Working hard, always on the run, what to do?

[diabeto]

Hi all.

I'm basically living a crazy lifestyle that probably got me in the mess I'm in today and trying to figure out how to do this.

I work two jobs. One full and one part time. Some days I will work from 7AM to Midnight straight, with 30 minutes between switching jobs.

I've only been at this for barely a week. I've been trying to eat frozen microwavable foods of the vegetarian or Indian type and I feel good, but is this ok to continue on?

What advice can you give for those who mostly eat frozen type dinners or eat out? I try to find the low sugar/slow release carbs stuff, but does anyone have a resource of "what to eat at fast food joints" and the like, 'if you must'?

I try to find brown rice and whole wheat stuff when I can, but quick and healthy seem to be polar opposites these days.

I got the Betty Crocker Diabetes cookbook, but still find it too much prep time for my lifestyle.

Basically, is a salad from McDonalds ok? What about breakfast? I love pancakes and sausage and eggs, but now I fear breakfast is no longer a time to enjoy a good meal.

If anyone has a "cheat sheet" list of what they eat at various places, it would really help.

thanks!

[princesslinda]

The best way to learn what to eat is to "eat by your meter." Eat, test 2 hrs after your first bite, then see how it affects your blood sugar. I was given the goal of 140 or less 2 hrs after first bite of food. If you eat and go over 140, you'll know this is something you should eat very infrequently. South beach frozen dinners aren't bad...I just have high blood pressure and if I eat too many frozen dinners, it affects it.

I understand where you are coming from...I too work a full time and a part time job....and it does make eating difficult.

For breakfast, I have eggs/bacon (or you could use egg substitute and turkey bacon if you prefer). I scramble these the night before and put in one of the throw-away containers and heat at work, eating at my desk. Cheaper than McDonald's! Biscuits will probably push you high, as will pancakes. You can also order just eggs and bacon at McDonald's (or any of the fast food restaurants...i've done it before)if you don't want to prepare food at home.

For lunch, if you're eating out, have a Subway salad instead of a sandwich....or any fastfood burger (just don't eat the bun...or eat the bottom of the bun) At Wendy's, I usually get the nuggets (no sauce) and a salad...or small chili and a salad.

Taco Bell: Bean burrito (only one) and have them add lettuce, tomatoes and s/cream to it to make it heartier).

Any fast food salad would be fine, as would skinless chicken breast. You're basically wanting to avoid bread and potatoes.

There's a Calorie-King book you can buy that lists nutritional value of foods by restaurants, also there's dietfacts.com, a website that has a list of restaurant menus with nutritional values so you can decide what to eat before you go.

Also, keep nuts, dill pickles, cheese, porkrinds on hand for when the munchies hit instead of making a fast-food stop.

[BrianSCohen]

Diabeto,

Nothing wrong with frozen meals, just be clearly aware of what you are eating. Many are quite nutritious, however be aware of the carb content. Many are pretty high. I deal with the problem by bring many of my meals, cooking large quatities on weekends and bringing tupperware containers with meals. You would be surprised at how fast you can grab stuff in the morning when it is all prepared.

You really need to focus on low carb foods. I can't really recommend Betty Crocker as a guidance for low carb or diabetes and I have serious questions about Betty Crocker cooking guidance, but perhaps I just am a snob. I have found numerous great recipes in the low carb and atkins community. I also have to recommend you get something like CalorieKing (http://calorieking) which can give you some basic guidance on carb counts for selected menus at certain restaurants.

[blacklightmike]

Linda pretty much nailed it. I can only add a couple thoughts: eat nothing white... try and keep your carb input to whole wheat and brown rice. Chinese places offer brown rice instead of white, delis offer whole wheat sub rolls and bread as an alternative. Throw down as many vegs as you can stand.

There are a couple good books (http://www.amazon.com/Doctors-Pocket-Calorie-Carb-Counter/dp/1930448090) that tally up calories and nutritional information for most every food, including takeout...

Calorie Counter Database - Free Online Diet Program (http://www.calorie-count.com/) also offers some basics.

Good luck!

[Mich]

Hi Diabeto,

All good suggestions. I'd only add one thing. Don't underestimate bringing your own food from home sometimes. Cheese & crackers with an apple or baby carrots and celery sticks are quick to grab and make a great meal. Light on the crackers unless you are physically working off the carbs. You can have these things all cut up and waiting in your fridge in baggies to grab. Pre-made salads are also a good thing. I do two or three at a time and grab one for work. I treat myself to a spoon of splenda-sweetened bean salad in them to spice them up a bit and carry the dressing seperately.

Test test test (Linda was right on the money!) until you know how each "easy meal" affects you, then you don't have to think as you grab them out of the fridge on your way out the door. An insulated cold bag with a couple of diet drinks will keep things cool.

You'll get the hang of it soon, don't worry. It's basically just eating healthier.

Mich

[kgm0612]

Honestly...........with the schedule you have, I'd be packing my meals in a cooler and taking it with me.

I scramble up a couple of eggs or an omelet the night before, place it in a microwaveable container, heat it up at work, and eat it at my desk. Put several slices of light wheat bread in a Zip-lock bag and keep a jar of peanut butter on hand. This way you can make yourself a p/b sandwich if you're in a pinch. For lunch, I usually have turkey or chicken breast with a little mayo on light wheat bread, or a garden salad. I do well with a small apple or pear, baby carrots or celery sticks, which I slice up and eat as a snack in between meals.

Karen