How to do "atkins" on the go

[ssmith4050]

I have a question. I am planning on starting as soon as I get a chance to go grocery shopping, hopefully saturday/sunday-ish. I have found a LOT of amazing recipes that sound tasty...and I guess Im just wondering how someone who doesnt really have time for all the extensive cooking does the atkins diet? Anyone else out there in nursing school?? If so, you will know where im coming from 100%. I am going to do it regardless, but if anyone has some tips...on how they fit it into a busy schedule, I would love to hear them!! I actually borrowed the book from a friend, and read enough to know exactly how the diet works and why it works etc.... I mean, throwing some chicken in the oven seems simple enough, but im afraid I might get bored if I dont spend time over the stove...and I dont even know where to buy some of those ingredients!! (Never been a big cooker).

I just want to succeed...know the right things to buy at the store to make this as effortless as possible, because Im sure the cravings and the carb withdrawals will be hard all on their own!! Also...I live out in the country and only go shopping maybe every other week...how many eggs should I buy to last me the whole induction phase? Im just so nervous...I guess. Scared it wont work....Scared I will mess it up somehow....

Scared about this med-surg test I have in the morning hahaha!!

Thanks guys!

[quotidianlight]

Re: How to do "atkins" on the go

I'm a single mom with ADHD and morning are super hectic. I have learned to cook faster for one. Pre-cutting my veggies, using multiple burners and morning omelet are my mainstay around here. I never really get a chance to set down, so I eat while I make my lunch. I tend to toss cheese, celery or cucumber sticks in my bag with cream cheese mixed with salmon or something. Then I also make super quick salads using mayo and cans of tuna or salmon. I also tend to make an extra portion when cooking dinner and pack it up for the next days lunch. I do try to bring extra food because getting caught hungry is just BAD. Tonight I made a pork loin roast that will be several meals!

I like to learn new recipes but that is reserved for the weekend. During the week I stick with what I know and delete anything I can't have. BTW cucumbers cut into sticks with the skins still on taste great with lime or smoked salmon and cream cheese, have a ton of fiber and the skins have a lot of chlorophyll to help combat ketosis breath!

[ValidRouge]

Re: How to do "atkins" on the go

I have a full time professional job AND I'm going to school to get my Masters degree. I have NO TIME...just ask my husband. I'm feeling guilty for being on here RIGHT NOW. But, I want to take a few minutes to reinforce my OWN commitment by helping you with YOURS.

I do my grocery shopping on Saturday mornings. Saturday afternoon I start studying, and while I'm doing that I cook the food that I bought in the morning. I buy a 10 lb bag of chicken legs and COOK ALL OF THEM. I bake them skin side up so the skin gets nice and crispy. I season them with whatever floats my boat that day. I cook pork chops, hamburgers, and stuff like that too. I boil at least a dozen eggs. I cook vegetables (fresh pumpkin is a favorite) and put them in containers that I can grab and go and pop in the microwave. Most schools have a "commuter lounge" or something for non residential students to prepare their food. Ask your school about it. I fill my water bottles and have enough food for the entire week. There are no excuses for me. It makes it very easy and I'm completely satisfied.

Frequently I will eat breakfast lunch and dinner away from the home with the food I prepare on the weekend and take with me. You can do this. It just takes preparation and planning. If you do that, you'll be much much better off.

[ssmith4050]

Re: How to do "atkins" on the go

You two have NOOOO idea how helpful and encouraging your responses were. I guess I was just reading all of the recipes and this and that...and it started to overwhelm me because I was thinking "I'm never going to have time to make all of these recipes, maybe this isnt for me..." You guys put it back into perspective for me. I can tell you both have very busy lives as well, and it motivates me to no end to see atkins WOL and WOE still worked for you. You both look great!!

Since today is saturday...I am about to make me an omlette, then head to the store to stock up on easy stuff. Then per your advice, I am going to start getting a lot of it cooked up today, and have it stored and ready for me to grab on my way out the door!! And I will learn how to prepare simple foods, then stick with those during the week, so I dont have to worry about preparation.

I can do this....especially with the support of everyone on here. Thank you two again soooooo much!!

[quotidianlight]

Re: How to do "atkins" on the go

Yep, You'll be lounging getting that pedicure in no time at all! This board is to helpful that I can't imagine trying this in a bubble.

[Katlambert]

Re: How to do "atkins" on the go

Honestly, I found Atkins to be the perfect solution for me when I was more on-the-go than I am now. When I started I was going to school, working full time, and I have three children. Lots of the recipe's on Linda's site don't take nearly as long to make as they look like they will and many of them can be frozen. Once I got into some habits, like cooking on the weekend & packing lunch for work, it was really easy to follow. It's actually been harder for me the past few months because I work from home...when I started working at home I thought I didn't need to be as prepared because, well, I'm right next to the kitchen so I can make something when I want to. I've gone back to preparing food in advance because it's just easier that way.

Good luck...you look great already and you'll do wonderful on Atkins.

[ssmith4050]

Re: How to do "atkins" on the go

Thank you! Yes, I found out yesterday when I cooked a GAZILLION different kinds of meals at one time that it would be easier to plan ahead. This morning, I just woke up and got something out of the fridge and presto!! And now my husband wants to take the boat out, so its easy to get ready in a snap, all I have to do is grab a pre-prepared lunch out of the fridge like I did for breakfast and I am set...Thank you all for the wonderful tips!!