MIssing meals due to hetic schedule

[Kim M]

It has been a difficult week. Work has been crazy with numerous client's in crisis. I have gotten tied up for a whole day twice this week at work and then again on Saturday. I had breakfast which is a protein shake, but was not able to eat anything again until I got home. I worked overtime 2 days in situations where I was unable to eat. When I get home, I am hungry. It's a normal hunger, but I find I am eating too fast and then regretting it. I either can't finish what I am eating or want more. Sometimes my stomach is full after a few bites which doesn't worry me as when I can eat more than I should be. I will be 3 months post op this week. I don't want to my pouch to stretch. I am suppose to be eating only 2 oz. of protein and probably ate 3-4 oz at least twice this week. I bring my lunch to work, but since I work out in the community I am not always back for lunch. I have looked into protein bars, but this is not something I can eat for other reasons. Any suggestions?

 

[Jules]

You need to carry a packed lunch with you at all times...string cheese...protein drinks (pre made)...yogurt...cottage cheese...have something available where you can easily grab and snack on when you need to eat something. Also your water, you should always have your water with you to drink in between your meals. Good Luck!

 

[TwoMas]

Hi Kim, Jules is right on with her post, I can only add roasted peanuts and beef jerky if you can tolerate it, those worked well for me when I was on the go. Tom

 

[Pat99]

Kim-I agree with the suggestions given. Take a look at the bariatric store on this forum (go to the home page) to see if there is anything that appeals to you. I strongly suggest you try thr Ostrim BBQ meat sticks (Jerky). They taste very much like a Slim Jim, have only 80 calories and 14 grams of protein. The texture is soft, not leathery like most Jerky. There are other flavors too but the BBQ is excellent. The maple turkey stick is tough and VERY hard to chew. The other flavors are OK too but I find the BBQ to be the closest to the Slim Jims. Just stick 1 or 2 in your pocket or purse and your all set for a while, no refridgeration required!!!

Other things you can pack in a lunch cooler with ice are yogurt, sugar free pudding cups and boiled eggs. If you find it hard to drink enough plain water try using the single packs of sugar free powder drink mixes. Hawaiin Punch makes a lot of great flavors and you can usually get an 8 pack for around $1 at WalMart. I think the flavors are much better than Crystal Light and almost 1/3 of the price

 

[Kim M]

Everything recommended sounds great, but because of another medical condition I am unable to eat any of the things suggested. I do bring my breakfast and lunch to work and if I know I am going to have a break between client's I will bring an insulated bag with yogart. However, due to the nature of my work I never know when I go out to meet someone if there will be a major crisis. I would bring some protein powder with me, but I have to mix with skim milk, as it is unflavored and I was told not to mix it with water. I had to work overtime today and when I got home was hungry. I waited about 2 hours before I ate and am now feeling satisfied. I feel like all I am doing is thinking about food, when to eat, what to eat, what if I don't eat. I'm feeling unbalanced right now. I guess I still have the fear that I am going to blow it.

 

[Pat99]

Kim-I have no more suggestions. Your best bet it to talk to a bariatric nutritionist.