lemon, chocolate, ??? Someone created a pinboard of low sodium items there.....not all are in stock near me, but you'll get an idea... https://www.pinterest.com/lindau23/low-sodium-trader-joes/ I personally like the spice blend "21 seasoning solute" and their frozen cherries a lot. I eat the cherries straight from the freezer as a treat when I'm craving sweets. All very carby...except marinara sauce. (yes, I'm the carb police..LOL) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted March 24, 2017 Share Posted March 24, 2017 Sparkly--I don't disagree. In earlier posts, I gave ideas of low carb meals. There was a specific question about what low sodium items TJ's might have. I listed those. My first link in that same post is to the lower carb items that TJ's carries. My answers were TJ specific because I live close to one and Spryte lives far away from one and she was contemplating making a drive.... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted March 25, 2017 Author Share Posted March 25, 2017 You are all the best! I took the in laws a few casseroles today, and a rotisserie chicken. Plus sausages that fit the bill. We went over a lot of options you've all given me, and have ideas for the next few weeks. Whew. I'll stop in TJs next time we're up that way. :) We're going for low carb, low sodium, no sugar, so I need policing on all of that. Police away! Meatloaf was exciting, which I find daunting. I don't care for it, don't make it. Oops. Anyone with a great recipe? FIL asked for one with a tomato sauce on top, and I love zoobie's idea of individual sizes. I'll check google, of course. But if anyone has a kick butt recipe, I'd love that, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted March 25, 2017 Share Posted March 25, 2017 Pioneer Woman's meatloaf is awesome. It's the one thing FIL requests every time I visit. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acadie Posted March 25, 2017 Share Posted March 25, 2017 I just want to say you are a super cool DIL for taking this on. My ILs were not there for us around births and our children's health issues, so that shapes my sense of what I'll be able to do for them as they age. But there's no doubt that your ILs and dh are so lucky to have you! Amy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted March 25, 2017 Share Posted March 25, 2017 Beans are very good for diabetics (soluble fiber helps control blood sugar), so any bean dishes that they might like such as chili, lentils, WTM bean dip (haha) for veges to dip would be good.Oatmeal is another good source of soluble fiber. you can find meatloaf recipes that use it as a binder. I eat low sodium and shop at Trader Joe's regularly. I gave up trying to find frozen dinners. I tried for a long time to find one I could take to work, Finally found one then they discontinued it! I do like their low sodium soups: tomato & roasted red pepper have good nutrition profiles. You might look into Barilla Plus pasta. Regular store not TJs. It tastes like white pasta but is made with bean flour and semolina so is higher protein/ higher fiber than other pasta. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted March 25, 2017 Author Share Posted March 25, 2017 (edited) I just want to say you are a super cool DIL for taking this on. My ILs were not there for us around births and our children's health issues, so that shapes my sense of what I'll be able to do for them as they age. But there's no doubt that your ILs and dh are so lucky to have you! Amy Thank you. I would do anything for my in laws. :) I wish I could share my amazing in laws with you. They are just ... wonderful. When DS was tiny, I was extremely ill. It was similar to BlesdMama's current story (not sure if I spelled her username correctly), and we feared I might not make it. I ended up bedridden long-term and the recovery took years. My MIL took turns with my mom, each spending 6 weeks at a time, helping us. Between our moms, we made it. I wish I could do more now, than cook and fill their freezer. Edited March 25, 2017 by Spryte 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted March 25, 2017 Author Share Posted March 25, 2017 Beans are very good for diabetics (soluble fiber helps control blood sugar), so any bean dishes that they might like such as chili, lentils, WTM bean dip (haha) for veges to dip would be good.Oatmeal is another good source of soluble fiber. you can find meatloaf recipes that use it as a binder. I eat low sodium and shop at Trader Joe's regularly. I gave up trying to find frozen dinners. I tried for a long time to find one I could take to work, Finally found one then they discontinued it! I do like their low sodium soups: tomato & roasted red pepper have good nutrition profiles. You might look into Barilla Plus pasta. Regular store not TJs. It tastes like white pasta but is made with bean flour and semolina so is higher protein/ higher fiber than other pasta. Oh! I didn't know that about beans. Thank you! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted March 25, 2017 Share Posted March 25, 2017 You are all the best! I took the in laws a few casseroles today, and a rotisserie chicken. Plus sausages that fit the bill. We went over a lot of options you've all given me, and have ideas for the next few weeks. Whew. I'll stop in TJs next time we're up that way. :) We're going for low carb, low sodium, no sugar, so I need policing on all of that. Police away! Meatloaf was exciting, which I find daunting. I don't care for it, don't make it. Oops. Anyone with a great recipe? FIL asked for one with a tomato sauce on top, and I love zoobie's idea of individual sizes. I'll check google, of course. But if anyone has a kick butt recipe, I'd love that, too. Don't know if it was mentioned, but they have frozen riced cauliflower. They have it in many grocery stores now, but the price at TJs is quite a bit better. Only thing I really go there for though in the realm of low carb is cheese and nuts. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debbi in Texas Posted March 25, 2017 Share Posted March 25, 2017 My diabetic mother uses a frozen vegetable mix that she loves. It is a basic cauliflower, broccoli, and carrot mixture that is steamable. She uses a balsamic vinegar mixture on it. I am pretty sure she eats this several times a week. There are many steamable options available now, some labeled high protein. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted March 25, 2017 Author Share Posted March 25, 2017 Don't know if it was mentioned, but they have frozen riced cauliflower. They have it in many grocery stores now, but the price at TJs is quite a bit better. Only thing I really go there for though in the realm of low carb is cheese and nuts. I'll pick some up, that sounds like a good one. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted March 25, 2017 Share Posted March 25, 2017 Just wanted to say to read the labels on any balsamic vinegar. I needed some and was in line at the grocery store and so left my cart to quickly grab one in a nearby aisle. They were out of my regular kind and I grabbed another brand. It tasted ghastly sweet. It had 12 grams of sugar per tablespoon! That is more grams of sugar than a serving of a dark chocolate candy bar (almost 1/2 bar!) Even my regular brand has 6 g. sugar per T, so if you are shopping for balsamic vinegar for them, be sure to read the labels! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angie in VA Posted March 25, 2017 Share Posted March 25, 2017 So Holly, Wanna trade freezers? That's all... :tongue_smilie: ^^^This.^^^ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heartlikealion Posted March 25, 2017 Share Posted March 25, 2017 I don't like spicy food. It can be done but yes it can be tricky. I notice that if I buy pre-packaged items that are not sold as spicy they are sometimes spicy (like chicken tenders that aren't labeled as spicy). Can you make a healthy-ish breakfast dish? I'm really into riced cauliflower lately. You can buy it premade in the freezer section (comes plain or seasoned) or do it yourself. I saw a video online recently where they used riced cauliflower as the bottom of some breakfast muffins. I guess kinda like some people would use hashbrowns. It was basically cauiflower, egg, then some cut up veggies or in some cases maybe a meat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heartlikealion Posted March 25, 2017 Share Posted March 25, 2017 Oh I just saw it was already mentioned lol. I think the brand we get is Bird's Eye. I know there's another brand, but I never see it in the store here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HollyDay Posted March 25, 2017 Share Posted March 25, 2017 Just went looking for something in my freezer and found a few other ideas: nuts coffee frozen burgers (like Bubba burgers, turkey or chicken burgers, veggie burgers) bacon sausage patties flour Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted March 25, 2017 Share Posted March 25, 2017 Oh I just saw it was already mentioned lol. I think the brand we get is Bird's Eye. I know there's another brand, but I never see it in the store here. Green Giant has it. And they have some at TJs. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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