Getting back on track

[LSUVetGirl10 0]

Hello to all! Brand new to this website, love it already!

I had a sleeve done 2 years ago this November and have only lost a total of 65 lbs. I lost about 75 lbs within 8 months or so of surgery and then it all stopped. I stopped focusing on my eating and exercise and have stuck myself in this long term rut. My problem is that it has been so long since I've focused on diet that I'm not even sure where to start back again. Here are my concerns:

- I know I can't stretch my stomach back out, but I am at a point where I can eat a larger volume of food than I could originally. Has anyone done the 5 day pouch test and do you recommend it?

- I am currently in my first year of vet school and need to pack my lunch but am not good with high Protein, low calorie ideas (except for a chunk of meat). Any ideas or places I can find good ideas?

I have also gotten out of working out and with my current extreme stress lifestyle, I know a good workout will be just the release I need. I'm working on getting motivated to work out before school, but it's not easy

Thanks in advance for the help, I'm getting frustrated and am trying to turn it into motivation!

-Janet

[sasicas 194]

High Protein ideas are string cheese, greek yogurt, tuna, egg salad, chicken salad, hard boiled eggs, meatballs, those are all my faves

[To Be Thin 2011 80]

Hello to all! Brand new to this website, love it already!

I had a sleeve done 2 years ago this November and have only lost a total of 65 lbs. I lost about 75 lbs within 8 months or so of surgery and then it all stopped. I stopped focusing on my eating and exercise and have stuck myself in this long term rut. My problem is that it has been so long since I've focused on diet that I'm not even sure where to start back again. Here are my concerns:

- I know I can't stretch my stomach back out, but I am at a point where I can eat a larger volume of food than I could originally. Has anyone done the 5 day pouch test and do you recommend it?

- I am currently in my first year of vet school and need to pack my lunch but am not good with high Protein, low calorie ideas (except for a chunk of meat). Any ideas or places I can find good ideas?

I have also gotten out of working out and with my current extreme stress lifestyle, I know a good workout will be just the release I need. I'm working on getting motivated to work out before school, but it's not easy

Thanks in advance for the help, I'm getting frustrated and am trying to turn it into motivation!

-Janet

Hi Janet

Have you considered the 5 day pouch test? I had read other postings on this topic and looked into it a couple of times. I know I am not as far out as you , but I kind of got sloppy habits in July & August vacationing, weekend drinking, and eating, etc.. I needed to get back on track and get motivated as I still have a LONG way to go in my weight loss journey.

I started the 5 day pouch test on Monday... it's hard.. but it is helping me mentally and physically to get back on track and back in the mode of losing weight, eating healthier... below is the link... Good Luck...

http://5daypouchtest.com/

[fern 195]

I would recommend going to the gym BEFORE school and getting it out of the way if possible. It'll rev you up for the day and will not allow you to give exudes why you can't go after school. Start tracking your food if you haven't already. Don't pack ANYTHING high carb in your lunch bag. If it's there, you'll eat it. You'll be fine you just need to get into a good mind set.

[KristinaRN 54]

High Protein ideas are string cheese, greek yogurt, tuna, egg salad, chicken salad, hard boiled eggs, meatballs, those are all my faves

Here's my problem: I don't like any of the things you mentioned except meatballs :-(

Any other high Protein, easily portable ideas?

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,282]

I also like nuts/seeds. One half serving is really enough. Such as almonds or peanuts, they are my favorites. Cashews are OK, but that's just my opinion.

At night I like to enjoy a tablespoon of chunky Peanut Butter. It takes me a long time to eat it, and it really satisfies my night time munchy cravings I get. I don't imagine it would be a good option to take to work though.

Even then, I'll add some sugar free Smuckers strawberry jam. Oh its so good!!! LOL Breadless PB&J can't go wrong!

I'm not really sure if snacking is too much of a problem for you, but it can be for myself sometimes, so those are just some tricks I do. Here's another one, I'll have a SF breath mint or a piece of extra gum (I was not told not to have gum)... and the mint flavor and chewing takes the craving away.

Best wishes on your recommitment! It's really tough, especially if you've taken a long time off. It can still be done though, that I have no doubt. All this is 90% mental. Somehow you've got to get the mental fortitude to really want it.

[longer-life 139]

Here's my problem: I don't like any of the things you mentioned except meatballs :-(

Any other high Protein, easily portable ideas?

I'm a lactose intolerant, foodie, no seafood,no canned Soup, picky eater. I can relate.

Hopefully others will chime in with store bought ideas but if they don't, would you consider throwing some things in a crock pot and/or oven while studying on the weekends? You can half recipes and freeze/refrigerate individually and grab one in the AM on the way out. One cooking session will last you a LONG time.

Baked chicken cordon bleu & Cooking Light Magazine's "crock pot Feijoada" comes to mind. No rice is needed, the Beans and meats are super filling and high in Protein. They have other crock pot recipes (with no beans) that you might want to consider.

http://www.cookinglight.com/food/top-rated-recipes/slow-cooker-favorites-00400000038588/page22.html

You might not want to cook at all, but I just wanted to throw this out there, just in case. Best wishes!

[LSUVetGirl10 0]

These are wonderful ideas!! You guys are so helpful, it motivates me even more to do it right. I will definitely add those foods to my grocery list and I'm already working on getting to bed on time so I can wake up for a nice run in the morning. Thank you so much!

[VSGandMe2011 (DisneyMomma) 20]

I'm doing the 5 day pouch test right now! Day 1 today! I felt like I was out of control with carbs and just needed to push the "reset" button! I'd highly recommend it! GL!!

[lsereno 2,525]

I like Gallo Light Italian Dry Salame. 70 calories and 7 grams of Protein per ounce. Do not mistake this for Gallo Light Italian Dry Salame. It is nasty!!!!

If you are not uber-restricting carbs, I also like Anderson's Split Pea and Bacon Soup, 140 calories, 23 grams carbs, 10 grams Protein per cup or Dennison's Fat Free Chili, 210 calories, 29 grams carbs, 20 grams protein. They will be especially nice in these cool winter months coming up.

I get an extra 8 grams of protein in by having a soy milk latte midmorning. I use 8th Continent Original, which has 80 calories, 7 grams carbs, and 8 grams protein. Sometimes at night I have a cup of soy milk heated with a little sugar free caramel Syrup. Satisfies my sweet tooth and it's another 8 grams of protein!

I read you don't like Greek Yogurt. Try it in a smoothie to hide the yogurty taste and thickness. I make one with 3/4 cup greek yogurt (one with at least 20 grams of protein per cup and no fat), 1/8 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup Water, 2 strawberries, and three tablespoons of Splenda. It's pretty sweet, satisfies my fruit craving in the morning, and is the texture of a thin milkshake.

I agree with other posters: exercise first thing in the morning. Make an appt. with yourself. You deserve to feel better!!! Set out your workout stuff the night before and get up earlier if you have too.

Also, track your food and Water intake and your exercise till you are in the groove again. Tracking and exercise are two of the top habits of people who keep their weight off.

Best wishes getting back on track. You can do it!!! And you are worth it!! Think how nice it will be to get old and be healthy.

Lynda

[pattimomof3nj 21]

If you have a microwave, I love to eat chili, lots of Beans, high Protein. I like to snack on the little bags of apple slices (get them at BJs) with Peanut Butter, or Greek yogurt with granola. Also, make sure you are drinking enough, I know it is hard when you are in class, but you have to get your oz. in! I also eat SF mints to curb the need to have something in my mouth, or I suck on a mini tootsie pop!

HTH,

Patti