Since I've been on this pre/post operative diet, mainly liquids, for over a month now, I'm really looking forward to Monday when I'll be able to eat solid foods again. But what will that first meal be? I thought I'd countdown my favorite meals. Let me know what yours are.

So, one of my favorite meals is what I call the Starch-o-rama. I am totally serious about loving this meal.

1. Mexican/chili beans - very spicy
2. Mac and cheese (homemade, deluxe Kraft, or even out of the cardboard box)
3. Whole kernal corn (not cream style)
4. Slice of onion
5. Chunk of kielbasa or a couple of hot dogs (Oscar Mayer) with lots of mustard
6. Potato chips - Classic Lays OR mashed potatoes (homemade only)

I know, I know. It sounds hideous when you look at it from a nutritional standpoint. But my taste buds revel in the flavors. The meal has a great blend of textures: crunchy, chewy, crisp, firm. It has a nice balance of sweet, spicy, salty and tangy. What it doesn't have a balance in is green vegetables.

Before you scoff, try it out. You could also add fresh sliced tomatoes, or substitute chili for the chili beans.