Food on the go...

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9/26/12 5:22 A

I love nuts so they are not an option. I keep a protein bar in my purse for long days because it keeps me going when I am hungry and need to focus. I eat a muffin top when I leave the house and follow up with a yogurt when I get to work then I pack a turkey sandwich for lunch along with some fruit. If I am forced to I might have a bag of pretzels - but I sort of have adopted a no vending machine rule

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9/24/12 10:09 A

I'm a little different because I find it hard to control my nut portions - but I do love, love them! For a small meal I'll bring a homemade granola bar, a piece of fruit, or a small low-fat cheese stick in a cooler. It can be tough.

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9/23/12 7:46 P

Like DANAEBOYCE1, I like nuts, particularly almonds, peanuts, and walnuts. My issue is eating them in healthy portion sizes. To help myself, I package 1oz. of nuts in the little snack-size zippered baggies. I rewash the bag so that I can use it again. I pack my baggie of nuts in my purse in the morning, so that I'll have my snack ready wherever I am. I usually snack on nuts in the mid-afternoon (around 3pm). It's oil and protein and helps curb my appetite before dinner.

I also like cut up vegies and prepackaged string cheese. Mobile food is good food.

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9/23/12 3:33 P

Nuts. Cashews and Almonds are my favorites right now.

Also, a low calorie snack bar. I like the cliff kid chocolate brownie bars.

Oh, and apples.

I have a big appetite, so I have to bring water with me and drink some after a snack.

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9/23/12 12:38 A

I like to have the individual packets of instant oatmeal handy for a quick snack. Just empty a packet in a coffee cup and add hot water.

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9/21/12 9:17 P

I usually plan on a before-leaving-work snack, such as a piece of fruit or granola bar to take the edge off so that when I get home I'm not ravenous and ready to eat anything in sight. Especially if I haven't planned something quick for dinner. Lots of great ideas on here -- I think I need to get myself a thermos -- love that idea.

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9/21/12 2:50 P

To add to all the great ideas already shared, I'd suggest PB2. It's powdered peanut butter to which you just add water. It has no added fat, so is much lower-calorie than regular peanut butter and comes in a chocolate version as well. I keep a jar at work and mix it up to spread on apple slices or crackers. If not available in your local stores, you can order it at http://www.bellplantation.com/

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9/21/12 2:49 P

I keep in my purse applesauce, protein powder, nuts and raisins. I also keep gum because sometimes I think I need to eat something but I don't, the gum keeps my mouth otherwise occupied and my brain from wandering to I'm hungry.

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9/20/12 8:13 P

string cheese, a handful of walnuts, yogurt, applesauce, peanuts, peanut butter

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9/20/12 8:05 P

What a great thread for all of us. Such great ideas! I tend to keep my lunch bag at my desk at work so I've got a few portable food snack go-tos.

String cheese is one of the best. Fills you up and tastes good. I'll also fill a wee tupperware with peanut butter to smear on apples or celery. Another filling snack. I find if I just eat a piece of fruit, I get hungrier so I have the protein to counter balance. Cheese and fruit is awesome.

You'll find that for the snacky eating, it can get expensive. Get or make larger portions and break up the portions yourself. I'll get a big thing of hummus and put it in the wee tupperware with some whole wheat pita or red pepper strips. The wee tupperwares are kind of a pain to wash but a lot cheaper in the end.

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9/20/12 7:48 P

Get a good freezer pack or two, and re-freeze it overnight.

I'd bring: bananas (not with the freezer pack), apples, hard boiled eggs (pre-peal), salads (add any dressing when you are about to eat, although this is not handy if you are, say, driving), cheeses (pre-cut), nuts if you can eat them (I cannot), sugar snap peas, snow peas, small strips of pre-cooked meat, celery sticks, seedless grapes, cucumber sticks, sliced bell pepper sections... Hummus is good if you can stop to dip your veggie strips into it.

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9/20/12 9:21 A

I really on bananas, string cheese cheese, baby carrots and quaker oatmeal squares.

