What is the down side of ...

[Phranp 46]

... drinking Protein drinks for Breakfast AND lunch. About a month ago my job responsibilities increased and I went from stress free and happy every morning to stressful and knowing there would be a "fire" when I reached the office. I am working for a new group, one of whom is very powerful and holds my job in his hands ... but, to his credit he is ALWAYS polite and courteous. Anyway, I stay so stressed that I can't get my lunch down so I have resorted to drinking a Protein Drink. In between I eat a low calorie snack when I feel the urge (or if I have the time). My doctors instructions are that I should eat solid food every meal, but that is near impossible these days. I don't think this will be forever, but this can't be good for me ... or is it? I feel like when I get home in the evening and have relaxed from my stressful day, that I may be eating a little more for dinner than I should (or at least I try to, but sometimes I just can't because my band is tight).

So, too much liquid, not enough solids? All opinions/information, suggestions welcome.

[jensmallwood 0]

I'm sorry that your job is so stressful!

My concern at having shakes replace two meals is twofold: first, you may not feel full with the liquid meals, and this may lead to overeating at other times. This doesn't sound like it's a problem for you.

Second, and more importantly, I view Protein shakes as a giant Vitamin in liquid form. Yes, it has Protein, some have carbs, and also a whole bunch of Vitamins. But *no* part of it, IMO, could be considered real *food.* Our bodies are designed to eat real food, and I would worry about you missing out on that real, whole food twice a day. Not that you're probably not getting tons of Vitamins from it-- but science doesn't know everything about what makes a variety of foods good for us-- they can isolate and pinpoint certain parts-- but they learn all the time about new things in food that are good. I'm sure they haven't figured it all out yet.

So long story short-- I'm guessing it'll be ok for a short time period. I wouldn't do it long term. More problematic than the food, though, is the stress. Stress is BAD for you-- maybe you could figure out some way to deal with the stress in a healthy way- deep breathing, meditation, I don't know.... and that will help you relax and maybe be able to go back to real food, at least for lunch?

Good luck! Maybe you need a spa day!

[Phranp 46]

Thanks for the advice Jensmall. Before I was sitting at my desk through lunch (and being interrupted more often than not), but now I take a walk at lunch. I am hoping that taking a walk will relieve some of the stress and getting extra exercise is a bonus. I do believe that things will slow down at the desk and I will become more comfortable working with this group. Once I am more comfortable I believe I will be able to eat. I plan to buy some tuna this weekend and bring it for lunch on Monday, see how it goes.

Thanks much.