I'm a college student, and I purchased a meal plan with my university (because I'm required, I live on campus).  I only have a microwave, so occasionally I can cook a Lean Cuisine in a microwave or something, but for the most part I eat in a cafeteria daily.  The school does have a program called "The Balanced Way" wherein they post total calories, fat content, etc. of healthy food. 

I'm curious if anyone else is facing a similar predicament, and how you deal with temptation.  I'm trying to stick to the salad bar, but I am very worried.

I start Alli next Friday.

I'm at college as well, but unfortunately, I don't have the benefit of posted nutrition information.  I've been trying to guess the calorie and fat contents based on the info in the ALLI kit, but it's not precise.  I've been trying to choose foods that I know are nutritious and not pre-packaged.  For instance, rather than having pasta and sauce as my entire meal, I'll have a side of it with veggies and a meat as well.

 As for temptation... Well, I've avoided the dessert area by keeping low fat, low cal desserts on hand in my room.  While it's not the same as a brownie or cake, it does curb sweet cravings.  

This is only my second day, but I'm realizing how hard this is going to be, especially in these circumstances.  I'm definitely still getting the hang of this plan.  I know we can do it though!

My CW is 160, and my short term goal is 152.  Keep in touch, let me know how you're doing!  

I know!  I'm so concerned about treatment effects and being in the middle of an exam! 

You are officially 100 lbs lighter than I am!   :D My short term goal is 247.  I know we can do it!  Especially when I live across the street from the fitness center!

I work in a very large facility that has a very large and very good cafeteria.  The way I solved the problem was to not go in there.  The Lean Cuisines are a good idea.  Plan your meals so you don't have to enter, see, or smell the cafeteria.  If you want this bad enough, you can do this.  When you say the cafeteria is "required", I think you mean it's included in the payment.  It doesn't mean you are required to actually eat there.  Good luck, you can do it.

Judy

How awesome is that where your cafeteria has a healthy option with cals and fat grams posted!  That is fantastic!  You have it made, your homework is already done.  Just jot down the numbers on the palm of your hand as you go through the line, know your target numbers and subtract from the total----- 500 cals, 15 fat grams, then deduct as you go through.

On salad bars stay away from the dressings, they are bad news!  have you tried lemon on your salad?  its pretty good for a change.  especially if you have chicken.

YOu can do this!

I work at a large company with a cafeteria and hate running out for something to eat. So I do eat lunch from the cafeteria most days. They do have healthy meals, they have a salad bar, soup and sandwichs. They also do international dishes, so since I am so committed to this, if they serve some kind of chicken (usually baked), vege and rice, I'll have that. I like to eat my big meal at lunchtime. If they are serving something that I'm not too fond of, I'll have ham or turkey on wheat with lettuce & tomato & mustard. Also soup is a good thing, nothing creamy or cheesy though.

I also was going to college in the evening, and I would have the chef cut up a piece of chicken breast and then put that on top of a salad with low fat dressing.

Hope that helps a little!

Marilyn