Lunch at Work

Hi Everyone, I have a question, I will be returning to work on 1/5 and I'm wondering what to bring with me for lunch. I'm a patient of Dr. Bell's, so I will just be beginning stage 4 post-op -- meaning, I will just start experimenting with beef and pork that week. I'm not quite to the stage where I can try salads, etc. To add to the question, my first day of work I will be flying to Austin. I also am wondering what I can bring along for the plane ride - they don't supply any meals at all, and I will need something for lunch. I appreciate any ideas of easily portable, tasty items. God Bless, Kathy Bilodeau Lap RNY 12/3/03 -35 lbs.

Kathy, I posted this exact thing on the main message board back in May when I returned to work. So I think I can help!! I am very picky what I eat too. For breakfast I bring the same thing every day, I bring a Fit and Creamy Dannon yogurt and then I put pecans or walnuts in it. For lunch a lot of times I bring fresh mozzerella and grape tomatoes and I add basil and a little olive oil and vinegar to that, it is very filling. So for the plane I think I might bring a protein bar, like one of those odessy ones cause they are filling. But on a daily basis, I bring left overs from the night before a lot. Or I just cut up a little cheese and beef stick I love appetizer sorts of things so that makes it easy for me. I even have the Alouette cream cheese and put it in celery or just on a cracker or two. (wheat ones of course) I love those disposable containers now, they make life so much easier. I always carry some almonds with me too in case I get hungry and need a protein snack. They help. I hope this helps! Where are you flying to already??? I am so glad to hear you are doing well. Happy New Year and remember, Kim from our website has great recipes, you can get on her list and she'll send them to you! BTW, need to brag a little. My hubby bought me a leather jacket for Christmas!! Size XL! It is so beautiful, one of the short sporty kind. I always wished to buy one but never wanted to spend the extra money for what they charged for a 3X leather jacket!!! I wore it to Westfarms Mall today and got some great deals! I LOVE TO SHOP now!! It is such a great reward! I even treated myself to some undies that are XL I have NEVER worn anything lower than a 2X in those! This is an amazing tool we have!! Now I wish I could get rid of some of these extra rolls!! Always something!! love to all! Cheryl

Hi Kathy, Well I have been bringing a variety of things to work for lunch. My favorite right now is some home made turkey chili that I have in the freezer in small containers. I have been hooked on that stuff.....lol. I also have brought some Deli Turkey. I like the very thin sliced. I bring that and maybe a piece of cheese to go with it. Leftovers are always good. I like tuna fish also so I will bring some of that with a few soy crisps and maybe a piece of dill pickle. For the plane ride......well that is a bit more interesting. I tend to keep some cheese with me when I am not sure if there is going to be something I can eat or not. I get some of those baby cheeses (gouda and cheddar) that are in the wax coverings, or a couple of string cheeses. Since the weather is chilly I am not too worried about things spoiling at this time. Even hard boiled eggs would be an option. Good luck. Its hard to believe it is almost time to go back to work isn't it?? Time is flying. Linda

Kathy- my suggestion to you is this- DON'T TRY ANYTHING NEW! Stick with what has worked for you. At work, and certainly on a plane is a horrible place to get sick! Just keep it simple and stick with what you know. If you have tried any deli meats like turkey, etc. that could be a good choice, especially for the plane. Just bring a little lunch bag. Some cheese, a few crackers (if you eat them) cottage cheese, yogurt, etc. You could bring a little soup and ask the attendant to heat it up for you (letting them know you have special dietary needs, when getting on board) I have done that before. Overall, be sure you have enough to DRINK with you, as flying can get you dehydrated pretty quick! Good luck to you.