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9/19/12 11:52 A

Tons of great ideas here. One addition I have is to suggest you to look for a plastic insert for your lunch box. I bought one for our oldest daughter. She started Middle School this year and seems to have a ton of stuff to carry, huge backpack full of books, clarinet, track bag, etc. I bought her a little plastic kit that goes inside her lunch box, it's reusable, has an ice pack that fits in the middle, and it protects her sandwich and fruit from getting totally squashed. She's a bit like you, as she heads out the door at 7:30am, is there until 3:15 and then has Cross Country practice until 5:00. So her lunchbox often has breakfast, lunch and a track snack (think small, nutritious and dense calories), plus a frozen water bottle, which she refills after lunch for track. Her container is pretty flexible, she can either fill the bottom with a sandwich, a salad or with 2-3 baggies of goodies, or the 2 plastic containers it came with. The top is the same size, and equally flexible, between the two layers is the ice pack. She usually fills it partially the night before and then finishes up right before she leaves, she actually seems to enjoy packing it, the containers are clear so it's like a colorful little puzzle. The funny part is that her friends are always interested in what she packed in it.

The other suggestion I have is to research the campus and look for healthier places to eat for days when you don't have time to pack-it or the pantry is low. Often health food stores have lunch counters inside them, or ready to eat items. I used to look forward to a couple of treats on campus, one spot was a Jewish Deli that made excellent hummus and whole grain rye bread, yum, there was a great vegetarian pub, another place sold to-die-for falafel and then there was this gas station that sold Baba Ganush with whole wheat pita chips and fresh tomato salad. Yes that's right a gas station, with a little Middle Eastern deli on the side. Quite a find that place. There are a ton of phone apps to help you locate those little gems these days. All I had was a pocket map, an excellent sense of smell and my trusty feet. Good luck!

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9/19/12 12:22 A

Fat free sugar free jello. Make with less water and freeze. If it calls for 2 cups total then make with 1 and a half cups total. Pack frozen in the am and will be great In the afternoon. Also it will help to keep you other foods cool.

For the chocolate need. Fat free sugar free pudding. Same thing. Less liquid and freeze. If you can afford them there are lots of mre-- meals-ready-to - eat. Check out bass pro shop or cabelas in the camp foods. You can literally dehydrate about anything.

I precook broccoli and cauliflower and carrots till just lightly cooked but still crunchy. I est them cold. Occasionally I eat them raw but I like them better lightly cooked. I eat them as finger foods and they keep you full. You can eat 3 to 4 cups of them for very few calories.

Take frozen fruit which will be thawed by lunch. Peaces strawberries mango. Lots of yum low calories.

Cook a crock of beans and or soup on Sunday. It will be good for 6 to 7 days and you always have easy healthy meal at home so less temptation to eat fast food. Dump Amy leftovers after 6 th day and fix a new crock every Sunday. Also great to have fixed if unexpected company shows. Also keep plenty of cleaned and chopped melons berries fruits in fridge at home for evening meals and snacks.

I buy almond butter in individual servings. And I always have packs of plain instant oats. A great filling afternoon snack. Small boxes of raisins. Also truck stops have meals that heat themselves. And McD does have yogurt parfaits. That will hold you till you get home. You can do it.

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9/17/12 10:27 P

My favorite is a banana with some string cheese. Lately though I have been trying to work in some Fiber 1 bars. It's so hard to get enough fiber every day and those bars really help.

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9/17/12 10:26 P

My favorite is a banana with some string cheese. Lately though I have been trying to work in some Fiber 1 bars. It's so hard to get enough fiber every day and those bars really help.

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9/17/12 9:43 P

I make salads based on beans instead of lettuce (since lettuce gets wilted.) Mix canned beans, tomatoes, corn, carrots and any other veggies you have. It's full of nutrients, fiber, and protein, and you don't have to worry about wilted lettuce so you can make several days worth ahead of time. I'll through it in my bag with either string cheese, yogurt, or ricotta cheese.

They also make small metal thermoses (the ones with glass can break if you drop them) that can fit in a bag. You can put literally anything in them--soup, leftovers, pasta, pizza, frozen veggies--and they'll still be warm at lunch. It helps to pour boiling water in before you put the food in to preheat the thermos. I used one every day in high school, and it worked really well.

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9/17/12 7:08 P

Sharilee - you can set up your profile from your start page. It will say "welcome Sharilee" and under that click account/email preferences - then the community tab (in yellow) - and set up signature and ticker.

Good luck!

