Why yes, I am from Mars.

[Suzanne_H]

I'm attending a seminar for the weekend with colleagues from all over the area, and the company hosting the seminar posted that they'd provide meals. I thought... uh huh. Don't think that'll help me much.

Last night we sat through the first session, left our groups for dinner at 6... and the "dinner" box revealed a thin sandwich of either ham or turkey or cheese wrapped in soggy bread or tortilla, a small bag of chips, and two cookies. Nutrition evidently is not their forté. I picked through the box, cleaned off a couple slices of turkey, salvaged some lettuce and tomato, had dinner while the others at the table observed with amusement that a big girl like me didn't attack the cookies and chips.

I arrived *just* on time at 9 this morning so as to miss their idea of breakfast which was to be served at 8. Sure enough breakfast consisted of bagels, sweet rolls, muffins... they did provide fruit salad, but I have no idea of the dressing. I passed and muttered I couldn't have anything there. My colleague gave me a look like I was from Mars.

I thought about turning and asking her to take me to her leader. Instead I slipped into my seat here to set up my laptop for the day's activities.

I'm going to step out at lunchtime and go hunt down some real food. They don't like it they can kiss my grits. And tomorrow I'm packing goodies.

It's no wonder our nation is suffering from malnutrition and obesity. And this is a seminar for public educators! Just sounding off, and it's sort of a piggyback on the thread about admitting to others I'm on Atkins. I didn't offer any explanations.

They are welcome to think I'm from Mars.

[RitaCeleste]

Re: Why yes, I am from Mars.

You should see what the schools serve kids! I'm poor, so the kids lunches and breakfasts are free. I can't really afford to turn it down. But its not ideal at all. Trying to make sure they get real meat at home takes up a lot money. Gabby refuses to eat most of it and they cook her Ramin instead. I send it because its what they are willing to fix the kids on hunger strikes. She eats the bulk of her food at home anyway. I took food and nutrition in school, and I wasn't even pregnant. It was a real rarity for the instructors to have someone sign up child growth and development and food and nutrition that didn't have a bun in the oven. I was actually smart so they expected me to sign up for things colleges would like better. Luckily for me and my kids, I knew what I'd really need to know in life.

[liv]

Re: Why yes, I am from Mars.

So Suzanne
You mean to tell me that your purse has not turned into a portable snack bag yet???? It should - it must happen. A place for the boiled eggs, the celery sticks, and the red pepper (one of those small chill bags) and the cheese strings, perhaps a few pepperoni pieces and on OWL a few nuts. Never leave your house without it. For me just knowing I have something legal to eat, stops me from eating. Does not make you less from Mars - but I think we are thin on Mars Better to eat that fat than to be the fat.

[Frelled]

Re: Why yes, I am from Mars.

It's really a shame that our dietary guidelines in this country are so messed up. Good for you for maintaining the right habits even in the face of awful choices!

[neutronnorman]

Re: Why yes, I am from Mars.

I always pack my lunches / etc. in my briefcase and / or a bag. In a stiff, I'll eat a can of salmon. I've discovered that veggie bags, here on Mars, wilt very very rapidly.

Now I can pin a face on Liv, hooray for Liv!

[Eama]

Re: Why yes, I am from Mars.

I would be so tempted to snarkily say, "I'm diabetic. This food could kill me."

Nah... We Martians just have to pack our purses like Liv said.

[Suzanne_H]

Re: Why yes, I am from Mars.

So Suzanne
You mean to tell me that your purse has not turned into a portable snack bag yet???? It should - it must happen. A place for the boiled eggs, the celery sticks, and the red pepper (one of those small chill bags) and the cheese strings, perhaps a few pepperoni pieces and on OWL a few nuts. Never leave your house without it. For me just knowing I have something legal to eat, stops me from eating. Does not make you less from Mars - but I think we are thin on Mars Better to eat that fat than to be the fat.

As of last night, YES! I have a nice bag of almonds, some string cheese, and a low-carb wrap my DH put together for me this morning. Isn't he sweet???

Lunch yesterday was mystery meat smothered in thick, thick gravy, stir-fry veggies in some thick, thick dark sugary sauce, mashed potatoes swimming in grease, and bread... there was a salad and ranch. I went out for a pouch of tuna to throw on the salad so I'd not skip two meals. Today's lunch looked a little better, chicken teriyaki and caesar salad. I taste tried the caesar... they must have made it with miracle whip as it was very sweet. I taste tried a corner of the chicken, and it was sticky sweet soaked in the sauce. I was so grateful for the wrap my DH packed for me...

Still have the sweet in my mouth, though. Isn't amazing how two months away from sugar can make us hypersensitive to the stuff???

I'm feeling rather alien today, though, as my colleagues are just raving about the food served at the seminar, "Oh yesterday's food was delicious! I hope today's is just as good!!" Tummy is flip-flopping...

[liv]

Re: Why yes, I am from Mars.

Good for you. Sounds like you were set and ready today. Hope it was a good one.

[IrishIrish]

Re: Why yes, I am from Mars.

And I bet people are nodding off with all those carbs througout the day. Amazing isn't it. Good for your resolve.