Hi,

I'm still a work in progress - lost a I am having issues with the time most of the dinners require.  The Prep, finding alot of the items etc... is there a easy, low fat quick family meal cook book you could reccommend that would fit the guidleines of the Alli diet plan.  Sometimes I end up blowing the meal plan becasue I have just too hetic of a schedule and can not meet the requirements of the receipes for a family of 4.  Any help is greatly appreciate.

Amber 

 Relax.  I know all this new stuff is a bit overwhelming in the beginning.  And, it gets easier and easier as you go along -- AND you don't have to follow the Sample Menu (recipes and shopping lists) precisely.

What's important is that you have the recommended amount of calories and fat each day; three meals and one or two snacks; and a variety of foods.

The Sample Menus can give you a nice overview of how to distribute calories and fat throughout the day -- and perhaps some ideas for meals.

Check the library for books by Cooking Light, Weight Watchers; and even books like Low-Fat Italian.  All will give you the nutritional analysis of the recipe so you know what else to add to the meal (a salad with LF or regular dressing; whole-grain roll and peanut butter, etc.)

Another approach is to cook off batches of food you can have through the week -- like grilled chicken and vegetables when you've got the barbecue fired up; or pots of chili in the winter that you can freeze in individual containers and MW for a quick dinner.

I hope this helps.  Please let me know if you need anything else.

Pat Baird, MA, RD, registered dietitian