Need Lunch Ideas - Help!

[LOVETHATMOUSE]

Hi! I usually am a lurker (always start the "diet" and always fall off), but I think I really need help now. The office that I work at supplies us breakfast and lunch everyday - yep - that's nice right? For breakfast I usually get a eggwhite veggie omlete w/two slices dry whole wheat toast. My problem is what to get for lunch. Today I had grilled chix with steamed broccoli and asparagus. I really get sick of eating salads with grilled chix everyday - and it doesn't seem to be working. I know I should exercise more, but with working all day, I usually go home, cook dinner, help dd with homework, drive her to dance, run the girl scout meetings - well, you know the rest. I drop into bed around 9:30 and crash. HELP! I like weight watchers, because you can eat everything. HATE Atkins, and did ok on South Beach, but always cave on the pasta - and I sometimes really need a sandwich - know what I mean? I only have about 15-20 lbs to lose by March (going to FLA - WPB and Disney for a few days), so a quick fix is not what I need.

Sorry this is so long winded - I'ld appreciate any help/ideas out there.

Thanks!

 

[LOVETHATMOUSE]

Nobody has any ideas??

 

[JCJRSmith]

I know you said your company provides breakfast and lunch, and that is convientient and all that, but what is stopping you from bringing food from home? That way you are not limited by what happens to be on the company menu that day, and you can mix things up a bit.

Also, you may find that you have more energy each day if you start a regular exercise program. Exercise boosts the metabolism which can also help you lose weight.

 

[pixiedust23]

As for you saying that you have a hard time with the pasta. Well you low carb fans may not be excited to hear this, but I read on CNN.com that a study was conducted: low fat/cal vs low carb. Both groups lost about the same amount of weight in the same time. The people on the low fat/cal diets were able to keep the weight off as they slowly came off of their diets (i think or it may have just been in the long run) and the low carbers put it back on. So I would advise to stick to low fat/cal. But that is personal preference. Also I'll make myself wraps with spinach and turkey and tomato and balsamic vinegar for lunch (they are good). You could also try Wendy's Chili (its low fat/cal but i'm not sure how it is on the carbs).

 

[kfeuer]

I agree with the poster who suggested bringing your own lunch. Even if you only did it a few days a week you'd get some variety.

The other thing is, exercise just isn't optional. What about getting up earlier and doing it first thing in the morning? Yes, it's hard at first but after awhile you adjust and you'll have more energy to get through your busy days. I've got a toddler and preschooler, so I've had no choice but to get up early to exercise for the past year. It's not easy, but it's doable.

 

[LOVETHATMOUSE]

I agree with the poster who suggested bringing your own lunch. Even if you only did it a few days a week you'd get some variety.

The other thing is, exercise just isn't optional. What about getting up earlier and doing it first thing in the morning? Yes, it's hard at first but after awhile you adjust and you'll have more energy to get through your busy days. I've got a toddler and preschooler, so I've had no choice but to get up early to exercise for the past year. It's not easy, but it's doable.

I get up at 6:15 am and can't get up any earlier. Unfortunately my dh and dd are light sleepers and the tv woke them up (even though it's on another floor). I recently went back to work full time. BEfore that I would drop my dd off at school and head for the track/curves, exercise, shower and get to the market all by 9:30 am. Now it's just not possible for me to do that anymore. I was going to get up and walk the track at 5:30, but my dh really doesn't me doing that in the winter - too dark out. I am trying to get a friend to do it with me, but she teaches in nyc and needs to get on the road by 6:15. As for now, I have asked dh for a treadmill for xmas so that would be great if I got that.

Once again, thanks for the suggestions. On another note, my boss said I could order cold cuts from the deli, along with bags of spinach, wraps, etc and keep it in the fridge for the week. - Very supportive isn't she!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Seems like you have determination. This is great news for your success. I think the idea of deli wraps would be good for a change of pace. What about just having some cheese slices or cubes with veggies either breakfast or lunch. Make your portions a bit smaller and drink more water. That might be some help.

Peanut butter with celery or cream cheese with celery is a change up. I will take a portion of almonds to have along at times as well. Yogurt if you like that. I also like the cottage doubles that have cottage cheese and a bit of sweetend fruit in the pack.

I'm hoping that you can get some sort of exercise going for yourself as that is pivotal in becoming a more healthy you.

Good luck with your quest.
Keep on keepin' on.