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9/17/12 6:24 A

maggi
where did you get the little tracker on weight loss?
thank you
sharilee

Edited by: SHARILEE912 at: 9/17/2012 (06:25)

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9/16/12 3:47 P

I had many a semester on campus from early a.m. to getting home just before 10pm. Allergic to nuts...fruit was an easy option to toss in my bag, also a hearty sandwich, they have these great boxes I'm sure you've seen that's in the shape of a sandwich, put it in there and no worries about it getting smashed.

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9/16/12 2:52 P

I forgot... also hard boiled eggs! great idea! when i had no time I used to boil them quickly as i was preparing in the morning and eating on the way to uni

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9/16/12 2:49 P

I start final year too! just ignore all the wending machines, the junk the processed foods, i would say make a bigger meal that you like beforehand like pasta with tuna, make potions and freeze it, defrost the night before the day you go uni... take fruits, snacks, dried fruits, nuts, granola bars, whatever comes handy. small yoghurt pots,... I know your friends will look at you somehow, but you know what what is more important getting fatter or getting healthier? Think of your graduation day and imagine how much better you will look if you are little bit more fit?

Also junk food doesnt help you in concentration or giving you energy, which you will need!

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9/16/12 2:34 P

food on the go.. Seems like you all have fantastic ideas. I use craft store 2X3 baggies for nuts and salad toppings. Lately I make sure my lunch bag has 3-4 pieces of fruit that is chilled during the day.

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9/15/12 4:24 A

we bought a container that keeps food warm. So we take often some beans, or rice with vegetables with us!
Or I take some protein powder and mix it with soyamilk or yoghurt mixed with some fruits and nuts.

Or wholemeal bread.
Or oats/speltflakes with yoghurt and fruits (you can prepare it the evening before, it works!)

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9/14/12 11:16 A

Lots of great idea! You guys are awesome! My go to falls in to many of your suggestions. I keep portioned out bags of almonds, string cheese, celery and natural PB at work and nuts or trail mix packs in the car.

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9/14/12 10:34 A

For food on the go... nuts, dried fruit (we've been enjoying dried plums lately - careful with those portions, high calorie), cheese sticks, laughing cow cheese with an apple, Larabar, PB&J on a thinwich bun, dilled shrimp bowtie pasta (sparkrecipe).
I agree with Alygator. I think my body is ready to eat around 4pm. When I'm prepared for that, I do better at eating healthy food, and a reasonable amount of it. Another solution is smaller meals, spread out through the day. Not always possible for me. My usual solution is frozen grapes. As I make dinner for my family, I pull out a bag of frozen grapes and slowly munch on them. Keeps my fingers out of the cheese bag, or mixing bowl, etc. 60 calories for a whole cup of those delicious little guys.

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9/13/12 9:41 P

these are awesome!!! i especially like the string cheese and hummus in the egg white thing. I LOVE HUMMUS. Ever had sweet potato hummus? i'm sure it's a few more calories but for me the egg whites with it would almost be a gluten free dessert

Posts: 38
9/13/12 9:21 P

Whole wheat crackers portioned out, string cheese, apple slices, banana, Activia Cherry or Yoplait Lite Red Velvet Cake or Boston Cream Pie, I like hard boiled eggs w/out the yolk, add hummus in the middle, yummy!

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9/13/12 7:53 P

Eggs. Hard boiled. Banana or yogurt (real not a bunch of processed ingredients).

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9/13/12 6:24 P

apples, bananas, mandarin oranges, grapes.

Fruit just seems easier to grab-n-go.

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9/13/12 3:32 P

fruit is always a great choice!

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9/13/12 2:39 P

fruits

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9/13/12 1:53 P

Welcome CHIO2116. I am relatively new and find something new each day on this site. I am addicted to it.
Grapes, cheese and almonds are my on the go foods and in a pinch, a 90 cal Fiber One bar is great .

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9/13/12 12:37 P

I like baby carrots, celery sticks, pistachios and string cheese. My on the go drink is usually bottled water.

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9/13/12 11:25 A

Fruit is always good on the go, but not citrus if you are driving. Cheese and crackers are good. And veggies like celery sticks and carrots are good on the go.

