[Tammy70]

Well, first off...How's everybody doing?

I've been gone for quite a while. I was able to keep my weight off for about a year and the last 4 months have been h***, so of course I turned to food! And I have gained 20 lbs back (5 in the last week...we quit smoking!). Also, I start a new job Monday and am a bit stressed and of course excited as well. I figure I need to get a handle on this before I'm back where I started.

I do have a question for you ladies...Since I'm not familiar with the lunch area at my new place, I was wondering if I could get lunch ideas from you ladies. I plan on taking an insulted lunch box, but I don't really want a lot of things that require to be kept "cold" (a couple would be ok).

I look forward to catching up with everyone, it has been a while and I have found several new names, so hello to everyone!

Take care,
Tammy

[Bunnababy]

Good to have you back. I have been off the beach for a long time, finished P1 and now into second week of P2. Can't help with the lunch ideas but since I am rejoining the employee status I will be curious to see the suggestions.

[cottagebythesea]

Back, Tammy! I remember you!
For lunch ideas, it's hard to come up with ideas that don't need to be kept cool, especially for Phase 1. Just pack a frozen ice pack in with your lunch, and that should do the trick. Here a few lunch ideas that I like -

lean ham or turkey and a slice of LF cheese wrapped around a celery stick or rolled up in a lettuce leaf
tuna or chicken salad wrapped up in a lettuce leaf
raw veggies w/hummus
celery stuffed with peanut butter
string cheese
LF yogurt
LF cottage cheese

If there's a microwave at work you could also pack leftovers from supper or some soup.

Once you start Phase 2, you can add in some fruit and a grain such as ww bread, crackers or a tortilla.

Good luck with the new job, and congratulations for quitting smoking! My DH quit about 4 weeks ago, and although he's been eating a lot of candy and other junk, at least it's better than smoking!

[Tammy70]

Thanks for the welcome!

Those are some great ideas, I will definitely be able to use them! I have been revisiting the "book" and the great recipes listed here. I'm trying not to be too hard on myself for the last week or so, because I agree that even though I have cheated here and there, at least it is better than smoking. I just have to get my mind set back to the beach way (and stay away from the ciggies!).

Thanks again and I look forward to checking in again.

Take care