[Princess Kitty]

I drive a taxi at night on the weekends.I start at 8 PM and finish at 8 Am.I really can't pack a lunch because I don't have any place to heat up hot food at unless I stop at home and if I do I lose money.I could pack a sandwich but I'm really bad at forgetting those at home.

So I need tips for eating on the go but still being low fat and low calorie.I've been eating the Subway subs with 6 grams of fat or less.But it's getting old quick.I'm not much of a lunch packer because I work 12 to 14 hour shifts and when I get home I just want to crash.Last thing I think of is fixing food for the next night because I need my sleep in order to be a safe driver the next night.

I don't want to get a salad at McDonald's because McDonald's is a really bad habit for me.In order to break myself of it I need to avoid it at all costs.Plus they add cheese to their salads and you can't order one without it.

I've tried Wendy's salads and their no better.Plus I think those pre packed salads are coated with chemicals and I hate eating restaurant lettuce because of it.

Any ideas??

[Heather]

Buy an insulated lunch bag (the kind you can put a freezer pack in) and pack your lunch and snacks in it. Your food stays cool for hours. Pack it ahead of time and put it in the fridge till you leave. Put your CAR KEYS on the bag so you have to get them AND THE BAG when you leave!!! (No forgetting)

Then you can pack your own sandwiches, fruit, carrot sticks, yogurt, hard boiled egg.... possibilities are endless!

You have to stop making excuses for why you CAN'T and see these as challenges to overcome so you CAN!!

Good luck!

[luja]

Find all night groceries - you can run in and get fresh fruit, yogurt, etc. from those places. Look for places with salad bars that you can run into, etc. Some ethnic restaurants have good choices, but they might not be open late enough.

An insulated cooler like Wyllen suggests is your best bet in terms of money and healthful choices. My DH always forgets the lunches I pack for him, so we have a big sign hanging on his coffee pot that says DON'T FORGET YOUR LUNCH. He NEVER forgets coffee so he always sees the sign. Hang a sign where you can't miss it!

[NotTheCheat]

In my area there are a lot of 24-hour diners. Do you normally drive a similar route? If so, perhaps you could find a specific diner and ask them to create several specials for you. For example, maybe special #1 is chicken with veggies and salsa, and #2 is a roast beef sandwich wrap (no cheese or mayo), etc. Then when you know you have a break, give the place a call and order a #1. Either that or you can just figure out what would work for you on the menu. If you know it by heart and call ahead, there is no temptation when you actually arrive.

[BattleAx]

The grocery stores around here sell prepackaged entree salads, sandwiches and other healthy foods. Trader Joes is especially good, but regular supermarkets also carry an assortment of items. Buy several meals worth, and just put them in the cooler as you leave.

[princesspuffypants]

honestly, im with heather - quit looking at all the reasons you cant, and look at the reasons you can. i mean, isnt it WORTH your health to pack a lunch if you know that you cant trust yourself with a drive through (trust me - im talking to myself just as much here). ice packs, insulated thermoses, there are a ton of ways to keep food hot and cold.

also, if you have the time to go to subway, can you use that time to go home if you forgot your premade lunch?

the other thing - my friend does this a lot - she makes a big batch of soup or stew or whatever and preportions it for the week, then its ready to go. in the time that you waited for a subway sandwich (which i do not care for at all) you have something you know is totally nutritious

[Melgettinthin]

Can you cook yourself something at home that you can eat hot or cold?

I make myself big quiche style omelette with a few eggs, lots of veggies and some low fat cheese and tomatoes to give it a nice tangy taste. Good hot or cold and easy to eat on the go.

I also do that with stir fry and spaghetti but I may be the only person who likes those things cold LOL!

[Princess Kitty]

Thanks everyone.I do have a cooler and I have been packing my lunch.I do have ice packs for the cooler.I've been going to subway and getting a sub and putting it in my cooler.I've also been getting apple dippers for snacks from McDonald's.

I've been doing good so far.

[luja]

Good for you!!