I need some help!

pattyrn · October 3, 2005

Hi all! I am having some problems and need some help desperately. I am a nurse and work in a busy ER. I seem to be doing ok while at work with my band, its the drive home that is killing me! I leave my house at 5:30 in the morning and get home at 8:30 at night. I do great for Breakfast, I take it with me to work. For lunch, I eat whatever they have in the cafeteria, just small portions. It's supper that is making me feel horrible! I know I should just pack something to eat(I don't get to eat until I get off work at 7pm) but that would be the smart thing to do! Obviously I have trouble being smart or I would never have gotten into this situation! You see, I am obsessed with fast food. I have been going to McDonald's after work and although I don't eat near what I did in the past, I know it's not a good food choice and I can't seem to stop it. I will order a 4 pc mcnugget or a grilled chicken sand and just eat the chicken. Nothing else, no veggies, no nothing! Please help me! I know I should be doing better after going thru all of this work to get my band, I just can't seem to stop myself

vinesqueen · October 3, 2005

Well, the very first step is to stop beating up on yourself. You deserve to be treated better than that. I'm not going to add to your stress by telling you anything you haven't already said.

You have an incredibly difficult schedule. You are what, gone 16 hours a day? It looks like you have a 3 hour commute, oh man, I can relate to that. Is it possible to change that by either working 9 nine hour shifts or 4-ten hours? That would give you more free time, since you wouldn't have to commute as often.

okay, baby steps might be what you need, instead of the harsh break.

Perhaps tonight (or the next night you work), and you have to stop at McDonalds, you will order one of their salads. You don't even have to eat the veggies, you can just pick out the chicken if you like, but it will get you in the habbit of having green stuff, right?

Also, pick up one of theri nutrishonal guides that lists how many calories and the like each menu item has.

The damage might not be a great as you think. You are eating 4 nuggest, not 40, right? You are eating one breast, not 3, right?

Hugs and be kind to yourself

chichigirl · October 3, 2005

I agree with everything Vines said, but have a little suggestion that may also help. Do you go through the drive-thru, I'll bet you do as you're on your feet all day. If that's the case, then whenever you go to get into your car to go somewhere, lock your purse in your trunk. You won't be able to use the drive-thru that way and it will force you to have to get out and go in, something that takes a little more work on your part.

Also, as Vines has pointed out, you could have one of their salads or even a grilled chicken sandwich with nothing on it. Sit down, get a fork and knife and you'll have a healthy piece of chicken. For dessert you can have the apple/walnut salad or the yougurt/berry parfait or even a small cone. The use low fat ice cream so it's no so lethal in calories or fat. If you're in the mood for beef, order a plain hamburger and don't eat the bun. There are lots of ways to be creative. But I suggest you make up your mind before you get there as to what you're going to have and stick to that menu. If you don't you will be bombarded with the smells and pictures of all the food you should stay away from.

Hope this is helpful.

Cindy

pattyrn · October 3, 2005

Thanks for the reply, I failed to mentions that I work those 12 hour day with an hour and 15 minute drive each way. I do only work 3 days a week though...unless I need some extra $$$$ then its more! I just wish McDonalds would go out of business!! lol

Alexandra · October 3, 2005

Patty, McDonald's chicken strips have been a staple for me all through my journey, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. About a year ago, though, I discovered Wendy's which has MUCH MUCH better food and greater variety. Is there a Wendy's on your way? Their chili has saved many a bandster from fast food hell, and their salads and chicken actually taste like real food.

There's nothing wrong with you or what you're doing. You have a long life to live with your band and if McDonald's is a part of your life just learn to work with it. It's all good!

babsintx3 · October 3, 2005

Patty,

I agree with Alex. I eat Wendy's chili at least 1 x per week. I make my own turkey chili and this is a staple for me as well. McDonalds has some healthy choices. THeir salads with the FF balsamic vinegar are great. The grilled chicken minus bun is a great choice. Even the chicken strips are not too terrible, although this would not be my first choice for spree foods! LOL. Being a bandster doesnt mean deprivation and not being able to eat at the same place other folks do. I do try to stay away from fast food though because what I can make at home taste so much better than the crap I get at FF restaurants. Since I can eat so little, I would rather have a great piece of fish or invest in better quality meats and eat them at home.

Babs in TX

334/180

-154

pattyrn · October 3, 2005

Thank you soo much. I just needed someone to remind me that I'm OK! I, like most of us here, probably suffer from some poor self esteem and fear of failure issues! Thanks for helping me keep my chins up!

La_madam · October 3, 2005

If it is McDonalds you need, go to their web site and print out their menu with all of the items on it and how much each items has in calories, it's about choices basically, you can eat fast food and still lose weight. My brother and I just sat last night and looked at the McDonalds menu and all the calories in each item since that is where my family wanted dinner from ,you may be suprised to find that some of the salads have just as many calories as the burgers do. Like Vines said, dont beat yourself up, you are still eating less then pre -band. You have recognized and confessed to the problem.. You can do this!