I also pre-portion almonds in snack-size bags. Total waste of plastic baggies, but it works! :)

Me again :)

I've tried eating on the bus but I am just not comfortable with that at all.

I also tried eating about 11.00-11.30 am but that's too early for me, partly cos I am not hungry then and also cos it's too long to last until 6.00 pm.

So at the moment I am going into a local coffee house for a drink and taking my food with me. Still not that relaxing as I know they don't like people consuming their own food rather than that bought in the coffee house so I am on edge when I am eating. Plus I have to get there before 12 each day or else the place is too busy so I leave home even earlier now each day. So I am eating between 12 and 12.30 each day.

It's great to have the extra hour's work each day from 1.00 (previously started at 2.00) but it has really messed up my eating habits :(

I can really relate and sympathize. This is a crappy situation to have to deal with, to try to sneak a snack under the desk, and it has to be portable, nutritious, quick to eat, and not messy or fragrant! and I myself wouldn't chose to eat in the bathroom. There are many uncaring employers who don't care if you have a law-alloted break, and one can feel subtly intimidated if you ask for what's due to you. Best wishes to you :hug:

My 'go-to' breakfast, if it has to last me, is Eggbeaters (or store brand substitute) with some extra protein, like leftover cooked chicken; and as many veggies as I can get in the pan.

Thanks so much VermontMom for your supportive reply and the hug :)

It's been really getting me down and I think I've driven my family mad going on about it, but I feel very resentful that to attempt to eat at a decent time I have to either try and eat food sneakily in a coffee house or eat in secret at work, feeling like I could be told off at any moment, like I am a naughty child.
And what you say is so right, if I eat at work the food has to be all of those things you mention, which doesn't make it easy either.

ER :)

Put me in the group that says to eat more for lunch, especially protein. Have some nuts or something else with you that you can eat right before (then use a toothbrush) or after you get off shift. But beware of endangering your job by breaking the rules. It is reasonable for an employer to expect someone in reception to not eat while dealing with the public, and that amount of time doesn't seem like an excessive shift or period to go without eating. Times are hard, and they may decide that they'd rather find someone who won't eat on the job.