My job makes it hard to eat

[PinkBikini]

They switched my schedule this week. I'm working days instead of nights. I can't sleep at night. So I'm getting 5-6 hrs sleep instead of 8 hrs/day. That's making it hard to eat on schedule.

Then, today they brought our group some candy for the last part of the day to get us through the afternoon lectures. They held us overtime, without pay. I think they felt the candy made up for that. I of course had to refuse the sugar-laden candy. Some of my friends know I cut out my sodas and that I never raid the candy machines at work-- but they dont know I'm atkins because I just eat healthy and don't advertise "I'm dieting everyone. Try my new diet!" I passed up Toblerone and Twizzlers. WOW! Went to the bathroom, politely passed them on...

My biggest challenge is during tomorrow's conference. Breakfast (assorted juices, bagels and cream cheese, coffee, muffins and donuts) and Lunch (likely sandwich, lettuce salad, chips, cookies and soda) will be provided. That leaves me bringing my own food to snack on throughout the day so I don't slip up at lunch. I'm most upset because I didn't want to be that girl... the girl who can't eat with everyone else. "The dieter" of the group when I'm not morbidly obese and they can't understand my WOE and how much better I feel- less anxious, less moody, more naturally energetic without the need for sugar highs.

I'm hoping to eat a big breakfast before I leave. Then I'll drink black coffee for the morning while I salivate at the sight of bagels and cream cheese. God I love bagels. Then at lunch I'll scrape the meat and cheese off the most appropriate sandwich and pray there's a salad to put it over the top of... making a little chef salad for myself. I love their wraps. Fortunately I don't like the chips at work and I'll get by without their stale cookies. I'll do my best to fill up on water so I don't feel too deprived. I just don't want to avoid the entire lunch myself.

But it will be a big challenge and I'll likely get questions about why I'm not eating bread, chips, cookies...

Why does work have to challenge all my good eating this week? At least the whoosh fairy arrived and I lost nearly 3 lbs this week already. I got a manicure this weekend with my best friend and ordered some new clothes for our weekend getaway this weekend because I hit another mini goal! All of these rewards and losses are going to be my strength to help keep me on track towards my next mini goal.

PinkB

[Hoping]

Re: My job makes it hard to eat

Well, I personally don't care what people think about what I eat. Just think about it it's your thighs, your belly, your arms, your everything that you're losing inches on. Don't worry about what people think. When you look fabulous they'll still be flabby.

And really, I don't see what's so bad about being "a dieter," neither do you need to be morbidly obese to take charge of your food diet. I think it shows you're being responsible about your health. That is something to be proud. Believe me, I wish I would have started atkins Muuuuuuuuuch earlier. You know, when I wasn't considered obese.
Just tell your coworkers you're trying to eat in a healthier manner. Tell them cutting out sugar and other icky stuff has made you feel better. And if they don't like it---oh, well! Pretend you're listening, they'll eventually go away.

[PinkBikini]

Re: My job makes it hard to eat

I survived the luncheon today. Passed by three things that I would have eaten liberally pre-Atkins- tri-colored ravioli, chocolate brownie pie, and a tub of sodas. Instead I emptied out some wraps and ate turkey deli meat slices, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and marinated vegetables. And I stole the garnish, cherry tomatoes, from the plate! When my coworkers inquired about why I had a stack of bread on the side of the plate I let them know that I may be sensitive to wheat/gluten and that I've cut down my diet to a minimum and I'm adding foods back in slowly to see how I feel. I mentioned that after cutting out sugar and soda that it has made me feel a lot better in just a few weeks time.

Then we had a lovely discussion about fresh produce and farmers markets. Nothing I said was untrue and it saved me from launching into a diet spiel Still, it's amazing how many carbs we're subjected to daily...how carb-laden my lunches used to be with empty processed calories and how much healthier I eat now. My focus is hopefully going to be on healthy eating- complex carbs- and avoiding cheap sugars and junk food.

Thanks for the support!

[Laurenfra]

Re: My job makes it hard to eat

Great Job!I am glad you made out so well. Today will be my day Pot luck at work. At least I get to bring things I eat

[Hoping]

Re: My job makes it hard to eat

Woo Hoo! Congrats Tomato stealer! lol

[PrincessKiki]

Re: My job makes it hard to eat

That's wonderful!! I'm glad you made it!!