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9/13/12 10:42 A

i also could use some tips. i know its incredibly inconvenient, but it may be easier to get a bag that rolls so you can indeed carry around something a little roomier to pack good foods on the go. on a college campus this isnt unheard of and may ease the stress of transporting so much stuff. the suggestions were excellent for great foods to carry. nuts, fruits, veggies and dips, and my personal favorites, cheeses and yogurts! i love cottage cheese and fruit blends, and also yogurts are delicious. pb and j sandwiches are good for immediate energy needs, and a granola bar or two (though high in fat) may satisfy sugar cravings without being ridiculous on the refined ingredients and additives. plus the fat helps you feel fuller, longer.

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9/13/12 12:33 A

Hi, I'm new to sparkpeople. i really like this site. I hope i stick to it, well i should say I will stick to it i found your message really useful because i am always on the go, i am rarely home before 9 pm. For so long restaurant food were what i chose and it was so expensive and of course brought my weight up. Your p&j idea was super. I love p&j . well good luck on your journey and thanks for your post.

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9/12/12 5:28 P

Cheese sticks, granola bars, any fruit, any vegetable, jerky, nuts, ice water.

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9/12/12 1:46 P

I started making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and freezing them in individual baggies. I have a crimper from Pampered Chef that cuts off the crust and seals the bread together just like the frozen kind that are available. My whole family loves these cuz they're easy to carry around. When I know I won't have access to a microwave and it's going to be a long day until I get home, I grab a pb&j, an apple, orange or whatever other fruit I have around, cheese stick, beef jerky (just in case), small can of V8, a few nuts or trail mix and that will last until I get home. None of this needs to be refrigerated and travels well. Try to eat fresh fruit and veggies on the weekends and when you do get home. I think it's all about balance. Some days are easier than others. Just do your best.

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9/12/12 12:57 P

apple, cheese stick

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9/12/12 10:44 A

Fruit...granola bars...

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9/12/12 9:54 A

what book are you talking about?

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9/11/12 9:40 P

is the book realy any good or is it something u havent gotten much out of?

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9/11/12 11:19 A

im all about fruits and granola and yogurt easy go to snacks and dont forget a ton of water of course :)

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9/10/12 1:47 P

My on the go snacks are (I am gluten free, feel free to eat the gluten containing products if you aren't). I have an insulated lunch bag and throw frozen packs in to keep everything cold.

....a portion of nuts mixed with a portion of craisins...it is the sweet/salty combo that I find satisfying. I personally like almonds, pecans or cashews...and I don't necessarily do a full serving size as listed on the package...I might halve the craisins or do 2/3 of the serving of nuts. Mix them and put them in a container or baggie.

....I don't use these daily but I will buy a package of gluten free cereal bars or protein bars every so often and then the package of 5 will last me for a month.

...an apple is so portable and then a small container with either 1 or 2 tablespoons of a natural nut butter...I spread it on the apple.

...cheese stick and a half portion of gluten free pretzels (if you don't want to get a cheese stick, you can just get a block of cheddar cheese and cut up little cubes)

...carrots and dip or celery and pb or banana slices and pb (when I try to carry a banana it just gets smushed...if I cut it up in a container it travels better).

...fruit salad...I just take one of every fruit I have in the house and either slice the whole thing or half...I make sure one or two of the fruits are citrus to ensure that the other fruits don't turn...use the recipe calculator to determine what a half cup or a cup serving is in calories and nutrients. If you throw in frozen grapes or frozen blueberries they help keep it nice and cold. My husband gets little Dole cups of tropical fruit or pineapple or Mott's applesauce. I prefer the fresh stuff but will use the little cups in a pinch (and the little cups travel well.

...oh we are heading into clementine season....best fruit EVER.


Good luck! You have to find what works for you. And at your university they don't have a lounge in the student center (or student union) that has a microwave?...I would ask around and find out if there is a microwave in some out of the way place that you don't know about available for students. Ask if there is a commuter student (any students who don't live on campus) lounge...if there isn't one...maybe you could work on getting one...that might look good on your resume about seeing a need and then working with administration and student government to make it happen.

