erratic work schedule

good idea. I know I would eat more veggies if I had it ready to serve

I have a pretty standard schedule, however I never know when and if I am getting a lunch and get super busy with afterschool sports and kid activities. One of the best things I do to save time is I bake a tray of boneless chicken breasts each weekend. I just drizzle with olive oil, garlic, paprika and kosher salt. I usually will also bake a whole chicken and separate the meat.

Then on Wednesdays when I get my produce (I get it delivered in bulk organic style) I make a huge salad. I mix lettuce, shredded carrots, cabbage, zucchini, radishes or whatever else comes into one large 6 quart bowl with lid. Then I have protein and salad anytime of the day.

I add sunflower seeds, dried fruits, eggs or nuts for extra protein. It saves time and is always available!

current weight: 220.0

247 222.75 198.5 174.25

150

I love that idea also. I think I'm starting this weekend.

I am definitely going going to adopt your idea of browning the ground beef and freezing it. I already have been doing that with chicken and turkey for years. Love the SPARKPEOPLE website for being able to share ideas!! Makes it easier to stay on track.

I also have a very bad work schedule and a rotten commute. We resorted to dining out and fast food for about three years and I packed on the pounds. Now we are eating at home more. I use the crock pot a lot (just throw in some chicken breasts, a jar of salsa, a can of drained rinsed black beans and a bag of frozen corn. Or throw in some fingerling potatoes, sliced carrots and some chicken breasts). There are tons of recipes on-line and even on SparkPeople for great crock pot stuff. I look for things that don't require the meat to be browned and that don't require much if any preparation other than throwing in the ingredients. I also do some prep work on the weekends, might brown ground beef and freeze it in pre-portioned bags, and I also will freeze leftovers of stuff like chili for meals later. I also look for recipes that take about 20 minutes to fix (most baked fish won't take much longer than this) and I fix veggies or salad or some other side to go with it.

current weight: -11.2  under

15 7.5 0 -7.5

-15

This has always been such a problem fo me also. Not only for healthy foods but also to manage fitness. I really like your idea Nicky. I think I may try that.

I spend a morning a week batch cooking, chilli spag bol curry, bread, all sorts of food can be cooked in large quantities, divided into manageable potions and frozen for later in the week.

homemade "tv" dinners is something I could work with. Going to give that a try.

I have a terrible work schedule (or nonschedule, lol, just work til work is done) and a more terrible commute - I don't know that this is actually helpful, because it took me a long long time to get to this point, but I finally just ACCEPTED that it takes some TIME to get stuff together to eat, whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner - and it takes many trips back & forth across the kitchen - but it CAN be done, and I was a hard one to convince! I'll try to come up with some more specific advice, but wanted to share that for now.

havent't used the crockpot in a long time. good idea. I will look for some recipes to use it with.

Hi, there are alot of great recipes in the cooking section for slower cooker dinners. If you have time there are also great recipes for low cal. low fat snacks to make or buy. Add fruits and veggies to your meal.

Love to use my crockpot when I know I won't be home an hour ahead of meal time.

current weight: 12.8  over

15 7.5 0 -7.5

-15

I do a lot of big batch cooking then freeze in freezer bags. It's just my husband and I so I measure out two servings in the bags. Great time saver and makes for easy meals.

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 6.25 12.5 18.75

25

a very erratic work schedule has led me to rely to much on fast food and find myself snacking on unwise choices and overall not being satisfied with it. I enjoy cooking but am in need of quick, healthier things I can make ahead and have ready for the week.