Thanks, all...
So far, the biggest problems are still:
1) Me. (more on that later)
2) the stockpile of stuff he can't have anymore
3) the budget
4) enough space in the fridge
ME. Biggest problem.
I am NOT a cook. Period.
I "get by"... a few basics, and some "cheats".
BUT... husband can't have the "cheats" any more. (chicken fingers, pre-breaded fish, pancakes and sausages, etc.!)
So what on earth can I do that doesn't cost more than what we're doing now... in place of:
A) Protein for breakfast. We've done eggs for years. We've agreed that he will drop his week-day egg, and reduce weekend "treat" to one egg per day... reasonable per the guidelines. BUT. Can't have sausage or bacon... and about the ONLY thing he refuses to eat is peanut butter (or any equivalent of that). What else can we use for breakfast protein??? (don't say eggbeaters... I saw the price!)
B) Lunch ideas. IF we have good leftovers, its no problem - he's fine with leftovers. The rest of the time... has always been bread and "real" cheese. But even "low fat" cheese is not recommended... only "fat free". And that is not "real" cheese. (I happen to agree with that.) Ham keeps pretty good, but he can't have ham. AARGH. I need a really fast-and-easy no-preplanning-required LUNCH. That is low in artery-clogging stuff. Ideas?
C) Pasta. We have eaten for years with just pasta, a bit of butter, and grated cheese. But... what ELSE can you put on pasta? (it will have to be home-made... can't afford pre-made pasta sauces and such - and we don't have any good recipes for this stuff)
D) What do you do with 3 large blocks of full-fat sharp cheddar... that nobody else in the house can eat?
Any creative ideas out there?
(just when you're bored with the holiday activities and have time to think...)