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9/10/12 8:23 A

you can put anything into a wrap and store it in your bag for a snack or meal on the go

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9/9/12 3:20 P

MUSICALJESSICA - if the chocolate is dark chocolate, it is actually healthy for you. But the really difficult issue is having to lug it around with you. I bought a large tote bag from Wal-Mart that has two compartments - cold and dry. I load it with a large thermos of coffee, cut up fruit mixed with 1 packet of Stevia and 225 grams of fat free yogurt, a Pure Protein bar, skim milk mixed with Carnation Instant Breakfast, banana and either pistachios in the shell or roasted, unsalted almonds. That keeps me going until dinner and isn't too heavy. Because it is lined, I don't need an ice pack. Normally I also take either cut-up carrots or celery and, of course, 27 ounces of water. That covers 54 of the 64 ounces of water I try to get every day. Canned tuna or salmon and canned green beans are good mixed together - I don't normally add any dressing. All you need is a can opener, some plastic utensils and paper plates. It is starting to sound like a camping trip, LOL

Edited by: MOINSDEMOI at: 9/9/2012 (15:22)

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9/9/12 2:25 P

So many great suggestions already. I agree with a protein breakfast and bringing snacks with you - fruits - especially apples, oranges, carrots, blueberries that all travel easily. I also bring nuts, trail mix and granola bars along with plenty of water. You may want to invest in a backpack cooler. Also you may want to check with the university employees - possibly in the program you are attending - the program secretary or staff and explain your situation to see if there is something available for you - fridge, microwave or locker. Best of luck!

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9/9/12 1:40 P

any time i head out for the day i load the diaper bag with healthy snacks for the kiddos and for me - carrots & celery sticks, granola bars, turkey bites and trail mix, and always lots of water and juice for the kids

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9/9/12 10:04 A

delish.com has lists of portable foods that I like.

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9/8/12 6:52 P

Water bottle wherever I go; goji berries always in my hand bag for a tasty snack; and last birthday my sister gave me a food dehydrator.... with so much of my life unpredictable, it is so good to have a box of tasty dried veggies and fruits in my bag for those snack/meal emergencies!

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9/8/12 4:05 P

Thanks to all the suggestions, I tried a Larabar, yesterday. Oooo. Super delicious, and my body felt so... happy and well-fed afterward. It is enough calories that it needs to be treated as a small meal, but healthy, and delicious enough that I really look forward to it!

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9/8/12 3:24 P

THanks for all the great ideas...going to start using them now

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9/7/12 9:26 A

My campus 24hour store sells salads and fresh brewed green tea.
p.s. If I do fruit, I stick to fresh. Dried fruit is very calorie-dense.

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9/7/12 4:01 A

You've gotten some really great ideas here. The only thing I can add is to be sure you eat a protein with every carb. Have fun finishing school

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9/7/12 12:16 A

I would eat something before you leave in the morning. (I personally like smoothies, frozen fruit, protein powder, ground flax seeds, kale, spinach or a multi-vegetable omelet with turkey). I keep raw almonds, seeds, walnuts, raisins, apples or whatever fruit, washed and cut up, 100 o/o juice (freeze the juice box to keep everything cold) shelf stable milk/soymilk boxes (freeze too!) baby carrots and sliced vegetables with almond butter or homemade dip; tuna in a pouch and a whole wheat tortilla and a salad with lots of greens--- these are my pack along favorites. Hard boiled eggs, peel when ready to eat. Yogurt container frozen.

Toasted waffle or English muffin with your favorite toppings (unsweetened jam with peanut butter. Lots of water.

You might try google: lunch box ideas for back to school, etc. for variety. A lot of the 'parent' type magazines have articles right now with ideas for lunch boxes that you might be able to adapt to your situation.

With a bit of planning, you will have wonderful meals on the go! much success to you!

Lots of great ideas from everyone too!!!

Try not to fall into the trap of the vending machines. (I used to live on Sprite, little Debbie cupcakes, cookies and cheese crackers when I was at college ----so, so unhealthy.)

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9/6/12 8:10 P

Fruit, fruit and more fruit! Pre-package trail mix is a life saver! Pre-packaged low cal salads and string cheese are a life saver (if you can keep it cold)

If I have to go to a drive through. . grilled chicken breast sandwich w/ out any mayo sauce added.

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9/6/12 4:35 P

I am now doing Visalus. It is a protein shake and they are easy to take on the go and they fill me up. They equal out to be only $1.66 a shake and they are the shake mix that tastes like cake mix. They are wonderful!

