my schedule this year has been absolutely ridiculous so far. One of my major problems is my class schedule. I have class from 10:45a through to 1:45pm. Right in the middle of the day and the lunch hour, with no real break to go get food, so I have to have something with me. I've been just doing snack stuff like a low-fat string cheese or boiled egg with an orange, but small snack kinds of meals for 4/5 or 5/6 meals has led me to be overly tempted by food. I get so tired of the same turkey or ham sandwich, and I don't like tuna at all. Am needing some suggestions for a lunch meal that doesn't have to be heated up or kept very cold and am just not able to come up with much on my own. Suggestions?
You could go with turkey or chicken in a roast vegetable or green salad or with a low carb wrap. I used to be a student and would pack my lunch the night before, keep it chilled in the fridge and it would be fine until lunchtime. One of my favourite tricks is to use one of those small jam jars (like what hotels offer mixed jams in at buffet breakfasts) and store my salad dressing in it - a nice EFA oil with cumin, salt, pepper or other favourite spices - it would then fit into my lunch box and can be shaken well prior to dressing the salad. Plus, it keeps the salad from getting soggy! If I felt like a bit more carb, I'd have it in a low carb mountain bread or wrap. I think you definitely want to be having a more substantial meal at lunchtime or you'll binge at night. The body needs fuel to be sustained and craves what it needs so if you haven't eaten enough during the day, you'll be fighting the body's cravings to make up for the deficit and end up eating more.
I'm eating salads with chicken, turkey, or ham and I use those spray dressings that have like 5calories for 10 sprays. either seasoned baked sweet potato fries or a piece of multigrain bread on the side. I like Greek yogurt a lot for the small snacks, I find it's more satisfying than, say, a protein bar. You just have to be careful as some brands are sugary.
thank you for the options...definately needed something different and more substantial
I go to school too, and pack my food everyday. I bring yogurt with nuts, boiled eggs, turkey sandwiches on sandwich thins, protein pancakes, protein drinks, veggies, etc.......you have to plan or you won't succeed. Best of luck to you.
"The only person you should try to be better than, is the person you were yesterday!"
I don't know if this is any help, but lately I've been loading up on veggies for work, especially broccoli and spinach, filling a baggie or two and snacking on that throughout the day.
mmmm broccoli :D
This sounds like a great opportunity to try the meal replacement bars or they myoplex ready to drink drinks. does not require planning and enables you to stay on plan while at school. Make sure you are drinking lots of water throughout your day.
Bottom line, you will have to start planning.
When I was in college and first did this challenge years ago, I purchased a back pack cooler. The bottom was a cooler, top was not. I would pack foods to keep me going throughout the day. Kept me away from the vending machines and the cafeteria where they served foods that were too tempting in the beginning.
Good luck!
I agree with RhondaM, a EAS shake or meal replacement bar would be perfect for you. I used to work from 8a - 5p and be in class from 6p - 10p, three days a week. Talk about a schedule crunch. I would eat a good balanced meal right before leaving work so the craving for more food wouldn't hit me until about 7:30. Protein bars got me through many times. I also sometimes took all-natural beef jerky and a piece of fruit, or peanut butter and a Wasa flatbread cracker, although peanut butter is a little low in protein and high in fat, but it was satisfying nonetheless. Good luck!