Eating Schedules?

Those of you who keep to a schedule...how do you do it? I didn't do this before surgery and have not been able to master it since, but I want to, as I know it is the best way to go. I want to do the 6 meals daily, at set times, measuring out the protein, etc., but nothing I've tried so far has helped me stick to this. I'd welcome any suggestions from those of you more successful at this. Lisa

HEY LISA, IT REALLY IS HARD TO GET ON A SCHEDULE AT FIRST. IT SEEMS AS IF WE'RE ALWAYS EATING. I FEEL LIKE A PIG SOMETIMES. I DO BETTER WHEN I'M AT WORK W/ THE SCEDULING THAN I DO AT HOME. MAYBE BECAUSE IT'S A MORE STRUCTURED ENVIROMENT (HOSPITAL) HERE'S WHAT I DO: BREAKFAST: 0800 1 SCRAMBLED EGG AND 1 PIECE OF BACON SNACK : 1000 4oz LOW FAT YOGURT W/ FRUIT LUNCH : 1200 CHICKEN SALAD AND VEGGIES SNACK : 1400 SECOND HALF OF THE YOGURT DINNER : 1700 SML CHICKEN BREAST/PORK LOIN etc . . . . SNACK : 2000 2 OR 3 SML PIECES OF CHEESE TRY TO DO IT IN TWO HOUR INCRAMENTS (sp) IN BETWEEN I GULP DOWN 60 OR MORE OUNCES OF FLUID. HOPE THIS HELPS, GOOD LUCK DONNA, SFY

Thanks, Donna. You make a good point about it being easier on work days. I'm between jobs just now and, while I try to keep structure to my days, I do know that I can change my mind if I want. I may have better luck with a schedule when I am working again...though, I really want to try to start now. Lisa

Donna... I have to ask....HOW do you get in 60 oz of fluid between times??? I can barely get in 70 oz all day long!! That's even with gulping. Guess I need to be more vigilant with having a drink with me at all times like I did at the beginning....maybe then I'd get in more fluids.... Susan

I have a sort of schedule. I don't stick to it like glue but am usually with in 15 to 20 mins of these times... 7am: water/New Whey (if I am in the mood) and coffee 9-10am : breakfast 12-1pm : lunch 3-4pm : snack - optional 5-6pm : dinner 8pm: protein shake I drink on average 48-64 ounces of plain water a day in between. I usually don't count any other liquids as fluids. Good luck with your schedule!! I just kind of sat down and figured out how my day goes and put it where it fit. *huggles* Felicia =0)

Lisa - I attempt my schedule by pre-planning for the day. This typically occurs in those few moments when I'm avoiding climbing out of bed. It's just a rough plan...mostly going over what is in the fridge and how it can fit into the schedule for my day. I agree with the fact that it is MUCH easier to keep it up on a workday. On those days, the last thing before I head out the door, I load up a back with breakfast and lunch, snacks (if I don't already have some at work), and place an emergency cheese stick in my purse. I keep the cheese (low fat string) in case I get to 6 or so and need some protein.....I typically leave the house at 7am, leave work at 5pm and yet am seldom home before 9pm..that string cheese has saved me many times. On weekends, I try to start out w/ a good protein breakfast right away...then it's whatever comes my way. While The Boy will often go until dinner time w/ out eating, he is used to me saying "um, we need to find a Wawa so I can get some protein" at any point during the day. Those days I also try to keep my emergency cheese on hand, but I sometimes forget. So basically I say - try to plan it out in the morning and keep what you need with you as you travel around living your daily life and...always keep some emergency protein in your purse!

On my 3 month visit, the dietician wanted me to start eating 3 meals and a snack a day. I had already started doing this as I was having a hard time with working and eating all the time. 8 am- protein shake w/ 2 scoops whey protein (34 gms.) & yogurt (12 gms.) 12 pm- cream soup (8 gms.) 5 pm- 2 oz of meat (beef, pork, or chicken) (16 gms.) 8pm-snack (sometimes) 6 reduced fat wheat thins or 1 oz string cheese I'm still not hungry. I find by eating on this schedule, I feel more normal since I can eat with other people. It's also easier to ge****er in since I have more time between meals.