Check it out.....

gatewaystlouis.myvi.net

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9/6/12 3:44 P

I'm a student as well, so I run into the same problem, especially on days when I'm on campus until 10 at night. There are plenty of places I can go for healthy food within walking distance, but these days, I'm in classes and labs all day with only ten minutes between. I mostly bring dried fruit and nuts. I weigh it out the night before and just stick it in my bag. If I don't have time to weight things out, I bring Larabars, which are fruit and nut bars. I used to bring turkey jerky but it's got too much sodium for me.

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9/6/12 9:25 A

I agree with other posters that the "before" and "after" meals are key.

In the morning, a filling breakfast that is high in protein with a bit of good fat will keep you going until lunch. Maybe a 3-egg while omelette with brocolli and a bit of cheese, or other vegetables, and a chicken sausage link. A slice of whole wheat toast with a bit of peanut butter and a glass of milk and you're golden.

Before you leave, set the crock pot for a dinner meal. It can be as easy as a few chicken breasts with a jar of salsa. Knowing you have something hot healthy and delicious when you get home helps keep me in check all day.

I would use the cafe for lunch as much as possible-not that you can't bring items to pair with one, good healthy choice from the cafeteria. Another poster had good examples of what to bring to pair with existing items from the cafe. This may eliminate the need to refrigerate anything.

Snacks should include fruit and nuts, or hummus and vegetables, or a bit of peanut butter with vegetables or a few select brand crackers (do your homework and find whole grain crackers that aren't high in fat and keep your portion size reasonable).

Also, leave something small in your car for the ride home. Depending on the weather you might have a small cooler with an ice pack and a frozen water bottle, along with some string cheese or other small munchies. The trick is to just take the edge off, not to have a full meal before you go home to a full meal.

Good luck! It will take some pre-planning but you'll get good at it and it will be great experience for when you are employed because your day isn't going to get any longer :-)

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9/5/12 6:32 P

Annie's organic PB&J granola bar. Hits the spot between meals!

https://annies.alice.com/products/1294200

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9/5/12 1:55 P

Sounds like you're doing great, just needing to prepare by packing also for that mid afternoon snack. Perhaps a turkey pepperette or something filling at that time would hold you over 'till dinner.

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9/5/12 1:52 P

Some really good suggestions :)

I am definitely going to try and get more protein in my diet early on, and I'll keep my eyes peeled for tuna pouches. Plus I love the idea of freezing water. I find I prefer things that are disposable..so once I've eaten them I don't have to still carry a big tub around...so will look for those kiddie sized things.

Thankyou to all

Jess x

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9/4/12 5:45 P

Instead of reusable ice packs why not freeze a water bottle or two? I work outside on the weekends, by using frozen water bottles I can keep my food and snacks cold and get the benefit of having water to drink when they thaw. I also partially fill another bottle, freeze it and then fill it before heading out (this way I have water readily available). Best of luck finishing your education.

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9/4/12 3:59 P

I'm not sure if you have the time, but you may try to make your own granola for snacking. I also like to take with me trail mix or a serving of peanuts or almonds. Or put into the bag one serving of raisins with one serving of nuts for your own mix of protein, fat, and carbs. WATCH THE SERVING SIZES for these though - a little bit of food packs a lot of healthy fats and calories!

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9/4/12 1:27 P

I'm with Salonkitty with the ice packs. I take a lunch bag with me to the office every day and have ice packs there that keep everything cold.

A couple of things that help me with making sure that I have protein and fat on a regular basis? Low-fat string cheese or low-fat plain yogurt with some fruit. Another option to pair with the yogurt is cucumber or carrots, and use the yogurt as a veggie dip.

Hope that helps!

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9/4/12 1:19 P

apples are my go to. Sometimes seeds or nuts.

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9/4/12 12:55 P

Nuts and beef jerky :) High protien snacks for the afternoon.

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9/4/12 12:48 P

I've been taking Pure Protein bars with me. They have 20 g. of protein, and I've found the energy really stays with me.

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9/4/12 9:37 A

I am in a very similar situation as you. I leave my apartment at 5:15am and get home anywhere from 4pm to 10pm depending on the day, so I completely understand your pain.

