Trials in the transition

[Made for More]

Today is day 4 of my transition to Phase 2. I'm struggling. Eating 2 meals a day is so much harder than just 1. The shakes in the Smoothie Shakedown were easy, filling, and simple. Planning & cooking is much more difficult. I think I need to make more use of the recipes, but am not finding the ambition to do so. I'm hoping this is a temporary phase I'm going through.
Has anyone else had this issue? Any suggestions?

[ElyMom]

I absolutely understand where you are coming from, Jai.

Creating new habits can be a lot of work. But there are a few things that can help make your new routine smoother and less work-intensive:
- look for recipes that you can prepare in large batches, or simply double- or triple-up on a recipe, so you have dinner for several days in one go.
- hard-boil a bunch of eggs and keep them on hand for a quick snack, or to chop up on your salad at lunch. I like making a whole bunch of FF Deviled Eggs (recipe in the FF book) and keep them on hand for a filling snack, accompanied by some veggies, or by a large salad for lunch. They keep for a few days no problem, because of the apple cider vinegar – though it's not usually an issue in my house, since both my daughters love them so it's not like I have a problem with too many leftovers. If you don't have the FFP book, check out Lynn's FF Baptist Eggs (recipe here.)
- marinate a few chicken breasts in lemon juice and fresh herbs, then put them in a ziploc bag in your fridge, ready to toss on the grill. Add a salad and/or some cooked veggies (mashed cauli, yum) and you've got yourself a quick lunch/dinner.
- make a batch of Pico de Gallo salsa (I use red onions in mine and omit the stevia) and keep it handy. It's great to top simple steamed or grilled fish or meat, or scrambled eggs. It changes something blah into something delish

Also consider that you are just learning to cook the FF way and probably trying new recipes every day, so of course that takes a bit longer. But soon it'll be second nature, and you'll learn your favorite recipes and flavor combinations by heart. And then it'll be a piece of cake! Until then, I hope you will find these tips helpful!

[Suerra]

Elisa has given you great advice! It's all about finding your groove- it may take a little time but you'll definitely get it!

I usually make twice as much dinner as I need, eat half, and bring the other half to work with me the next day. It is a major time saver- especially if you have it all tupperwared up and ready to go in the morning!

You'll find what you are most comfortable cooking up. I go in different cycles- sometimes its burger patties and stir-fried veggies, and sometimes its stuffed spaghetti squashes... once you realize how easy it can be, a world of opportunities will open for you!

Congrats and keep up the good work!

[Made for More]

Thanx guys for all the great suggestions. I've done some of these things and others I'll try. I think you're both right, I just need to find my stride. I'll keep plugging along...