Eating when really busy

[bluewolf17]

I have been steadily loosing weight by eating better and working out (suprise suprise Lol). I think I have come to a brick wall..haven't lost in two weeks.

 

Part of it is my busy life. I work a full time job 9-5, then go to college full time. I eat a good breakfest, but lunch is normally a frozen lunch with a piece of fruit. I compare the frozen lunches to try and pick ones that are low in fat and calories and sodium..but it's hard. I drink lots of water all day because I know I get a lot of sodium at lunch time..but I just don't have time to make my own lunch or dinner! Plus I can't really cook..any advice on quick and easy lunches? It would be great if I could make them at home for cheap...

 

How about dinner too? I normally have lunch at work, then around 4:30 a snack. I go to the gym after 5pm, my classes are 6:40 to 9pm...so I usually have dinner after the gym but before class. It's usually sushi or a sandwhich.

 

I am running out of ideas!

[sunrae]

I try to fix something on the weekend that I can eat on throughout the week, like soup, different kinds of chilis ect.(my favorite is a low fat buffalo chicken chili, tastes like hot wings).. I package them in individual containers, so I can just grab them a go out the door.

 

I also try to use different types of bread when making sandwiches, sometimes I buy wraps, pita pockets ect, to try to change it up a bit, so I dont feel like I'm eating the same thing over and over again (even though it is a sandwich)

 

Keep up the good work on losing weight... I know hitting a wall can be frustrating, but keep it up..

 

Weight watchers also a a five ingrediant cookbook, so those are SUPER easy to make.

[xpaperxcutx]

Have you thought about packing lunches? When you're busy you're generally not aware of the amount of calories you're ingesting.

 

If you have time at night, prepare your meals for the next day, like a tuna sandwich or something. Also try to prepare protein shakes for your workouts so you don't get hungry afterwards.

 

Even if you feel like you don't have time, you have to be a bit diligent if you want to be healthier.

[bluewolf17]

Sigh* I know..I HAVE to make a better effort to bring meals to work instead of frozen meals. Sometimes I buy those bagged salads, then chop onions and cucumbers and bring my light dressing to work. I have also brought home made sandwiches.

 

 

That's a good idea to cook a large portion on the weekend, then bring that to work for a few days!

 

I have been doing protein shakes for Breakfest. Non fat yogurt, low sugar fruit juice, frozen fruits and soy protein. It keeps me energized and full. I haven't thought about having one before the gym..I don't think I can as I go straight from work to the gym. Unless did you mean like a Slim Fast protein drink?

[Star Gazer]

I'm in the same boat... sometimes I can't even eat lunch because I get pulled into a meeting, or onto a conference call, or I'm slammed trying to get a filing out. *sigh*

 

My lunches are typically a sandwich with fruit. It takes like 2 minutes in the morning to make the sandwich, it's quicker than the 4-6 minutes a frozen meal takes to heat up. Or I make a big batch or something (turkey chili [see the recipe from Bon Appetit], a light casserole, or even a large "skinny" chicken pizza from Round Table that I break into portions).

 

As for frozen meals, I'm in LOVE with the "Cafe Steamers" from Healthy Choice. Very tasty and quite filling.

[Star Gazer]

There's also some pre-made salads at the grocery store. They come in a little bowl... my favorite is the southwest chicken salad (corn, chicken, crispy tortilla strips, dressing) and it's only like 250 calories!

[xpaperxcutx]

Sigh* I know..I HAVE to make a better effort to bring meals to work instead of frozen meals. Sometimes I buy those bagged salads, then chop onions and cucumbers and bring my light dressing to work. I have also brought home made sandwiches.

 

 

That's a good idea to cook a large portion on the weekend, then bring that to work for a few days!

 

I have been doing protein shakes for Breakfest. Non fat yogurt, low sugar fruit juice, frozen fruits and soy protein. It keeps me energized and full. I haven't thought about having one before the gym..I don't think I can as I go straight from work to the gym. Unless did you mean like a Slim Fast protein drink?

 

 

get one of those thermo cups and pack a protein shake for post workouts.

 

Are you getting enough protein? I think it's a good idea to have a morning protein and a night protein, because even if you workout really late and do not have time to eat afterwards, that protein will at least give you the necessary calories and nutrients to repair muscles.

 

I would not recommend slimfast since commercial drinks are loaded with aspartame and sugar.

 

If you can, try to make alot of food over the weekend or on monday night, so you can at least pack leftovers for lunch.

 

Canned tuna is always good, I always go for Bumblee tuna packed in water and the sodium is differently less than what you're getting from frozen packaged food.

 

Salads are easy to make, and as Sunrae said, pita breads ( made from brown wheat) are easy to prepare. So you have your protein and your " good" carbs in one meal.

 

Also brown rice prepared the night before can be microwaved warm at work ( if your job has a microwave).

 

Meals can be easily prepared in less than 30 minutes, as long as you have your proteins ( tuna, chicken, tofu, etc) and a side carb ( broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, tomatoes, etc).

 

If you need recipes, PM me.

[bluewolf17]

Wonderfull advice! Thanks everyone!!