I REALLY need suggestions. Beginning June 10, I have been working overtime -- 13 hour days Mon-Fri and 5-6 hours each day Saturdays and Sundays. During this time, surprisingly, I have lost my appetite. I think I must be too tired to eat ... who knew.

I will be continuing at this pace until July 31. I continue to get up at 5 a.m. to walk 3 miles every morning. I have been bringing my Breakfast, lunch and dinner to work ... but only eating breakfast and lunch -- and not much lunch at that. I have NO appetite. I have been trying to eat today's mid morning snack (a small banana) for about an hour now. I have a Protein drink for breakfast every morning because I cannot get food down; so in order to keep my energy up I try to eat a snack mid morning. Since I started working this overtime I haven't been able to eat even the smallest meal. I finally gave up cooking during the week and decided to buy Lean Cuisines. They taste okay, they are small and they fill my nutritional needs. Yes, I am aware of the salt ... but I think I can deal with it for a couple of months. There is a diuretic included in my blood pressure med. I am already a person that does not have an issue with "ravenous hunger" and after banding even less. I am a "head hungry" person all the way. But I do get fatigued and lose focus when my body needs nutrition -- my signal "it's time to eat". Anyway, I can't even finish 1 Lean Cuisine these days. And, apparently I am too tired to be emotional about anything. LOL

While the thought of having virtually no appetite might sound great in theory, I know that if I do not get enough nutrients I will not be able to get through this grueling schedule.

So I ask you good people ... what can I eat that is small in portion/high in nutrition?

Thanks much ... I know that my apetite will be back to normal once I am rested and back on my normal schedule.

~Fran

Hi Fran. Have you tried greek yogurt yet? I eat Chobani brand. It takes some getting used to. But, it is only 6oz and has 14-16g protein. Foster Farms makes pre-grilled chicken strips. If you take a couple of those strips, add a few garbanzo beans, fresh spinach, sliced cucumber and red bell pepper, a small amounts packs a big nutritional boost. String cheese or a handful of raw almonds are also good. Good luck.

Hi Fran. Have you tried greek yogurt yet? I eat Chobani brand. It takes some getting used to. But, it is only 6oz and has 14-16g Protein. Foster Farms makes pre-grilled chicken strips. If you take a couple of those strips, add a few garbanzo Beans, fresh spinach, sliced cucumber and red bell pepper, a small amounts packs a big nutritional boost. String cheese or a handful of raw almonds are also good. Good luck.

Thanks gMommy. I can't do the greek yogurt ... lactose intolerant. But I can do a little string cheese ... maybe once a day. The chicken strips are good idea too. I need to buy some garbanzo beans ... I had forgotten all about them ... I love them in a salad. Great ideas, thanks!

~Fran

If you're lactose intolerant that seems to cut out a lot of your options I know you don't have a lot of time right now, but have you taken a look at the faux meat frozen products? I'm thinking Quorn, soy nuggets... I'd think that they'd be easy to eat quickly because they're made to sort of resemble junk food, but there should be some good protein... gosh, this is a hard one.

How about turkey pepperoni? It's simple to keep at work, you can serve yourself only the amount you're hungry for, and you get some protein. I admit, I do not watch my fat content so I've never really paid attention and it IS processed, which isn't "clean eating" but I always have it on hand for some simple quick protein.

Part of my lunch everyday is veggies (baby carrots, suger snap peas, etc) and hummus (I buy individual size porttions at costco). May want to give that a try.

Rachel,

Soy nuggets??? hmmmmm ... I don't know about that ... LOL I do make my Protein shakes with soy milk (although my "health crazy" friends are brow beating me into "almond milk" even after I told them that I don't like the taste... LOL) but soy nuggets?? Have you tasted them? Are they good?

Stateofzen,

I will definitely stop at the store for some turkey peperoni. It sounds perfect. I am at this moment at work after a CRAZY DAY that has not ended (and I pray it does not repeat tomorrow) and I am trying to eat the other half of the Lean Cuisine lasagna w/meat sauce. I could not eat the whole thing at lunch and after 2 bites now, I think I am done. This is insane. I am so glad that I see my therapist this weekend!

Honk,

I am not a BIG hummus fan, but I like it from time to time. It will definitely be on my list of things to eat in a pinch durint this OT schedule. The sugar snap peas sound like a great choice for something crunchy when I need it.

Thanks to everyone.

