I teach, so I'm on summer break, except this week while I have to be in a conference all week. I took my snacks and such, but lunch is on our own. I'm so irritated about what restaurants don't offer! I was hungry, because in the previous two weeks I've been on IP, I haven't had to get up and eat breakfast early... but I have to this week. Yet I ordered a salad and couldn't even get chicken on it! I could get chicken salad on it or tuna salad on it, but no just plain grilled chicken. UGH.
Then, at the conference, after the tray of pastries in the morning, they sat out candy in bowls on each table after lunch, then a tray of cookies and cooler of pop in the afternoon. Does no one understand that not everyone can load up on sugar all day?!! (granted, I've never cared before!)
Then DH and I went to grab some dinner tonight, and they didn't even offer any steamed/cooked veggies at all!!!
I'm completely frustrated with the lack of options from today. Tomorrow will be better, right? There are restaurants that offer more than salads, right?!!!
OMWFG Yes, tomorrow will be another day and a better day. Sometimes you just have to do like one of my old WW leaders used to say-Count it as a vegetable and move on. It is hard when you are trapped in the conference with all those distractions and captive by location for lunch. Since today didn't turn out the way you wanted, what could plan/do to make tomorrow better?? Good luck with the rest of the week! Let us know how things went on Wed.
Join the club girl, Society may be making a big change as far as the fight against obesity but in reality there is a long way to go. 2 little menu items is hardly what I call change. You just got to be strong and keep your goals in mind. The world isn't going to change, so you will have to Good luck and I hope you get to eat some delicious vegetables and grilled chicken tomorrow
I agree - it's hard sometimes to find healthy choices or choices that fit the protocol! Have you had a chance to look at the restaurant thread? I've found that helpful. I'm not sure what kind of restaurants are in your area, but I've had good luck with places like Red Lobster and Texas Roadhouse - I just always have to be very specific about how I want things cooked (dry - no butter) and what I don't want on the salad (cheese, croutons, etc.).
I completely understand how this can go. I am so sorry it was a rough day!
It is the reason I keep an emergency purse pack. I always have a few Ideal Protein drink packs handy. In a conference, I can usually find a bottled water and make a quick snack. This also comes in handy if I have had to eat a meal that doesn't have an appropriate protein choice.
When I know I will be out for some time I even pack a small bag/container of cut veggies; asparagus, thick cucumber slices, celery, zucchini, broccoli and cauliflower all hold up well. I found these great little containers by Fit Fresh that really keep things cool and help a great deal as an emergency fall back.
Thanks, everyone, for your comments and suggestions! Yeah, I had some IP snacks with me, including my jello which I ate after lunch. I went prepared, but was still irritated! Hopefully today will be better!
Restaurants can be tricky, especially when you're in unfamiliar territory. I just got back from a long weekend away from home, and it was nearly impossible to find a place where I could get something to eat -- and there was no kitchen in the motel room. I ended up raiding the cooler and having some turkey/cucumber wraps with lettuce.
I decided that next time I take a trip like that, I'll be sure to bring along some of those tuna pouches. By the time I got to civilization this past weekend, all of the shops were closed, and all I could find was canned tuna in a convenience store -- but no can opener!
I'll echo Carla by saying that it always helps to come prepared. I try not to go anywhere without my salt shaker and a couple of packets of splenda, as well as a couple of IP packets. I say splenda because mixing splenda with mustard and soy sauce makes a tolerable salad dressing. I like to add garlic powder, onion powder, hot sauce and black pepper, but in a pinch it's better than nothing. Most eateries will have both on hand, but if they only have mustard that works too.
I like the Crispy Cereal, and everywhere I go I can find a cup, a spoon and some water. It's a simple, non-restricted solution.
Buy some of the frozen grilled chicken that is already cooked. If you put into a ziploc first thing in the morning, it is thawed enough by lunch time. If dressing is a problem (and you don't trust anyone like me) put a bottle of salad spritzers in your purse. You can also buy the tuna foil packs. All you have to do is unzip the top.
