Question:
How do I eat enough when I'm working?

I just started a new job, I am 5 and a half weeks post op. I am hungry a lot, I get 2x10 minute breaks and an hour lunch at work. I am a receptionist and can't eat at my desk, by the time I go get my lunch bag I get in maybe 2 tsp of yogurt at each break, lunch I normally eat soup but at night I am so exhausted and hungry all the time. I just got some protein bars yesterday, I am thinking of cutting them in tiny chunks and hiding them in my drawer and eating them. The other receptionist is training me and is there for another 2 weeks. Any ideas or tips?? I can't stuff it down in 10 minutes we all know that, I know I don't even eat enough at night, I'm too tired.... Mandy    — Mandy M. (posted on July 23, 2001)


July 23, 2001
Mandy, you do have a right to reasonable accommodation by your employer. You could ask for 4 5-minte breaks, maybe? And/or 2 half-hour lunches. In the mantime, I think the protein bites sound like an excellent idea. Good protein bars, or an insulated jug of protein drink hidden in a drawer with a straw so you can sip all day. Good luck.--Jesse
   — Jesse M.

July 23, 2001
Hi Mandy--Congrats on the new job. I am leaving a job similar to yours and am worried that any future employers won't let me eat at my desk. I have decided that I will get a note from my doctor stating what kind of surgery I had and why it is important that I am able to eat a little during the day. There is a woman here at my current job that is a diabetic and that is what she did in order to be able to eat at her desk. I hope it works. Good luck to you
   — enjo4

July 23, 2001
most places allow at least a drink at the desk....so just fill your cup with liquid protein supplement and sip it. Also, you are allowed potty breaks, I'm sure........so, just keep something in your bag to nosh on during those times. You might want to step outside (like those taking smoking breaks) and eat out there instead of in the bathroom. But the best way to handle it would be a letter from your doctor stating your need to eat more frequently, just as a diabetic does. Good luck. marilyn
   — MarilynT

July 24, 2001
You have an hour for lunch, unless your lunch bag is in the next town, you should have enough time to eat a good lunch. You have to plan everything carefully and it helps me to write every think down. They can't demand that you take breaks at your desk. Have half a protein bar and a big glass of water on each break. That's what I do. It's quite filling. You should be drinking water at your desk all day anyway. You should never be without a bottle of water. I pack a lunch and today I had sliced chicken with sliced cumbers and a peach. Quick and easy. You really should have more than soup for dinner....not enough protein in soup and some soups are loaded with carbs and fat. I always have a roasted chicken in my fridge and I always have cut up salad fixings and cut up veggies. Keep frozen veggies in the fridge too. There are some great frozen entrees on the market and Mrs. Pauls makes baked fish in several great flavors It's very important that you get the proper nutrients and if you let yourself get too hungery you'll end up eating all the wrong foods.
   — [Anonymous]

July 24, 2001
It's hard to ask a question when people keep posting anonymously. I understand we all have opinions but I was wondering about the post to drink a big glass of water with half a protein bar???? I am not allowed to drink when I eat and also to clarify, I am not worried about the lunch hour, it's the 10 minute breaks that don't give me much time to eat, so basically I was asking for good protein sources for those "quick" breaks. By the way, I am still on pureed foods for another 3 days (6 weeks post op) so soup and yogurt is pretty much the only thing I can face eating from my pureed diet....
   — Mandy M.

July 25, 2001
Mandy, As far as the protein, GNC sells a brand called AMino Fuel, they sell there own brand called 1850 which is buy one at $22 and get the other at 50% off. It is 18.50 grams of liquid protein. Taste like fruit punch. One serving is 3 tablespoons. You can mix it with juice or water or take it like coug medicine. I find that excellent for the one the go thing. I take it two times a day which is 32 grams of pure liquid protein. Then I drink my shakes and other things. I do not have the problem of feeling hungry. I have to force my self to eat. 5 weeks post op and down 35 lbs.
   — Cheryl C.

July 25, 2001
I think you have to work more protein into your day and the best way to do that is with protein drinks. I know that when I have adquate protein intake, I seldom get hunger at all. I'm in a similar situation, we aren't allowed to eat at our desks. But, I explained to my supervisor that I had a medical condition that required me to drink a special forumula periodically through out the day. She didn't ask for a doctor's letter or anything. Protein drinks are the quickest and easiest way to eat. Sometimes I even take a boiled egg with me to work to eat at coffee break. Perhaps when you get more protein into your body, you won't feel quite so tired in the evenings and you'll have the strength to prepare a good dinner. Cutting up a protein bar and snacking on it during the day sounds like a pretty good idea also.
   — [Anonymous]




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