~fran

I read the book "Eat This Not That" and actually took it with me to the grocery store. Longest trip ever, but very educational. There was one breakfast meal that I took a liking to and couldn't not find until recently. It's frozen breakfast bowl made by Jimmy Dean. Names Jimmy Dean D'Lights. It has 220 calories and a whopping 23 grams of protein for breakfast!!! It's got turkey sausage, egg whites only, cheese, and potatoes. Great balance for breakfast. I'm not too worried about salt cause I don't use much of it when I cook for lunch or dinner. It tastes good too! Two thumbs up from me!

How about deli meat spread with laughing cow cheese and rolled up? I'm lactose intolerant and it doesn't cause any issues for me.

I love Quorn products. The gruyere faux chick'n cutlets are yummy!

If you're lactose intolerant that seems to cut out a lot of your options I know you don't have a lot of time right now, but have you taken a look at the faux meat frozen products? I'm thinking Quorn, soy nuggets... I'd think that they'd be easy to eat quickly because they're made to sort of resemble junk food, but there should be some good Protein... gosh, this is a hard one.

It's 10:53 p.m. and I just got home from work! Whew, long day! I am very happy with the great suggestions I am seeing here!

LilAmy,

The Jimmy Dean D'lights sound delicious! I will look for it my next trip to the grocery store. I will also check out "Eat This, Not That".

Vickyd,

I too am okay with cheese ... as long as I don't overdo it. I like the deli meat spread with laughing cow idea.

Okay CheckYes .... on your recommendation I just might get the courage to try a Quorn product..

Thanks everyone for all the wonderful ideas!

~Fran

Hello... wow what a hectic work schedule... you be careful with that!

Yesterday I concocted a Soup which turned out rather well.

It went down very easy and is high in nutrients.

My mum and husband loved it too.

Salmon and Silverbeet Soup

8 serves

Don't have to be too accurate with amounts.

Salmon fillets, skinless - 600g ( about 1.35 lbs)

Silverbeet (or spinach), chopped - 2 cups

Powdered vegetable or chicken stock - 4 tsp

Garlic paste - 1 tbsn

Ginger paste - 1 tbsn

Powdered cumin - 1 tsp

Powdered coriander - 1 tsp

Pinch chilli or cayanne

8 cups Water

*Add or omit spices/stock to suit.

Directions

Make broth with the water, stock and spices.

Bring broth to boil and add the skinless fillets.

Simmer on low heat for at least 30 mins.

When cooked pull apart with fork.

Add chopped silverbeet and simmer for another 15 mins.

Hello... wow what a hectic work schedule... you be careful with that!

Yesterday I concocted a soup which turned out rather well.

It went down very easy and is high in nutrients.

My mum and husband loved it too.

Salmon and Silverbeet Soup

8 serves

Don't have to be too accurate with amounts.

Salmon fillets, skinless - 600g ( about 1.35 lbs)

Silverbeet (or spinach), chopped - 2 cups

Powdered vegetable or chicken stock - 4 tsp

Garlic paste - 1 tbsn

Ginger paste - 1 tbsn

Powdered cumin - 1 tsp

Powdered coriander - 1 tsp

Pinch chilli or cayanne

8 cups Water

*Add or omit spices/stock to suit.

Directions

Make broth with the water, stock and spices.

Bring broth to boil and add the skinless fillets.

Simmer on low heat for at least 30 mins.

When cooked pull apart with fork.

Add chopped silverbeet and simmer for another 15 mins.

Sky, this soup sounds interesting ... not sure I am ready for "salmon" in my soup ... but I will keep it in mind. LOL

thanks

~F

How about deli meat spread with laughing cow cheese and rolled up? I'm lactose intolerant and it doesn't cause any issues for me.

Oh my, I read that as "deli meat spread"! I am thinking...eeewww, that sounds nasty!

Phran, can you do the lactaid pills to help you consume dairy for the time being?

Almonds pack a good punch, especially if your blood sugar is dipping.

Oh my, I read that as "deli meat spread"! I am thinking...eeewww, that sounds nasty!

Phran, can you do the lactaid pills to help you consume dairy for the time being?

Almonds pack a good punch, especially if your blood sugar is dipping.

You know Cocoabean ... I haven't tried the lactaid pills in so long, perhaps I should give them a try. Almonds are good, but not my favorite ... can I get the same "punch" from pecans?

Thanks.

~Fran

Edemame.. Soybeans