I understand your frustration. When I see the trays of cookies and pastries and pop everywhere I wonder WHY??????? When almost 70 percent of our population in the U.S. is overweight, WHY do we go for this?
Years ago when I worked as a catering coordinator, we had one health conscious client who ordered a fruit plate for every break and wouldn't allow sugar or refined carbs (desserts, soda) after lunch. Well ahead of her time, that one!
An idea ... can you make a request for different selections at the breaks? Say you're diabetic and/or celiac (can't eat wheat), or just the truth that you have some dietary restrictions and would LOVE some fresh vegetables.
Also, are there any places that deliver? You might find some good selections from that list, if the conference facility/hotel allows it.
Buy some of the frozen grilled chicken that is already cooked. If you put into a ziploc first thing in the morning, it is thawed enough by lunch time. If dressing is a problem (and you don't trust anyone like me) put a bottle of salad spritzers in your purse. You can also buy the tuna foil packs. All you have to do is unzip the top.
This is such a great idea--- I hadn't even thought of it! I have some of that chicken in the freezer already!
The packets are a great idea, too.
Today was better--- McDonald's SouthWest salad without chips, with extra chicken, and picked around most of the beans/corn. Yum.
I am so glad to hear that today was a better day. Sometimes, you just need to vent. The great thing about this board is that you will get some sympathy, or straight truth as needed. Everyone always has such great ideas. I would NEVER have thought of the cooked frozen chicken breast. Recently, I bought some mesquite cooked chicken breasts at Sam's. They are really tasty, the right size/weight and cook in just a couple of minutes. That can really save dinner some nights!!
I completely understand how this can go. I am so sorry it was a rough day!
It is the reason I keep an emergency purse pack. I always have a few Ideal Protein drink packs handy. In a conference, I can usually find a bottled water and make a quick snack. This also comes in handy if I have had to eat a meal that doesn't have an appropriate protein choice.
When I know I will be out for some time I even pack a small bag/container of cut veggies; asparagus, thick cucumber slices, celery, zucchini, broccoli and cauliflower all hold up well. I found these great little containers by Fit Fresh that really keep things cool and help a great deal as an emergency fall back.
Do you have any of the two cup chill containers. I am curious as to whether or not they will actually hold two cups of veggies with the cold pack inserted in the lid.
I am so glad to hear that today was a better day. Sometimes, you just need to vent. The great thing about this board is that you will get some sympathy, or straight truth as needed. Everyone always has such great ideas. I would NEVER have thought of the cooked frozen chicken breast. Recently, I bought some mesquite cooked chicken breasts at Sam's. They are really tasty, the right size/weight and cook in just a couple of minutes. That can really save dinner some nights!!
I hope the rest of your week is smooth sailing!!
That bag of chicken is the same one in my freezer already--- perfect!
I completely understand how this can go. I am so sorry it was a rough day!
It is the reason I keep an emergency purse pack. I always have a few Ideal Protein drink packs handy. In a conference, I can usually find a bottled water and make a quick snack. This also comes in handy if I have had to eat a meal that doesn't have an appropriate protein choice.
When I know I will be out for some time I even pack a small bag/container of cut veggies; asparagus, thick cucumber slices, celery, zucchini, broccoli and cauliflower all hold up well. I found these great little containers by Fit Fresh that really keep things cool and help a great deal as an emergency fall back.
Hey Carla.... Glad you are back ...how did the boat move go? I hope you had a great holiday.... those container are the bomb, they are perfect not only for me but my son also I usually carry a cooler around with ice packs .....not like I dont have enough to carry with him. Thanks
Frustrated with Restaurants
Good luck and I hope you get to eat some delicious vegetables and grilled chicken tomorrow 
...how did the boat move go? I hope you had a great holiday.... those container are the bomb, they are perfect not only for me but my son also I usually carry a cooler around with ice packs .....not like I dont have enough to carry with him. Thanks