NIRERIN has some really good ideas. It took my a few semesters to learn that there is a lounge at my campus with a microwave. That was a big help. The university I go to has a couple of campuses and at one, I use the microwave in the teacher's lounge. Nobody has said anything to me yet, but I don't see the problem. I just heat up my food, make sure I don't leave a mess, and then go eat it somewhere else.

On days that I have to carry several meals with me, I try to make some stuff that doesn't have to be kept cool. Like I'll have a sandwich which I keep in my lunch box, but then I'll pack chips, whole fruit, granola bars, trail mix, etc. The dry stuff I can cram in my backpack and that leaves more room in my lunch box for the things that have to be kept cold. And even though I like to take reusable containers, sometimes I put things in sandwich bags, just so they can be thrown out as I finish it, rather than having something else to lug around campus. Also, I've become a big fan of those tuna pouches. It's just like canned tuna, but much more portable and doesn't have to be refrigerated until opened.

Does the store on campus have any other healthy options? Instead of picking up a chocolate bar, maybe get a yogurt, fruit, or a granola bar instead.

Are you drinking enough water? Sometimes you might be thirsty, not hungry.

Finally, I would suggest moving around. You might be bored or need a change of pace. I know when I sit all day in class, I hit a mental wall around 3:30pm. Sometimes, I think I'm hungry, but just going for a quick walk outside to stretch my legs and clear my mind can be what I really need. Luckily for me, I have a class that is supposed to end at 3:20, but the professor always lets us out 10-15 minutes early. That gives me times to go to the bathroom, walk around for awhile, and still have time to get to my next class.

Hope you find something that works for you and good luck this semester.

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9/4/12 8:03 A

Eat something that is high protein in the morning--hardboiled eggs, peanut butter on apples, etc. I find that if I eat protein I am full much longer.

Granola bars, nuts, dried fruits, string cheese or fruit like bananas, oranges or apples all travel well and are small in size. You can also freeze yogurt and it will be cold but thawed in several hours.

If you get a lunch box that has blue ice in it, you can pack a container of tuna salad or something similar.

I am frequently STARVING when I get home from work. The slow cooker is totally your best friend. If you can sort out what you are making the night before, you can come home to something hot, healthy and satisfying--knowing it is waiting makes it much easier to bypass the McDonalds.

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9/4/12 7:57 A

raw veggies (cut up in ziplocks)
fresh fruits
tuna/salmon packets (just bring a fork)
homemade soups (veggie, eggdrop, fish, etc)
leftovers from dinner (in thermos)
mini spinach quiche (flourless; made in muffin tins)

If you must McDonalds, I'd order a side salad and a burger or grilled chicken sandwich without the bun.

Edited by: MICHELLEXXXX at: 9/4/2012 (08:48)

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9/4/12 7:49 A

A good backpack; a thermal container or two (for hot & cold) (could be bag-form for the cold); some ice packs (the re-freezable type) will be your best friends.

I realize it's an effort to carry; and if you have access to some sort of storage (locker?) it would be great. Otherwise, it will be a bit of a challenge to get the proper balance of nutrients and not resort to unhealthy choices.

I wish you well.

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9/4/12 7:38 A

1. if you're eating all your food from what you carry around in a day, you're going to have to accept that you need something a little more than "a little lunchbag." until food comes in space age pill form, it takes up space, and meals for the whole day just aren't going to be tiny.

2. does your university not have any resources for off campus students? my school had a lounge for off campus students that besides couches and space had a full kitchenette and lockers that you could use to hold your stuff.

3. meet the thermos funtainer. it's 10oz, has a wide mouth, keeps food for up to 5 hours and isn't much bigger than a coffee mug.

4. hit the kid's lunch aisle at the store. you'll be able to find all sorts of cheese and crackers, granola bars, fruit snacks, fruit leathers, and other individual packs of things to keep in your bag. in the aisle with the applesauce you can also find individual applesauces, pear sauces and all sorts of citrus cups. since you can buy hot water, check out the cup of soup aisle as well. they have some great options like black bean soup [13 g fiber per cup], potato leek soup, chili, and lentil curry. the best brands to look for are dr macdougall's, nile and health valley. you can also find shelf stable individual hummus containers and nut butters.

5. plan on having something simple like a pbj for a late snack/dinner.

