Healthier eating with an insane work schedule?

[SwiperFox]

Hi all,
I'm new to posting at the boards (though not to being around in general - so says my join date).
I've been noticing myself gaining more and more weight lately and I'd like to do something about it. My main problem falls between motivation and time... I think the time is the bigger problem.

I'm currently out of work on disability, but should be back at it by the end of the month.
When I'm working my schedule leaves pretty much no time for working out and also (what I'm mostly looking for advice on) leaves me out of my house 90% of the day... which means I'm usually eating out of the house.
I leave my apartment before 6am and most days I will be back around 4pm only to leave again around 5:30pm and back at 11pm, just in time for bed. That is Monday to Friday (except Tuesday when I get home at 4 and stay) and then I'm out most of the day on Saturday and Sunday working.

So most of my meals are take out or come from the cafeteria at work. I need advice on how to eat better while in this situation. I try to pick healthy food, but it's hard. Help?

 

[momof2minnies]

Leah,
WOW you are busy! I would say have premade portions of things like fruits, veggies, whole grains and protein.Of course eating out allows for way too much sodium and preservatives and that alone adds the weight.Make sure you have enough water daily, that makes a huge difference too.

Where are you from in Ma.? Sounds like we may be close?

Linda

 

[momof2gr8kids]

I try to get things ready on Sunday for the week ahead. I'll sit and watch TV while I cut up vegetables that I can pick at all week. I usually bring a bunch of fruit and veggies and yogurt to leave in the fridge at work for those days I don't get out to get lunch.

(I'm lucky, I live close to work and go home for lunch when I do take lunch!)

I also try to wash up a bunch of lettuce so it's ready for a quick salad - just throw in some of your pre-cut veggies and it's quick. Throw in a few raisins or nuts as well, and you've got a quick healthy lunch / supper.

We have super busy schedules as well, so I try to fit in walking a couple of times during the week on my lunch, or try to walk to and from work.

I've started thinking that I need to take care of me too, so it's ok to sit the kids in front of the tv for 45 min. and leave the kitchen in a mess while I do some weights/exercises.

Find something that works for you - even fitting in 20 min. here and there when you can is good.

Your schedule sounds hectic - is that all work hours???

 

[SwiperFox]

Where are you from in Ma.? Sounds like we may be close?

I'm from Acton originally. My family is still there, but I live in NYC now. (although, still visit as much as I can)

Your schedule sounds hectic - is that all work hours???

Amazingly, yes! I work at a television studio from 7am to 4pm Mon-Fri. and then I work on one of the Broadway shows which runs Wed-Fri in the evening, 2 shows each on Sat and Sun, and one more on Mon night. We have Tues night off.

Luckily, come September I will just have the show, so my schedule will become much more tolerable. I'll have time to make food at home and even *gasp* exercise!
I try to pick healthier food from the possibilities I have during the day. Lunches I usually grab a Lean Cuisine from the grocery store near work and have that. Dinners I generally have a cup of soup from the pre-made section of the grocery store near the theater.

There are a couple of times (late Friday night, early Saturday or Sunday) that I could probably get something made that I could bring a couple of days during the week... but I'm usually so spent by then that I just want to sit on the couch and catch up on TV. But I'm getting to the point where I just want to be healthier, so maybe it will be enough of a push.