BAD HABITS ARE COMING BACK

Okay, I am 9 months out, I have lost @135-140 lbs. I am now working 3 jobs. 1 full time(40+) and 2 part time (20-30 hrs a week each). My problem is finding healthy food to eat. You think working at a hospital they would offer more healthy foods in the cafeteria. If eat one more salad I will turn into a rabbit. I find myself snacking on chips and popcorn and fresh pretzels. HELP!!!! One positive thing is I am staying away from the sugar. I use splenda or equal. ANY SUGGESTIONS?????

One thing I try to do is keep some healthy snacks with me. I pack a bag of homemade trail mix in my purse (peanuts, almonds, raisins, and sunflower seeds) and try to have some of the low carb brakfast bars on hand. I keep a box of them in my office for times when I can't get lunch. If you like yogurt that is a good hand held food to have around as well. I will admit that when all else fails - I go for some peanut butter crackers from the gift shop. I hope that helps! Good luck with all your jobs! Liz

Congratulations on your large weight loss in 9 months. Way to go. Liz has some great suggestions for healthy snack foods. I think the most important thing is to plan ahead. Take some time to gather all these snacks together in your pantry or kitchen cabinet, so you can grab something on your way out of the house. Have some handy in the car or your purse incase you oversleep and forget your lunch. Believe me I know how hard it is to work more than 40 hours a week. I put 3 children through college, at the same time, working 60-70 hours a week. There is no time for yourself I know. Please don't get ill working so much. In the long run, the more you make, the more that goes to Uncle Sam! Bad habits have a way of sneaking back in when you are so tired or stressed. Good thing is you realize it now and asked for help. Best of luck to you. Paula

Congrats on your weight loss. That is great. How about packing some protein bars with you. I find they are a major help for me in staying on track. Mary

Delainya, The main thing that you can do is to make sure you have better snacks at your disposal. It looks like you're just going to have to pack and plan before you leave home. I like the little packs of almonds. One of those will last me all day. I generally bring leftovers from dinner for lunch the next day (usually whatever meat and veggies we had). The other option you might have is to have whatever meat they offer at the cafeteria and some veggies or fruit. It might be better for satisfying your appetite. I like a salad, but not every day. I need more substance in my meals. I like soups and chili also, but they don't seem to stay with me as well, which is why I opt for the leftovers most of the time. There is also pre-packaged tuna salad and crackers that are just about the right size for a meal. There really are lots of things to eat, I just needed some time at the store to look for them. I eat fruits and yogurt sometimes for snacks also. Don't know if this helps or not, but it looks to me like what you really need are readily available good for you things to eat. You're just going to have to take the time to find what works for you. Linn