What are some good fillers for meals?

**MomToTwoBoys** · 01-05-2011, 11:25 AM

I know that oatmeal and lentils and beans are good fillers for main dishes, but what about for the things that go with the main dish?

I'm looking to fix our meal plan and include things that reduce my need for doubling the three main parts of the meal (main dish, side dish and vegetable). These are considered "extras" to a lot of people, but they're also needed to keep the grocery bill down to a minimum.

What goodies do you like to serve with your meals besides the main courses?

**momof2boys2005** · 01-05-2011, 11:44 AM

I'm not sure that I understand what you're asking...can you explain a bit more. My filler sides bread, salads (veggie, pasta or rice), small serving of soup, potatoes, perogis, puff pastries with various fillings.

**savvy_sniper** · 01-05-2011, 12:15 PM

If you are looking for things to keep you feeling "full" longer, you should add protein and fiber.

**momof2boys2005** · 01-05-2011, 12:26 PM

Originally Posted by savvy_sniper

If you are looking for things to keep you feeling "full" longer, you should add protein and fiber.

I totally agree with the protein comment!!!!!!!!! Most of my meals have a complete protein in them but esp dinner and lunch!!!!!!!!!!!!!

**Contrary Housewife** · 01-05-2011, 12:31 PM

Generally, if I want to add "more" to a meal inexpensively I do it with rolls, soup, or salad. A simple salad of lettuce and tomato is cheap and can add just enough extra. A light soup, broth and vegetables for example can do the same. I used rolls or bread only when the main dish is not already a carb or starch.

I also put pickles on the table when I can. Although I can see that getting expensive with a family of 4 or 5 which might go through a jar or more a week.

**Ceashels** · 01-05-2011, 01:18 PM

I had the same thoughts as Contrary. Many cultures use condiments like pickles, chutneys, to go along with the meal. I'm not in the habit of serving them here since I'm typically the only one who eats them.

What about making a jar of caramelized onions to go with the meat dishes and a large pan of onions will cook down but may last through several meals. Mushrooms are a favorite in this house. I also have pickled cauliflower from my summer time fun.

I will be adding soups to our menu as a pre meal course. I'm hoping that it will help me stay hydrated and eat less.

**CrazyCat** · 01-05-2011, 01:30 PM

applesauce, cottage cheese, celery and carrot sticks.... those kinds of things?

carbs are good for filling up hungry guys. Potatoes are your friend. Bread, rolls, peanut butter. When I make homemade vegetable soup..I always serve bread and peanut butter.

right now....we usually have hot peppers on the table. I canned hot pepper/hot dog mixture with a red sauce. We use that as a condiment, along with hot peppers in a vinegar sauce.
Usually hot things will satisfy a palate.

My guys could sit down and eat 3 chicken breasts in one sitting. I have to explain....one chicken breast, potatoes, veggies, salad, drink water..and you will be full. It's a MEAL...not a FEAST~! LOL!

**Libby** · 01-05-2011, 01:51 PM

We generally up the portion of the meat if super hungry - not two portions but more then the normal one portion.

We also overload on veggies as a side - small salad to start then a ton of steamed/blanched veggies on the dinner plate. Start dinner off with veggies & dip served 15 -20 mins prior to the main meal being served - like an appetizer? (not sure if your family would go for that)

Hot clear soups/broth help as well. North Americans tend to serve their soups first to stave off overeating but the Asians serve their soups after the meal to fill in the gaps. Its usually broth or consomme though. Either way - it makes you full and rounds out the meal. If soup post meal isn't your thing - a hot tea?

Rolls, rice or taters are the next options I'd suggest. I don't opt for those b/c my carb intake matters now.

What about fresh fruit for dessert? And make dessert 1/2 hr after eating so there's time to digest whatever what was inhaled. Those who eat fast don't get the 'full' feeling til 10 minutes later....usually after they've over eaten.

**sunshine** · 01-05-2011, 01:57 PM

deviled eggs, nut spreads, jams, honeys, flavored oils

**MomToTwoBoys** · 01-05-2011, 05:54 PM

I'm getting hungry just looking at the lists. You all are so awesome! We currently stay with MiL and FiL and they do meals like this:

Meat, side dish (steamed potatoes, rice or pasta), vegetable, salad (especially if the meal has a sauce to it like spaghetti and meatballs), bread/buns with butter, sliced pickles, milk/water. After all of that, they serve either fruit, homemade bread, cookies, coffee/tea and if it's pie, there is ice cream included. I'm stuffed by the end because there is just so much food! I love the idea of salad, especially since Costco carries a vidalia onion dressing that I can't get enough of. I'll make a list, including all of the examples you all provided for me. Thanks and keep em comin!

**Grayce** · 01-05-2011, 05:57 PM

I fill out a meal with 2 kinds of vegetables (frozen are economical), some sort of starch such as potatoes, brown rice or quiona (sp?) and salad. Slices of buttered whole wheat bread also help fill-up my hungry teenage boy.

**rskmom** · 01-06-2011, 03:44 PM

I like all these ideas!

One thought I had was that when my kids were younger I would give them a portion of veggies in a bowl and they had to eat that first. Now they are older but now they have to finish their veggies.

**renmerc446** · 01-06-2011, 04:19 PM

A cheese board? Basically some cheeses, fruits, maybe a little bread? Little bit of finger foods, including the chutneys others mentioned?

**krbshappy71** · 01-06-2011, 04:39 PM

Definitely throw out finger foods on the table before dinner so they can snack on healthy stuff while their stomachs are grumbling wanting dinner. I enjoyed having my girls sit at the table talking to me while I wrapped up dinner, piecing on the veggie tray and dip.