6. do a full scale walkthrough of your uni options one day and write down what they have so you can figure out what to bring to complement it. in other words, if they carry yogurt, bring granola so that you could have that as your last snack. if they have hummus, bring carrot sticks. if they have restaurants, figure out what your best options are there.

7. what about your friends? do you know anyone who lives on campus who might let you use their fridge or microwave in their room? or have a little space in their car for part of the day? or who can use the office fridge somewhere on campus?

Edited by: NIRERIN at: 9/4/2012 (07:43)

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9/4/12 7:26 A

I spend most of the day away from home either commuting, at the office, or running errands after work. So, I try to eat a big, healthy breakfast in the morning where I can control the nutrition and calories. I also keep a baggie full of nuts or trail mix, or a granola bar in my purse so that if I need a snack, I have a relatively healthy one. The rest is just making smart choices when I'm eating out and tapping into my willpower!

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9/4/12 4:33 A

I used to have a similar problem, so I started eating a lot of protein for lunch (like 40 grams of the 60 I need in a day). I also get the really fiber-y bread. I live in Germany, so this is easy, but I think they have it in England, too. Here's a pic: http://media.kuechengoetter.de/media/25/11964632950080/8338-0303_45_1_det_001.jpg It's higher in calories, but it's VERY filling!

Another thing that's helped me is to just plan on eating around 4pm. I think it's normal to be hungry at this time, and if you try to fight it, you'll end up eating something that's bad for you and that won't keep you full (a candy bar). I like these muffins ( http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/savory_breakfast_muffins.html ) because they aren't sweet, which means I won't binge on them, and I can make them during the week-end and eat them all week :) They also have whole wheat and nine grams of protein, which will tide me over until dinner (usually at 7:30 or 8pm). Oh, and they're SUPER YUMMY and don't take up too much space.

I also need to have something fast and yummy to eat when I get home, especially if I have evening classes. It's easier to pass on fast food when I have something I know is ready to eat at home. I used to just make a big, light pasta/potato salad and eat it all week, but that's not really an option anymore because I don't live alone.

My fiance needs more than twice calories I do (he's a tall, muscular, fireman :D) and likes junk food, so it took us a while to find a good rhythm. What works: we buy pre-made pizza dough that's already rolled out on oven paper and each of us garnish it with our own toppings. I have once slice (about 40g) and a side salad. We also do this with the puff-pastry dough. The doughs usually take 15 minutes to cook, which works most of the time, and have a nice 'comfort food' flavor. If you get home at 7pm and start dinner right away, there's no way you'll be eating after 7:30. If you eat a filling snack, this will hopefully be early enough.

I hope this helps!

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9/4/12 3:44 A

To keep from craving sugar and carbs, you're going need to make sure you're eating protein and fats and fibre throughout the day, in order to keep your blood sugar on a rather even keel. I used to keep a bag of jerky (like Biltong here in the EU) in my school bag. I'd also keep a bit of low-glycemic fruit and veggies on hand. You said you have a lunch bag, but it may be helpful or even important for you to have a lunch box with ice packs, so you could keep things cool. If you could do that, you could certainly take all sorts of proteins as well as salads and such.

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9/4/12 3:32 A

So I start back at University for my final year in about 2 weeks time. The problem I always have is the whole food thing. I will leave my house in the morning at about 5:30am and somedays not get home until 7pm! That often means I am consuming all of my meals on the go.

I don't have access to a microwave - but I can get hot water (although you do have to pay for it by the cup-full!!). Plus, as I don't drive I have to be carrying this stuff around with me. I do have a little lunch bag to put it all in.

Last semester I would very often take a little box of cereal to uni with a tumbler of milk and have cereal for breakfast. Then maybe a chicken salad or ham sandwich for lunch. Have some fruit for snacks. And then just hang on til I got home. However around mid-afternoon I would get insane cravings for carb-y foods and chocolate. And so almost everyday I would buy a bar of chocolate from the uni shop, and then grab a cheeseburger from McDs on my way home. (The shame!)

So I could do with some ideas for meals on the go, that aren't too big to carry (so a huge thermos flask is kind of out as I'd be lugging it around all day) that fill me up, and don't leave me craving chocolate and carbs at about 3pm.

Thanks in advance to any who can help!

Jess xxx

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