Posts: 695
7/22/12 10:58 P

Leigh- Trust me, I'm with you on the Red Mango thing. However, my youth group occasionally goes out after youth. It's often a simple "let's get Red Mango." I definitely don't want to miss out on spending time with friends, but I also know that eating NOTHING will drive me crazy. I figure getting a little something that's safe is at least an OPTION.

The hardboiled egg suggestion is good. I also remembered about these egg-muffins. Some meat, veggies, and eggs baked into a muffin cup.

The Chinese wouldn't be a problem for me. I often don't eat the rice anyway. The suggestion for eating out was also a good one. I realized earlier that a lot of rules with "eating out" are general good health tips. Most people suggest doing things like ordering sauces on the side, having food cooked without butter/oil, swapping starchy sides for veggies, nixing cheese on salads, and passing on the bread basket. Almost any diet plan will suggest you try those tips to eat healthier and/or lose weight.

current weight: 191.0

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SparkPoints: (949)
Fitness Minutes: (577)
Posts: 217
7/22/12 8:22 P

Check out the Whole30 website and www.theclothesmakethegirl. There are tons of Whole30 compliant recipes. Breakfast on the go is one of the biggest challenges mentioned but being prepared is absolutely key. Hardboiled eggs are ALWAYS in my fridge. I can grab 2 in the morning if need be and stay full for hours. It is the convenience you sound challenged by and that can be overcome by cooking several items on your off day or a weekend day. I did a whole30 in April and am doing another one starting 8/1. It is fabulous for learning about your body and how your eating affects it. I did not know until my last whole30 that my knees aching all the time were because I have issues with wheat. I never realized how tired I was. I eat Paleo now so this whole30 is more to get a little back on track. You will learn a lot about yourself. Part of overcoming the breakfast challenge is thinking differently about meals. Lots of Paleo folks eat leftovers for breakfast. Sometimes I will grab some tuna or turkey or chicken and wrap it in a lettuce leaf with avocado and there's a meal. And, yes, you can eat out. Some restaurants are tough but I have yet to find one I can't eat at.
GOOD LUCK! Check out those websites. They are awesome.

current weight: 129.4

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Posts: 2,274
7/22/12 6:12 P

When eating out, say going to Ruby Tuesday or something, you can always ask them to cook the steak without butter or oil. In my opinion it doesn't change the taste a whole lot and that way I know I'm not eating anything I'm not accounting for. I do notice a difference with chicken breasts, more so in the texture than the flavor.

I too love eating out, but chinese is my pitfall. Tonight was the first time that I got chinese (steamed broccoli and chicken) and didn't have ANY rice. I wanted it, but I still said no. So those little changes really do make a big difference!

By the way, going to Red Mango and only getting fruit and nuts would be HARD! I'd rather avoid it all together!! Good on you for having that kind of willpower!

Edited by: LEIGHWOMAN at: 7/22/2012 (18:18)

Pounds lost: 20.6

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Posts: 695
7/22/12 5:32 P

Nuts are likely to be my go-to snack outside of work. With breakfast, however, I don't always have access to a microwave or I have to eat ir quickly in the car or take bites between other activities

current weight: 191.0

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Posts: 633
7/22/12 5:03 P

Do you have access to a microwave? I like to take ground beef, onions and salsa, or ground pork with apple, onion and sage for breakfast. Another easy option is liver wurst and carrots. For lunch I make chicken salad with dried cherries and walnuts.

I love home made chicken soup, which I make in bulk and freeze in single servings. Cook chicken portions or a whole chicken until you get some nice broth and the meat falls off the bones. Add lots of veggies.

Sorry you have to deal with a no nuts policy. That's tough. I'm intolerant of all grains and dairy, so nuts are my stand by snack.

Posts: 695
7/22/12 4:45 P

Recently, my friend tweeted about this "Whole 30" program that she's considering trying in September (although, isn't completely sure about it). The overall concept isn't too extreme. It's a diet that focuses on real food, healthy fats, protein, and getting most carbs from fruits and veggies- not from processed food or barely-food-like substances.

The problem comes in executing such a diet plan. I eat out less often than I used to- averaging about 1 to 3 times a week. However, my work schedule is pretty hectic. I am on-call at a preschool, and lately my hours have been from 12:30 or 2:30 until 6pm- when I go straight to my second job: babysitting until around 8. However, there's always the potential that my work day can start as early as 7am. I find out from a day to day basis when I'm going into work.

This part-time babysitting job is only temporary, and if everything goes as planned, it will be over by the end of summer. By then, I'm also hoping for more overall stability with my job.

For now, though, I find myself throwing a pepperjack cheese stick, applesauce (or baby food), a Chobani yogurt, and a Lean Pocket into my lunchbox.

Dairy, grains (including corn and quinoa), sugar/sweeteners, beans/legumes (including soy), are all off-limits for the 30 days.

Due to my hectic schedule with work and church, I've learned to become the master of quick snacks/breakfasts. Some of my standards include a fruit puree pouch with a pepper jack cheese stick (or two), a fruit-flavored greek yogurt, or a packet of maple almond butter with a banana. For breakfast, I've also added my favorite: two slices of buttered bread (or a sandwich thin) with a over-hard egg cooked in the middle (I eat this cold with my fingers). I've also been known to keep a box of cereal at work- just in case.

On-the-go breakfasts are simply a necessity at this point in my life- because I have such an unpredictable schedule. Unfortunately, none of my standards for breakfasts and quick snacks fit the bill. What's more? My workplace has a no nut policy. This means that throwing together a quick breakfast of an apple and some mixed nuts, etc is NOT going to be a viable option.

My other problem is dealing with the times that I DO eat out. I know I can make some fairly decent choices at most places... but that doesn't mean they're going to be perfect. Some places only cook in soybean or peanut oil- and I cannot see myself giving up eating out for a month. Even if it's making a small change like getting a cup of fruit and nuts and skipping the frozen yogurt when we go out for Red Mango... or even skipping the bun and cheese if we decide on Smashburger.

But what are some other tips for eating out? I tried to find a decent dining out guide with "safe" food choices listed... but all I saw are posts where people push Chipotle. I mean, would going to Ruby Tuesday and getting either a sirloin or a basic grilled salmon with roasted spaghetti squash and the salad bar (lots of veggies with oil and vinegar or lemon juice) be a good choice, or would even that be a mistake on this plan?

current weight: 191.0

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